Why do buffaloes suddenly reduce milk production in winter? How to increase milk production again in 7 days?
Winter Milk decrease in buffaloes
Winter causes buffalo milk drop due to cold stress, mineral loss and low rumen activity. Follow this 7-day scientific feeding plan to recover milk fast.
Every year, as winter begins, thousands of livestock farmers are troubled by the fact that their buffaloes, which were giving 10-12 liters of milk until yesterday, have suddenly dropped to 6-7 liters. This is not a disease, but an internal biological response (Physiological Stress) of the body.
In the cold, a buffalo's body prioritizes its survival over milk production. Therefore, the body diverts the energy used for milk production to keeping itself warm.
Reason 1 – Slowing of the Rumen in Cold Weather
The first part of the buffalo's stomach (Rumen) becomes sluggish in the cold. This prevents proper digestion of fodder, resulting in less energy production and a decrease in milk yield.
Identification: The buffalo is lethargic, chews cud less frequently, has hard dung, and its abdomen appears slightly sunken.
Reason 2 – Decreased Metabolism Due to Drinking Cold Water
In winter, buffaloes drink very cold water, which cools their bodies internally. The body uses all its energy to keep itself warm – milk production stops.
Reason 3 – Hidden Mineral Deficiency
The buffalo appears healthy, but internally, there is a severe deficiency of zinc, copper, cobalt, and phosphorus. This directly affects milk production.
Reason 4 – Hormonal Imbalance
In the cold, melatonin and cortisol levels increase, suppressing prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. This is why milk yield suddenly drops.
Reason 5 – Energy Deficiency
In winter, the body requires 20-25% more energy to keep itself warm.
If extra energy is not provided, milk production will inevitably decrease.Reason 6 – Subclinical Mastitis
In cold weather, the blood vessels in the udder constrict, bacteria enter, and milk production gradually decreases.
7-Day Milk Recovery Protocol
Days 1–3
• Give lukewarm water • 100 grams of jaggery + 20 grams of mustard oil in the morning and evening • 50 grams of mineral mix
Days 4–7
• 1 kg of oilcake • 1 kg of bran • Equal amounts of green fodder and dry fodder • Yeast probiotic twice a week
When to call a veterinarian?
• No improvement in 7 days • Udder is hot/hard • Watery or lumpy milk
Conclusion
If nutrition and care are improved in time, buffalo milk production can be restored to its previous level even in winter.