Pashushala.com: Promoting Livestock well-being and economy

HOUSING SYSTEM/ HOUSING MANAGEMENT FOR CATTLE   INTRODUCTION   Proper housing based on scientific principles is an important aspect of dairy animal management for obtaining maximum productivity of the animals. A clean and comfortable shelter increases the comfort level of the animals and results in their good health. The essential criteria for housing dairy animals includes animal health and comfort, hygiene, protection from predators, theft and diseases, efficient and economical use of labour and provision of suitable environment for hygienic milk production. In the absence of proper housing, animals are exposed to extreme temperature, wind, cold, rain, snowfall, etc., which adversely affect their health, production and reproduction.   OBJECTIVES OF ANIMAL HOUSING   Ø   Protection from extreme heat, cold, wind and rains Ø   Provides clean and comfortable environment Ø   Efficient management of animals Ø   Reduction in expenses Ø   Protection from theft and atta

India had come a long way from being deficit in milk production to being an exporter of milk now. It was the vision of Verghese Kurien that the country, under Operation Flood, became not only self-sufficient in milk production but also exported it. There was a time before 1970 when the country used to import milk. It was now the largest producer of milk in the world. It was due to milk production that farmers were able to lead a dignified life in the country. The country must now usher in a new era of development for the dairy sector, by building procurement infrastructure in milk deficit states and adopting appropriate technology in these regions. World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on June 1, 2001, to recognize the importance of milk as a global food. This day provides an opportunity to know the importance and benefit of milk with regards to health and nutrition and the importance of the dairy sector in the global economy. This sector also

  India had come a long way from being a deficit in milk production to being an exporter of milk now. It was the vision of Verghese Kurien that the country, under Operation Flood, became not only self-sufficient in milk production but also exported it. There was a time before 1970 when the country used to import milk. It was now the largest producer of milk in the world. It was due to milk production that farmers were able to lead a dignified life in the country. T he country must now usher in a new era of development for the dairy sector, by building procurement infrastructure in milk deficit states and adopting appropriate technology in these regions. World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on June 1, 2001, to recognize the importance of milk as a global food. This day provides an opportunity to know the importance and benefit of milk with regard to health and nutrition and the importance of the dairy sector in the global economy. This sector

Cow health is very important in profitable cow rearing. As soon as the first symptoms of various diseases of cows are noticed, taking remedial action/treatment, It is possible to reduce the financial loss very much.  Identification of Symptoms To find out if any of the cows show any symptoms of the disease, it is of utmost importance to have an individual observation of each of them. This will lead to proper control of diseases and timely care. The tendency to stand with the head bowed or away from the herd is not a good symptom. Healthy cows will have a good appetite and will be seen taking feed efficiently. Not taking feed, and not chewing the cud can be a disease symptom, provided that it is ensured not because of changes in the feed quality or taste. Healthy cows will have soft skin, that can be elastic in nature (ie, it can be pulled easily and if left, it will go back to its original form). Dry and hard skin is a disease symptom. Risen hairs, hair falls and hairs without luster a

Theileria is a type of parasitic that enters the bloodstream of cattle. These parasites enter the body of ticks which sucks the blood of cattle. Theileria parasites can survive in the body of the tick for a long time. While the ticks suck the blood of cattle, the parasites are transmitted to the cattle’s bloodstream through the saliva of ticks. These parasites further attack the RBC of cattle blood and thus reduce the Hemoglobin content.  Symptoms of Theileria include fever, weakness, dullness to intake feed, etc.  This disease requires timely injection and treatment, otherwise, this may spread to other organs from blood and become fatal. These parasites take advantage when the cow's immune system is weak. For instance, when the cow is transported from one region to another, change in climate, etc. There should be medicine injection timely during such situations. It is not mandatory to take Theileria medications just by detecting Theileria in the cow's bloodstream. Injections s

Similar to any other venture, there are certain schedules and statistics involved in cattle farming also. Often the miscalculations and untimely actions lead to losses. Let us learn them one by one : Caring the calves Dairy farmers need to pay attention when it comes to calves' health care : The average weight of a hybrid calf at the time of calving is 25Kgs. The first dose of deworming medication is on the 10th day after birth. The calf should consume colostrum within 30 minutes after birth. The colostrum should be given in a quantity of 5-8% of the calf's body weight. Ie, 2.5-3.5 Kg. After 10-12 hours of first feeding, repeat feeding. From the 2nd and 3rd day onwards, ensure that the calf is consuming milk proportional to 10% of its body weight. Cut the umbilical cord just after calving. Ensure that the cut is 2-3 cms away from the calf’s body. Colostrum is rich in 5-6% fat and 2-5% lactose. Extra teats should be removed within 2 months post-calving. The calf should be ear-ta