Seasonal Guidance
Cows & Buffaloes
Winter Feed Management for Dairy Animals in Kashmir
Updated 13 Jun 2026 • By Falah Nutrition Desk, Animal Nutrition Advisor
Kashmir winters are hard on dairy animals. Green fodder disappears, water freezes, and animals burn extra energy just to stay warm - energy that would otherwise become milk. Farmers who adjust feeding for winter keep their milk steady through the cold months while others watch it slide.
Common Signs
- Milk yield drops as temperatures fall
- Animals lose body condition through winter
- Reduced water intake when water is icy cold
- Rough coat and shivering in poorly protected sheds
- Pregnant animals entering spring in weak condition
Possible Causes
- Extra energy burned for body warmth in cold weather
- Green fodder unavailable - dry fodder alone is low in energy and protein
- Icy water reduces drinking, which directly reduces milk
- Long indoor periods with poor ventilation
- Winter feed quantity not increased to match higher needs
What the Farmer Should Check
- Is feed quantity increased in winter? Animals need roughly 10-20% more energy in severe cold
- Is drinking water offered lukewarm at least twice daily?
- Is the shed dry, draft-free but ventilated?
- Is a mineral-enriched compound feed compensating for no green fodder?
- Are pregnant animals getting their dry-period and transition feeds on schedule?
Feed Guidance
Since green fodder is absent in winter, a complete compound feed becomes essential, not optional. Goka Green is specifically designed for periods when green fodder is scarce - feed it with dry fodder, straw or husk following the standard rule: 1 kg per 2.5 liters of milk plus 1 kg maintenance, and consider a little extra in severe cold. Offer lukewarm water 2-3 times daily - a milking animal that drinks less, milks less. Keep feeding times fixed, and never feed frozen or moldy fodder. Pregnant animals must stay on Goka Dry Feed and Goka Transition -21 schedules through winter - calving problems multiply when winter feeding is neglected.
Relevant GOKA Products
Pregnant Cows & Buffaloes (Dry Stage)
Healthy dry period, trouble-free calving
Dairy Cows & Buffaloes
Under 15 liters/day
Best when green fodder is scarce
Dairy Cows & Buffaloes
10-15 liters/day
Maintains milk fat, prevents repeat breeding
When to Contact a Veterinary Doctor
For serious symptoms, consult a qualified veterinary doctor. Feed support can help overall nutrition and recovery but should not replace veterinary treatment.
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