Care and Management of Livestock in Winters
Asha
Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (482 001), India
Pooja
Dept. of Animal Genetics and Breeding, DUVASU, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (281 001), India
Ravi Dabas*
Division of Medicine, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (243 122), India
Bhupender
Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (243 122), India
Pratyanshu Srivastava
Dept. of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, DUVASU, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (281 001), India
Ankit Saran
Dept. of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, DUVASU, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (281 001), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Animal health, Climate change, Hypothermia, Livestock
Abstract
Livestock supports livelihood of millions of people and as the climate is changing; it is posing threat to the Livestock sector as well. Rise in temperature, change in precipitation patterns and increase in frequency of extreme weather events have several effects on livestock, including disruption in feed production, water scarcity and heat and cold stress. So, it is necessary to provide livestock with properly ventilated and warm housing, adequate bedding material and energy-rich feed to support the livestock productivity. Species-specific recommendations are important emphasizing the importance for controlling temperature, proper feeding and hydration during cold weather. Also, it is very important to prioritize the prevention and treatment of hypothermia, using combination of external warming methods and supportive therapies, such as administration of warm fluids and management of pneumonia. By implementing the above said strategies, farmers can maintain health and production of their animals from being negatively implemented by cold stress.
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Reference
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