Most individuals enjoy the monsoon season. However, the seasonal changes brought about by the monsoon, such as high rainfall and unpredictable climatic conditions, can also have a severe impact on the conditions of the organisms in our ecosystem. One such group that is heavily impacted in a variety of ways is the livestock business, specifically cattle animals. Rains are reported to affect cattle both physically and physiologically. Furthermore, during the monsoon season, gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory difficulties are more common among cattle than usual. This blog will help you to understand the multidimensional influence of monsoons and the precautions that livestock farmers can take to protect their animals’ general health and productivity.
The following are a few issues that cattle confront during the monsoon season:
Increased chance of diseases:
Wet and humid circumstances cause a variety of health concerns and diseases, including skin and fungal infections. Furthermore, the increased humidity and moist temperatures provide an ideal breeding ground for dangerous microbes, parasites, and mosquitoes, which may cause serious health hazards.
Water Contamination:
There is a notable chance that water sources might come into correspondence with toxic substances such as agriculture chemicals, dyes, fertilizers, and pesticides on farms. Pollutants in drinking water cause a serious health concern to cattle, negatively impacting their overall health and growth.
Milk production: It decreases due to exhaustion and stress from temperature changes, as well as seasonal obstacles like lower feed intake.
Waterlogging: It is a prevalent issue on farm premises during monsoon season. Broken shelters with no or little light and ventilation, combined with an increase in cold and humid weather, cause the aforementioned problem.
The following are a few practices that farmers should implement to give the best care for their cattle animals during the monsoon;
- Proper animal housing is crucial to prevent water leaks during monsoon season. Cattle premises should be appropriately spaced, dry, and well ventilated with pure air. It is recommended that the shelters be situated in an elevated position to reduce the possibility of waterlogging, which can lead to the emergence of waterborne diseases.
- Cattle require a healthy feed and water supply, including access to high-quality grass. However, the coming of the monsoon has hindered the process of grazing. As a result, during the monsoon season, cow diets can be supplemented with additional nutrients to assist cattle in maintaining a balanced diet, which is critical for their health and production. Consistent supply of clean, adequate, and fresh drinking water is of highest importance because there is a chance of contamination from rainwater or other pollutants.
- Regular health monitoring is essential to ensure the well-being of cattle and herd. The blood pressure, temperature, and other aspects of the cattle’s health should be closely checked and assessed. This is because they are more vulnerable to intense stress, tiredness, and even sickness during the monsoon season. Furthermore, immunization and veterinary care regimens should be implemented to ensure the cattle’s optimal health.
- To store animal feed safely, avoid excessive moisture during the rainy season, which can lead to mold formation. If cattle consume moldy feeds, their health will suffer. As a result, cattle ranchers must ensure that animal feed is stored in a safe, dry, and sanitary manner, particularly during the monsoon season.
Disease Prevention Measures: Adhering to these techniques throughout the monsoon season can help to safeguard animal health while also ensuring productivity and profitability for cow ranchers.
