In the first days of January 2026, strong cold spells caused temperatures in the mountainous areas of Ha Tinh Province to drop sharply. Faced with the risk of severe and damaging cold affecting livestock production, people in many localities have promptly implemented cold-prevention measures to minimize losses to livestock and poultry.
PROACTIVELY PEN-RAISING AND BOOSTING NUTRITION FOR CATTLE AND BUFFALO
In the border commune of Vu Quang, where the total herd of buffalo and cattle is nearly 6,000, livestock households have proactively brought their animals indoors for concentrated pen-raising as soon as temperatures began to fall. The barns are tightly shielded from drafts, the floors are kept dry at all times, and the feed ration has been supplemented with concentrates and vitamins to improve resistance.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh (Hamlet 4, Vu Quang Commune) said that, drawing on experience from previous winters, her family quickly moved 8 cows indoors and increased fattening so the herd would have enough strength to get through the cold and be ready for sale during Tet.
According to local authorities, from the beginning of winter the commune has encouraged residents to stockpile green fodder, make use of grass and banana plants, and combine them with starchy feed. This approach not only helps livestock withstand the cold effectively but also ensures the quality of the animals when they are sold.
KEEPING DEER WARM — A KEY TASK IN THE ANTLER-RAISING AREA
In Huong Son, a locality strongly developing the deer-antler farming industry, cold prevention is given special attention by residents because deer are highly sensitive to cold weather.
Caring for a herd of 15 deer during the severe cold, Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh (Hamlet 9, Huong Son Commune) shared that, in addition to keeping the barns clean and dry, her family also adds nutritious foods such as tubers and fruits, corn flour, and warm salt water. When temperatures drop, the barns are covered tightly and heating lamps are turned on to maintain a stable temperature, helping the deer develop antlers favorably.
POULTRY STRICTLY PROTECTED AGAINST SEVERE COLD
Not only large livestock, but poultry farmers in Huong Xuan Commune are also focusing on implementing synchronized cold-prevention measures. The barns are shielded from drafts, and the bio-bedding is replaced regularly to keep the floors dry and limit disease.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan (Vinh Huong Hamlet) said that her family’s flock of more than 500 chickens is supplemented with vitamins, digestive enzymes, and fully vaccinated to ensure stable growth in harsh weather conditions.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SPECIALIZED SECTOR
According to statistics, the province’s total livestock population currently includes about 405,000 pigs, 130,000 cattle, 47,000 buffalo, nearly 52,000 deer, and more than 10 million poultry. In light of the complicated weather developments, the specialized sector advises livestock farmers to:
Reinforce barns, shield them from drafts while still ensuring ventilation.
Keep barn floors dry and clean; proactively prepare heating sources when necessary.
Ensure sufficient feed and supplement vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex to boost resistance.
Do not graze livestock outdoors when temperatures are below 15°C.
Strictly carry out vaccination, disinfection, and sterilization to prevent disease outbreaks.
The proactiveness of local residents, together with close guidance from authorities and the specialized sector, is helping protect livestock safely, keeping animal husbandry in Ha Tinh stable and ready to supply food to the market for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Van Chung
Source: Ha Tinh Newspaper
