Cattle Feed Tips For Summer – 10 Things You Need To Know
Good feed is something that is a must, no matter whatever the time of year it is. Similarly, this also applies in the summer season for cattle feed. If we can keep the cattle healthy and happy in the summertime by delivering quality feed, then only can we expect to get the returns that will lead to profit and good revenue, and we ourselves will have a great summer.
We humans might enjoy summertime more than other seasons. It is the season for enjoying ice creams, summer clothes, and swims. However, this season can be really hard for our cattle. The cruel and intense heat and humidity of the summertime can affect the cows, which may result in lower milk production and degrading health. In addition, the summer heat will even affect the cattle feed, which is their main source of energy and sustainability.
We should know that with heat, the cattle’s appetite will also degrade. Similarly, the manner in which these innocent animals process and use the nutrients will also differ in the summer season than in rest. Therefore, any person involved in animal husbandry should be aware of how to feed animals in the hot summer. Here, we have provided you with 10 tips to keep your cattle healthy and happy in summer.
Cattle Feed Tips For Summer
Just like us humans, cattle also have different requirements on the basis of season. So you need to take care of certain factors to keep them healthy and productive. Below are the points that you need to consider to maintain cattle’s health during summer.
Provide Enough Water
We have been hearing forever that water is the element that propels all life forms. Similarly, this is also the case for cattle, especially in the humid summer. One might even wonder how much water should be provided to a cow in a day. Well, if we can provide around 200-250 liters of water to a cow per day, we won’t have to worry about them being dehydrated. So make sure that the necessary infrastructures are in place and have a good flow of water to keep the cows hydrated in summer.
Maintain Proper Nutrition
Ultimately, it is through the fodder that cows will get the nutrients. Therefore, it is vital to maintain the nutrition levels in the feeds to keep them healthy and productive. In the summertime, the intake is reduced. However, we can induce more grains, and other concentrate to maintain the energy levels in the animals. The fiber sources in the animal’s food should also be high as well as of good quality. Due to heat, the cows might be stressed and may even need glucose, and this element should also be included.
Reduce Heat Stress
It can be noted that cows produce less milk when they are facing heat problems. This results in great losses in the income generated from milk production as well. Similarly, the scorching heat can affect the health of the cows, which ultimately leads to less milk production. So, by developing and implementing effective heat stress management, their diet can be maintained along with milk production.
Make Necessary Dietary Changes
We should be wary of making the necessary dietary changes in the summertime for the cows. By doing so, the cattle feed that is given to the cattle will ensure their good health. When it is heated, we should make sure not to give the animals fat of more than 6.5% in their feed. Similarly, by focusing on providing less feed. But in the meantime providing quality feed should be the priority. By doing so, we can prevent the cows from the heat that is developed from fermentation.
Focus On Fresh Cattle
In the summer, fresh cattle are more susceptible to diseases and health-related problems. This is because at this time of the year, the cows eat generally less, which results in degraded health. So, a thorough eye should be kept on the feeding manner of fresh cattle and see if they are having any troubles. Similarly, if their feeding habits need improvement, it should be provided instantly.
Don’t Add More Stress To The Cows
Naturally, the cows tend to eat lesser in the summertime. On top of that, if the cattle owners add to their stress, the animals will only eat lesser and lesser. Frequently working the cattle in heat such as moving, sorting, and transporting should be avoided as much as possible. Even vaccinations play a huge role in adding to their stress. So, we should not stress the animals if we want them to feed well.
Provide Shade And Fans
Studies and stats have shown that cattle who are offered shades and fans have greater food intake and even gives a 10% to 20% more milk production. Similarly, both fans and shades will help to reduce the radiant heat while increasing their eating habits and productivity. In addition, we can insert coolers that are 36” to 48” wide and place them at around 8’ off the surface at angles up to 25 degrees.
Sprinklers And Misters
Sprinklers, when combined with fans, are often seen as one of the most popular ways for reducing stress and heat among the animals in commercial barns. Usually, the sprinklers are placed just below the fans to help cows enjoy the cool. We can also use the sprinklers anywhere between 3 to 15 minutes. In drier circumstances, misters can also be used to provide cool air in the barns. These will definitely help in the cattle feeding process.
Storage And Production Of Cattle Feed
Usually, in the summertime, there is a great risk of the fodder being damaged due to heat and other environmental circumstances. Therefore, one should make sure to produce only the needed amount of cattle food rather than preparing them in bulk. Also, its storage should also be maintained in cool places in order to avoid any damages. Then, the cattle will get the healthy diet they require.
Maintain Holding Pen And Milking Parlor
Holding the pen is usually one of the hottest places in the barns. Also, for commercial purposes, cows are made to spend significant time in these places. So we need to make sure to allow the cows some space and bring small groups of cows to this area than crowding them. By doing so also, we can help the cattle in their feeding process.
Here at SB Group, we also offer the best cattle feed that is best for cows to feed on in any season. So make sure to follow these cattle feeding tips and remember us if you are looking for the best cattle feed in Nepal.