Nghe An farmers implement a series of heat-proof measures for dairy cows

In the early summer weather, Ms. Cao Thi Van's family in the mountainous commune of Quynh Thang (Quynh Luu district) proactively reinforced the barn and provided electricity and water to ensure the safety of 19 dairy cows.

Ms. Van said that in addition to the fixed cooling system, on hot days, the family installs a misting fan system, spraying around the outside of the barn; supplements the diet, increases vitamins and minerals; provides enough clean, cool water with added electrolytes for the dairy cows to increase resistance and cool down.

Previously, because she did not have much experience in raising cattle, in the summer, when the temperature was too high, Ms. Van's family's cows often suffered from heat shock, stopped eating and drinking, and had poor resistance, leading to many diseases, causing great economic losses.

Ms. Cao Thi Van's family in Quynh Thang commune (Quynh Luu) currently raises 19 dairy cows. To increase resistance, she often supplements her diet with vitamins and minerals. Photo: Thanh Toan

With nearly 20 years of experience raising dairy cows, Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, Quynh Thang commune (Quynh Luu) said: The characteristic of dairy cows is that they are poorly adapted to high temperatures. When the weather is hot, if there are no preventive measures, many diseases will arise, their health will decrease, and their milk production will be poor.

Therefore, in recent days, the family has renovated the barn and implemented measures to prevent heat in the barn; the windows that were closed in the cold winter are now opened to create ventilation. An electric fan system is also installed in the barn to prevent severe heat. The feed troughs and barn are always kept clean. Drinking water is also stored in case of power outages to ensure cool baths and drinks for the cows.

To protect the dairy cows from the heat, the family invested in a sprinkler system on the roof and installed fans to cool the cows. Photo: Thanh Toan

When the barn temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius, the family proactively bathes the dairy cows many times a day; provides enough water and food according to milk production; and plants many trees around the farm to create shade and block the hot sun from shining into the barn.

Quynh Luu district currently has about 300 dairy cows, mainly concentrated in Dong Tam Cooperative, Quynh Thang commune and 1 household in Quynh Chau commune. Dairy cows originate from temperate regions, so their ability to withstand heat is less than that of yellow cows.

The cows are regularly bathed and sprayed around the outside of the barn. Photo: Thanh Toan

To ensure the safety of dairy cows and avoid economic losses, recently, Quynh Luu district has directed sectors and localities to deploy and implement many synchronous solutions to prevent heat for livestock in the area, including dairy cows.

In addition to green foods and starch, farmers also add minerals to their diet to increase the resistance of their cattle. Photo: Thanh Toan

Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hang - Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quynh Luu district said: Currently, the district has been directing communes and towns to review and register the number of livestock herds subject to vaccination; especially dairy cows. At the same time, training courses are organized for vaccination forces on how to use vaccines, disinfectants as well as vaccination techniques.

According to weather forecasts, in the coming days, heat waves are likely to appear widely and intensely. Therefore, livestock farmers are looking for more proactive solutions in implementing measures to cool down and prevent diseases caused by heat waves for livestock to avoid damage, contributing to improving income and living standards.