Scientists told how to save farm animals from the heat

During the hot summer months, cows are particularly susceptible to heat stress. Overheating affects the MILK production of animals, their reproduction and general HEALTH. According to veterinary experts, the economic damage caused by heat stress is more than 4 million rubles per 100 cows and depends on its duration.

“In the short term, the water-salt and energy metabolism in the body of animals is disturbed, the consumption of dry matter and milk production is reduced to 3.5 kg per day. The medium-term impact is characterized by a decrease in the efficiency of insemination, an increase in the incidence of paresis and mastitis. And the long-term causes a decrease in immunity, a jump in the level of lameness (laminitis, ulcers), provokes morbidity in cows, and in offspring - low birth weight, a decrease in the efficiency of reproduction and milk production in the future, ”explained Alexander Sergeevich Krasnoperov, senior researcher at the Ural Federal Agricultural Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (UrFARC UB RAS), Candidate of Veterinary Sciences.

Heat stress in cows is a problem faced by the entire livestock industry during the summer months. The level of influence of temperature on livestock depends on many factors: genotype, productivity, condition of external integument and color, features of feeding and keeping. However, all animals without exception are exposed to risks, which leads to serious financial losses.

Visible signs of heat stress include: anxiety of the animal, decrease in feed intake, rest time, physical activity, rapid breathing, salivation, increased water intake, body temperature above 39.2 ° C, decrease in milk production.

To reduce the impact of heat stress, livestock experts recommend following a number of rules. The first is the cooling of animals. Good ventilation in the barn is ensured by open gates and raised side curtains. it is good if the premises are additionally equipped with an automatic ventilation system, water sprayers and fog generators.

Second, feeding and watering. Animals should be provided with free access to clean cool water, especially after milking. The drinking front is at least 10 cm per animal. When feeding, experts recommend adhering to the following rules: increase the frequency of food intake and stimulate its consumption; feed cows in the cool time of the day - in the morning or in the evening; Use the best quality voluminous foods and keep them moist.

“Heat stress provokes electrolyte imbalance, so it is necessary to increase the proportion of mineral feed and feed SALT in the diet, as well as additionally introduce antioxidants (organic selenium, vitamins E, C and carotenoids) into the diet to reduce oxidative processes in the body,” added A. .FROM. Krasnoperov.

For reference. The Ural Federal Agrarian Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (UrFARC UB RAS) is a leading scientific institution developing fundamental principles and technologies in crop and animal husbandry to provide the population with high-quality food products through renewable natural resources and life support technologies, protecting human health and animals.

Source: FGBNU Ural Federal Agrarian Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences