India is the world’s largest producer of milk. But behind this success, dairy farmers are facing a growing threat: heat stress. As temperatures rise across the country, cows and buffaloes are producing less milk. This drop isn’t just seasonal — it’s a sign of how climate change is quietly disrupting the dairy industry.

Here’s how extreme heat affects milk production — and what can be done to reduce its impact.

What Is Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle?

Cows thrive in a specific temperature range. Once the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) crosses 72, they begin to experience stress. In most Indian states, THI often goes well above this level during the summer.

Heat stress reduces a cow’s ability to eat, digest, and produce milk. According to a study from Maharashtra, farmers report drops in milk yield of up to 25% during peak summer. Cows also become more vulnerable to disease and fertility issues.

How Heat Impacts Milk Production

1. Reduced Feed Intake
 High temperatures cause cows to eat less, which directly reduces the nutrients available for milk production.

2. Dehydration
 Cows lose more water through sweating and panting, which affects metabolism and milk secretion.

3. Hormonal Imbalance
 Heat alters hormone levels in cows, especially those related to lactation and reproduction.

4. Lower Milk Quality
 Heat stress not only reduces quantity but also affects the fat and protein content of milk, impacting its market value.

Scientific studies confirm that heat stress significantly affects both the volume and quality of milk.

Economic Impact on Dairy Farmers

• Lower milk income during the summer months
• Increased veterinary costs for managing stressed or sick cattle
• Shorter productive lifespan of animals
• Milk spoilage and safety risks due to poor handling and bacterial growth

A Times of India report highlights that smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable, with fewer resources to adapt to changing climate conditions.

Helping Cattle Eat Better: The NAF Advantage

One of the most critical effects of heat stress is the loss of appetite in cattle. When cows and buffaloes eat less, milk yield drops — both in volume and quality. To counter this, Shunya offers a summer-ready solution: Nutri Ankurit Feed (NAF).

NAF is a hydroponically grown, freshly sprouted green feed. It’s soft, naturally sweet, and packed with moisture — making it highly palatable for cattle. Unlike dry fodder that’s often rejected in the heat, NAF is cooling and easy to chew. As a result, animals continue to feed well even during peak summer months.

It is seen that hydroponically grown feed has higher nutrition value for cattle. The benefits are-

Superior Nutritional Value: Hydroponic feed (HF) contains higher levels of protein, antioxidants, and essential trace minerals like selenium and zinc. The sprouting process enhances the amino acid profile, increases vitamins and minerals, and reduces starch and total dry matter—making it more nutrient-dense than traditional green fodder or maize grains.

Enhanced Digestibility: Hydroponic feed includes the whole plant—roots, stems, leaves, and grains—making it more easily digestible than conventional fodder, which mostly includes fibrous parts. This improved digestibility means animals expend less energy on digestion, allowing more energy to go toward milk production and growth.

Improved Milk Yield and Composition: Regular feeding of hydroponic feed to lactating cows and buffaloes has been shown to increase overall milk yield while also improving milk quality, particularly boosting fat content and solids-not-fat (SNF) levels.

Preventive strategies: Shunya’s solutions

Despite the challenges, heat stress can be managed with simple and affordable steps.

1. Improve Shelter and Ventilation
 Install shade structures using trees, shade nets, or thatched roofs. Ensure barns have proper airflow.

2. Use Cooling Methods
 Sprinklers, fans, and water mist systems can help lower the animals’ body temperature. Even splashing water manually can make a difference.
 A research paper shows that these systems significantly reduce heat-related stress.

3. Upgrade Feed and Nutrition
 Provide easily digestible, high-energy feed. Add minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium to support hydration and electrolyte balance.

4. Shift Milking Times
 Milk cows during cooler parts of the day — early morning or late evening.

5. Choose Heat-Resistant Breeds
 Indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar are more resilient to high temperatures.
 Studies suggest that genetic traits can be used to build heat resistance in herds.

6. Monitor Animal Health
 Keep an eye on signs like reduced feed intake, lethargy, panting, and lower milk flow. Early detection can prevent complications.

Conclusion

Heat stress is already a major challenge for Indian dairy farming — and it will grow in the years ahead. But solutions exist. Better shelter, smarter feeding, local breeds, and awareness can go a long way.

This is not just about comfort. It’s about securing animal health, milk supply, and farmer income in a warming world. Addressing heat stress today means protecting the future of dairy tomorrow.