NDRI Issues Winter Advisory to Protect Cattle and Milk Yield
With record-low temperatures, limited sunshine, fog and cold winds sweeping northern India, the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has issued a winter advisory for dairy farmers to protect cattle and sustain milk production. Officials warn that harsh winter conditions — especially during the peak lactation period for cattle that calved in October–November — can lower milk yields and weaken animal health if appropriate precautions are not taken.
NDRI experts emphasise that cold stress increases the energy requirements of cows and buffaloes, making it harder for them to maintain milk output and reproductive performance. To counter this, farmers are advised to supplement diets with at least 1 kg of energy-rich concentrate daily, and for goats, include legume fodder such as chickpea, pigeon pea and lentil straw in rations to help sustain production under cold stress.
Animal housing is another critical focus: cold, damp floors can discourage animals from resting comfortably. The institute recommends dry, quality bedding (such as rice straw or rubber mats) that is changed daily, and shelter arrangements that reduce drafts while allowing adequate ventilation. Newborn calves — particularly vulnerable in cold conditions — should be bathed only during warmer parts of the day, and drinking water maintained at 20–25 °C to encourage intake and support digestion.
NDRI also cautions against sealed, poorly ventilated night housing, which can accumulate harmful gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory stress. Instead, dairy owners should aim for draft-free but ventilated sheds and regular health monitoring to catch early signs of cold-related illnesses.
The institute’s guidance aligns with other regional livestock advisories recommending balanced, high-energy feed, dry bedding and windbreaks to help animals cope with severe cold — all measures that collectively help maintain milk production through winter stress.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Jan 17th 2026
