Indian summers are getting hotter each year. If the temperature increases by over 3°C above the average for three consecutive days, or if it remains more than 45°C for two or more days, it is referred to as a heat wave. During such harsh weather conditions, animals are stressed. They have difficulty cooling down, particularly when air is humid and there's no adequate ventilation.
Scientists and veterinarians utilize a gauge known as the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) in order to know how severe the heat stress is. If the THI is:
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75 to 78: the animal is at alert-level stress
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79 to 83: the situation is hazardous
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Higher than 84: it is an emergency that requires immediate action
Which Animals Are Most Exposed?
Not all animals are hit as hard. Some require special care during heat waves:
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Calves, lambs, and kids: their bodies are small and have poor heat control
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Pregnant and lactating animals: they already have high energy demands
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Dark-coloured animals: they get more sun and heat up quicker
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Sick or recovering animals: they are weaker and more susceptible to illness
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Newly shorn sheep: without wool, their skin gets burned easily
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Pigs and poultry: these animals don't sweat and cool down more slowly
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High-producing cows and buffaloes: their bodies generate excess heat from metabolism
How to Identify Heat Stress
You as a farmer need to be able to identify early signs of heat stress. They are:
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Dry nose, open-mouthed breathing, or panting
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Drooling or salivation
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Lying flat or lying out
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Weakness or muscle trembling
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Loss of appetite and decreased milk yield
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Seeking shade constantly or standing close to water
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In poultry: open-beak panting, spreading wings away from the body
If you observe any of these symptoms, act quickly. Remove the animal to a shaded position, give cool water to drink, and utilize fans or sprinklers if they are available. In severe instances, call a veterinarian.
Typical Heat Disorders and First Aid
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Sunburn – Pigs and recently shorn sheep are commonly affected. Red or inflamed skin and fever are the signs. Use cool water, shade the animal, and be gentle with blisters.
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Heat Cramps – Perceived as muscle cramps. Massage gently on affected areas and relocate the animal to a cooler environment.
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Heat Exhaustion – Results in profuse sweating, weakness, rapid breathing, and cold extremities. Provide much water and rest in cool, well-ventilated conditions.
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Heat Stroke – A medical emergency characterized by elevated fever, dry mouth, fast pulse, and collapse. Employ cool water or sponging and seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Simple Steps to Avoid Heat Stress
Prevention is better than cure. Here's what you can do:
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Provide Shelter and Shade
Construct or enhance sheds with natural materials such as thatch, bamboo, or green nets. If permanent shade is not feasible, tie the animals under trees or temporary cloth shades. Provide cross ventilation in cowsheds and poultry houses.
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Ensure Clean and Cooler Drinking Water
Water is the natural remedy for heat. Ensure that your animals are always provided with clean, fresh water. Utilize larger troughs, put water points under shade, and replenish often.
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Control Feeding Time
Feed animals in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler. Do not feed heavy or concentrate feed in the middle of the day. Green fodder keeps the body cool.
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Control Activity Levels
Do not overwork your animals during extreme heat. Limit ploughing or transport work to early morning or late evening. Always provide resting breaks and water supply.
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Bathe and Groom
Daily bathing is a benefit particularly for buffaloes and cows. Clip extra hair or wool prior to the heat season. Shaving is best avoided totally unless unavoidable.
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Special Care for Poultry and Pigs
Provide exhaust fans, deep and shaded water bowls, and stock them with lower density. Wallowing pits or moist floors in pig farms will keep them cool.
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Steer Clear of Transport During Daytime
Move animals only before 9 AM or after 6 PM if you have to. Never leave animals inside enclosed transport or in the sun without air circulation.
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Avoid Vaccination During Peak Heat
Unless there is a disease outbreak, avoid giving vaccines or deworming doses in peak summer. It adds stress to the animal’s already overworked body.
Government and Veterinary Support
Your local Animal Husbandry Department and village veterinarians are key allies. Attend awareness camps, follow their heat-wave advisories, and don’t hesitate to seek help. They can provide emergency medicines, cooling sprays, or basic training on animal first aid.
For rural families, animals are not possessions, animals are partners in Farming. They are a source of income, and members of the family. Just as you guard your family over summer, your animals also deserve comfort and care. Several simple precautions can rescue you from huge losses of milk, meat, or eggs and even help your animals recover quicker after the heat is over.
So, don't wait to see signs of distress. Act early. Provide shade, inspect water frequently, feed prudently, and keep a sharp eye. Your animals will reward you with improved health, increased production, and consistent income- even on the hottest summer days.
