May 19, 2025

Rising temperatures could slash milk production by 30% in Ludhiana, India

As the maximum temperature crosses 40°C, dairy experts at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) warned dairy farmers in the city of Ludhiana of a decrease in their milk production by 30% if their cattle aren't properly taken care of.

Ludhiana is the largest city in the state of Punjab and is a significant dairy producer in India.

"As the temperatures go up, the cattle appetite goes down. As their consumption reduces, the milk output goes down as well. Throughout the years, we have seen that the heat can make a production cut by 30% if the cattle aren't protected by the effects of heat," said GADVASU dairy expert Dr Puneet Malhotra.

Gurpreet Singh, who runs a dairy with over 100 cattle in the Haibowal dairy complex in Ludhiana, also stated that he had also seen a dip of around 20% in milk production over the years during peak summer.

Singh added that he had installed dairy fans and foggers to ensure that his cattle can feel some relief when the temperature is at its highest.

He also stated that the diet of cattle was also changed in summer to ensure that they don't lose their appetite. "We add besan, tragacanth gum (gond katira), barley, and lemon in the fodder to ensure their health."

Dr Puneet also suggested that timer-controlled sprinklers, like in modern dairy farms, can also be added to the farms so cattle can beat the heat.

-      The Hindustan Times