Winter Care for Cows — Protecting Milk in Cold Weather
Warm water benefits, wind-breaking curtains, and cold-weather energy feeds to maintain daily fat levels in Punjab and Haryana winters.
Cold Stress and Milk Yield
North Indian winters (December to February) are characterized by freezing winds, thick fog, and temperatures dropping below 5°C. To maintain body temperature, a cow must burn extra feed energy to generate metabolic heat. If her shelter is cold and her diet isn't adjusted, she will redirect energy away from milk production, leading to a sudden drop in daily milk yield.
Wind-Proofing the Cattle Shed
The most important winter action is blocking cold drafts. Install thick tarpaulins or gunny bag curtains on the windward side of the shed (usually North/West) to block freezing winds at night. Ensure there is still high-level ventilation near the roof to let out moisture and ammonia gas. Damp, closed sheds cause pneumonia.
The Power of Warm Drinking Water
Cows refuse to drink freezing tap water, leading to dehydration. Dehydrated cows eat less feed, which directly drops milk yield. Providing lukewarm water (25-30°C) encourages normal water intake, stimulates dry matter consumption, and prevents metabolic drop. Clean water troughs weekly to prevent algae and bacteria.
Adjusting the Winter Diet
Increase the energy density of the feed by adding 100-150g of bypass fat or feeding extra crushed maize. Winter is the time for green berseem, which is rich in protein but high in water content (85-90%). Balance this high-moisture green fodder with adequate dry fodder (wheat straw/bhusa) to prevent watery dung and maintain rumen health.
Block cold drafts with tarpaulins, keep high-level ventilation open, provide warm drinking water to maintain feed intake, and add bypass fats to counter cold energy loss.