Expert Advisory Details

Experts' advice for Dairy Farmers

Separate the pregnant animals from the rest of the herd 2 weeks before the expected date of calving. Keep such animals under observation. It is calving season and observe the animal daily for normal calving. In case the animal does not calve but show the symptoms then get it examined from Veterinary Doctor since it is an emergency as the life of mother and foetus is involved. If the placenta is not shed within 8-12 hours after the parturition take the Veterinarian’s help. Feed wheat dalia @ 1 kg after boiling and mixing with half kg of gur twice daily for first 3-4 days to the mother after calving. Supplement the feed with mineral mixture to save the animal from milk fever. Immediately after birth of the calf, remove mucous from the nose and mouth. Dry the calf with a towel and feed 3-4 litres colostrum to the calf within 1-2 hours of its birth. Cut the naval with the sterilized scissor and apply Povidone Iodine on the naval cord of the calf till it dries off to avoid naval ill. Do not completely milk the animal to avoid milk fever. If the animal has a wound, protect it from flies so that maggots do not develop into it. Keep the surroundings clean and preferably apply fly repelling ointment on the wound i.e. Himax or Lorexane or Ectosep. Due to heat, humidity and rain and lack of fodder, it is a stress period for the animals. Protect the animal from inclement weather and heat and provide alternate feed like concentrate mixed with wheat straw or silage. If not vaccinated get your animals vaccinated against Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (Gal Ghotu) immediately. This month is hot, humid during which flies, lice and ticks are very common. These suck blood, cause skin irritation and spread diseases. To check these, spray Asuntol 0.05%, Butox 0.02% and Taktic (12.5%) 0.02 % on the animals as well as on the sheds and repeat the spray after 10-15 days. Do not spray animals below 6 months of age. Animals sheds especially corners, crevices etc. should also be sprayed. Take full care that insecticides do not get mixed with feed, fodder and drinking water. Strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions while spraying the insecticide. Also deworm the animals with broad spectrum anthelmintics.