Livestock care in heat: shade, water and feed timing

Hot weather is hard on animals too. Heat stress cuts milk yield and can kill. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying's heat-wave advisory sets out simple steps. If El Niño brings a hotter summer in 2027, they will matter even more.

Shade. Give animals shaded, airy places to rest from 11 am to 4 pm. If they cannot be kept indoors, set up temporary shade with water nearby.

Water. Check water supplies often. Give fresh, clean, cool (not chilled) water, about twice the normal requirement, in non-metal containers.

Feeding. Graze in the early morning and late evening. Split feeds into more, smaller meals at cooler times of day. Keep feed and water in the shade, and add mineral mixture and common salt.

The shed. Keep doors and windows open. In peak sun, tie wet gunny bags around the shed; they work as natural coolers. A thatched or white-painted roof helps. Avoid overcrowding.

Bathing and work. Bathe animals once a day in the cooler part of the day. Schedule work for draught animals in cooler hours, and avoid transporting animals in the heat of the day.

Warning signs. Panting, drooling, lying stretched out, weakness, loss of appetite and a drop in milk. Poultry pant with open beaks and hold their wings out. Young, pregnant and lactating animals, high milk yielders, dark-coloured and sick animals are most at risk.

First aid. Move the animal to a cool, shaded place, cool it with a bath or sponging, and get veterinary help if it does not improve.

Join the El Niño help room on soshyal.com to ask questions and share what you see in your area.