Management of Livestock during Flood
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry. Flooding may occur as an overflow of water from water bodies, such as a river or lake, in which the water overtops or breaks levees, resulting in some of that water escaping its usual boundaries, or it may occur due to an accumulation of rainwater on saturated ground in an area flood. While the size of a lake or other body of water will vary with seasonal changes in precipitation and snow melt, these changes in size are unlikely to be considered significant unless they flood property or drown domestic animals. Flood in India during last year caused immediate problems for Livestock owners and led to long-term issues in areas where infrastructure has been damaged. The floods have affected the most densely populated livestock. Approximately 4 out of 5 people in the flood-affected areas depend on agriculture for their livelihood as stated by UN. Shortfall of food to feed livestock which was the result of 90% of corps has been completely destroyed or highly damaged. One of the main reasons which caused so much loss of animals was the restriction to carry large animals to a safer place. If flood is suspected, then it is advisable to untie the animals, so that, the animals can swim with the flood water and the loss of the life can be reduced.
Floods are a recurrent natural disaster in India, impacting not only human lives but also posing significant challenges for the management and well-being of livestock. With a substantial population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the need for effective strategies to safeguard livestock during floods is paramount. This article discusses key considerations and management practices for ensuring the safety, health, and resilience of livestock in the face of flooding in India.
The following are some issues to be aware of in the short- and long-term:
Drinking Water
Flood may come with lots of problem for livestock specially and pity situation is that plenty of water remains everywhere but one may not use it for any domestic purpose. Flood water having much of unwanted ingredients that may cause harm for livestock livelihood if use for drinking. So, during this condition first priority is that cattle must have an adequate supply of fresh water to survive. Providing fresh water is the first priority. Use water tanks, and ask for help from neighbors and local fire departments for immediate water needs.
Feeding
During flood, the nutrition to animals is the immediate concern after water. Getting feed to animals is vital, particularly when they have had to swim to save themselves, and have expended a huge amount of energy doing so. Many of these animals will have no reserves left, and pregnant animals in particular will quickly develop metabolic problems and die if not adequately fed. Livestock may refuse to consume forages in areas that have been contaminated by waste water because of palatability problems. One has to provide livestock with another source of forage or feed until pastures are cleansed by rains or other sources. Good quality hay is the preferred feed, as digestion of roughage generates heat that will help to keep the animals warm, particularly if they are still standing in water. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can develop rapidly in the entire stock of livestock standing in water, even in summer. Every effort should be made to move stock to an area that is high and dry. Moldy or otherwise unsafe feeding to livestock should be avoided. Hay and pasture exposed to the elements or completely submerged will spoil rapidly if not fed immediately. Uncovered pasture or hay is most likely a loss unless it can be quickly rewrapped. Make sure feed is not contaminated by chemicals as a result of the storm. Watch cattle closely for signs of distress and make sure plenty of forage or other roughage is available to cattle along with free-choice quality mineral supplements and clean water. Many a times, the feeds are donated in a larger context. But there may be problems with its quality, palatability and suitability for the livestock. Ideally any feed change needs to be as gradual as possible (often difficult in emergency situations). Use roughage to smooth the transition on to energy dense feeds like grains and add protein or urea supplements if your stock are going onto a feed with low nutritive value.
Health Care and Management
It is important to resume a herd health program in consultation with a veterinarian to address possible disease concerns after flood or other strong storm. All livestock are required to be observed individually for injuries. Appropriate treatments are required to be initiated as determined by acceptable animal husbandry practices and with the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. The lack of electricity caused by a flood can result in a loss of refrigeration for cattle vaccines stored at home or at working facilities. Most vaccines have a very limited shelf life when left unrefrigerated. This means they will not be effective in boosting cattle immunity when administered. One has to carefully read product labels and discard unused or unrefrigerated products as mentioned.
Care for Carcass Disposal
If flood-related livestock death losses are experienced, those carcasses should be disposed of within 24 hours of death. Burial is the most often utilized method of disposal of dead animals. There are some best management practices which are recommended when using this method. The lowest point in the burial pit should be not more than 6 feet deep in a moderately well drained to excessively well-drained soil. Groundwater should not be able to enter the burial pit. Avoid wetlands, floodplains or areas along a stream bank. The burial pit should be at least 100 feet from any well and surface water. Also, carcasses should be initially covered with at least 6 inches of soil and ultimately with at least 30 inches of soil. Organic waste material should be added to accelerate the decomposition process Incineration is another method of disposal of a dead animal which can be very energy intensive. When using this method, the proper permits and following of local regulations are required.
Infrastructure
Downed and damaged Infrastructure is likely after flooding. The damaged pakka walls can be temporarely replaced by polywire fencing. One has to be careful about downed and damaged power (electric) lines and other hazards in and around the housing of the animals. Overcrowding of the animals should be avoided for extended periods of time. Perimeter fencing is the first priority. Portable facilities can be shared with neighbors when available. Unwanted.
Preparedness and Planning
- Early Warning Systems:
- Farmers and livestock owners should stay informed through early warning systems to anticipate flood events. Timely information allows for proactive measures to protect both human and animal lives.
- Evacuation Plans:
- Develop evacuation plans for livestock in flood-prone areas. Identify safe locations, such as elevated grounds or designated shelters, where animals can be moved to avoid floodwaters.
- Emergency Supplies:
- Stockpile emergency supplies, including feed, clean water, and veterinary supplies, to sustain livestock during evacuation and in the aftermath of floods.
- Identification and Records:
- Ensure proper identification of individual animals through ear tags or markings. Maintain up-to-date records of livestock, including health status, vaccinations, and breeding information.
Immediate Actions During Floods
- Evacuation:
- Implement the pre-established evacuation plans promptly. Move livestock to higher ground or designated shelters to prevent drowning or exposure to contaminated floodwaters.
- Provision of Clean Water:
- Ensure a clean and safe water supply for livestock. Floodwaters can be contaminated, leading to waterborne diseases. Provide access to elevated water sources or distribute clean water as needed.
- Emergency Feeding:
- Supply emergency feed, such as stored forage or alternative feeds, to sustain livestock during evacuation and until normal feeding practices can be resumed.
- Health Assessments:
- Conduct health assessments on evacuated livestock. Address injuries, infections, or stress-related conditions promptly. Veterinary support may be required for serious health issues.
Post-Flood Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Clean-up Operations:
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect livestock shelters and feeding areas to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Remove debris and contaminated feed.
- Health Monitoring:
- Monitor the health of livestock closely in the post-flood period. Look for signs of diseases, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. Seek veterinary assistance for any emerging health issues.
- Re-establishment of Feeding Practices:
- Gradually reintroduce normal feeding practices, ensuring a balanced diet for recovery. Adjust feeding quantities based on the condition of individual animals.
- Breeding and Reproduction Management:
- Assess the reproductive status of breeding animals affected by the floods. Implement strategies to manage breeding cycles and optimize reproductive performance.
- Livestock Identification:
- Reconfirm the identification of livestock, updating records as necessary. This is crucial for managing ownership, preventing theft, and maintaining accurate health records.
- Community Support:
- Encourage community support and cooperation in the rehabilitation process. Collaborate with local authorities, veterinary services, and NGOs to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
Long-Term Resilience Building
- Infrastructure Development:
- Invest in infrastructure development, such as elevated shelters, to protect livestock during floods. Improve drainage systems to minimize the impact of waterlogging.
- Community Education:
- Conduct educational programs to raise awareness about flood preparedness and livestock management practices within the community. Empower farmers with the knowledge to protect their animals during disasters.
- Livestock Insurance:
- Encourage livestock owners to invest in livestock insurance to mitigate financial losses in the event of floods. Government and private initiatives can support the development of affordable insurance programs.
- Research and Innovation:
- Support research and innovation in flood-resistant livestock management practices. Explore technologies, such as floating animal shelters or genetic selection for flood resilience, to enhance long-term adaptability.
Conclusion
Floods in India pose significant challenges for the management of livestock, but with effective preparedness, immediate actions, and long-term resilience building, the impact on animals can be minimized. A collaborative effort involving government agencies, local communities, and veterinary services is essential to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of livestock during and after flood events. By implementing comprehensive strategies, India can enhance its ability to protect this vital sector and ensure the sustainable management of livestock in flood-prone regions.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
