Severe cold spells and prolonged freezing weather during winter, accompanied by drizzle and high humidity, can seriously affect the health and productivity of waterfowl flocks. This reduces growth performance, increases feed consumption, and raises the risk of infectious diseases such as E. coli, asthma, avian influenza, and more. To protect livestock, farmers need to apply appropriate care and disease prevention measures.
1. ENSURE HOUSING CONDITIONS
The housing must be well sheltered, avoiding drafts and rainwater splashing in.
Add bedding material to keep warm and keep the house dry and well ventilated.
For young waterfowl, use infrared brooder lamps to maintain the housing temperature.
Keep the humidity in the housing at an optimal level of 60–70%. When humidity is above 90%, reduce stocking density and use exhaust fans to improve ventilation.
2. PROPER NUTRITION
Provide a diet that is sufficient in both quantity and quality, and have a plan to stockpile feed for the winter.
In cold weather, waterfowl tend to eat more, so the ration should be adjusted accordingly.
Do not change feed abruptly to avoid affecting digestion.
Provide clean drinking water, ensuring the water temperature is not too cold (below 10°C).
Limit letting young waterfowl out early in the morning to avoid chilling them.
3. IMPLEMENT HYGIENE AND DISEASE PREVENTION MEASURES
Periodically disinfect and sterilize housing and livestock equipment using specialized chemicals or lime powder.
Implement waste treatment measures to reduce the risk of environmental pollution.
Fully vaccinate against important diseases such as E. coli, hepatitis, cholera, H5N1 avian influenza, H9N2, and more.
Supplement antibiotics and minerals, vitamins, electrolytes, and digestive enzymes to help increase the animals’ resistance.
4. MONITOR THE HEALTH OF THE WATERFOWL FLOCK
Inspect the housing and the health of the livestock daily.
When waterfowl show abnormal signs, they should be isolated for monitoring and timely treatment.
If there are signs of rapid disease spread or mass death of waterfowl, immediately report to veterinary staff for appropriate handling measures.
Good care during cold weather not only helps waterfowl grow healthily but also improves economic efficiency in livestock production. Farmers should proactively implement measures to protect their flocks to ensure productivity and effectively prevent disease outbreaks.
Duy Hoc
Source: nongnghiep.vn
