Directive to dairy farmers

Fans to be installed

in cowsheds

The prevailing intense heat in Palakkad has forced the Department of Animal Husbandry to advise dairy farmers across the district to install electric fans in cowsheds apart from ensuring sufficient drinking water for cows. Heat stress affects milk production, reproductive health and dairy profitability, said an official release issued here. While the native breeds can withstand the climate change to a certain extent, crossbreeds fail to withstand the soaring mercury. “Cows under heat stress are more susceptible to mastitis and other diseases,” it said. Palakkad is witnessing temperature at 40 degree Celsius.