Management of Dairy Animals during Winter Season

The main challenges faced by the farmers during winter season about management, production and health of the animals. The diary animals are housed in the shed that minimize the impact of environmental temperature fluctuations on the animals. The temperature in the animal’s room is only a few degrees higher than the temperature outside the shed. When temperature starts to decline in winter particularly we get closer to 100C, it is time to think about what effect this is having on animal’s productivity and efficiency. Like the all mammals are warm blooded and need to maintain a constant core body temperature. The normal temperature of cow is around 380C (101.50F) and animals do not have to expend any extra energy to maintain their body temperature. At the lower end of this range normal metabolic process supply enough heat to maintain body core temperature. The animals within their thermoneutral zone, many modify their behavior, such as seeking shelter from wind, and respond over the long term by growing a thick hair coat for winter, without affecting their nutrients requirements. The animals are exposed to wind it is important to adjust for the effective temperature and take appropriate step to ensure that the animals maintain body temperature. In winter season water, possibly lukewarm should be clean and available four times a day at their drinking time of animals. In winter to protect animals from a sudden drop on temperature, keep the animals in a covered shed/ area during the night.