‘The cold never bothers us anyway’ Feb 2024 None Gatas By Ronaline Canute ou are interrupted by the cold air brushing your skin. To stay warm for the rest of the night, you bundle up in a blanket. If this chilly season bothers us, imagine what it does to the animals outside, such as the buffaloes—do they even feel the cold weather? ‘The cold never bothers us anyway’ The answer is, not really. These dark grey skinned animals actually enjoy the frosty air rather than being bothered by it. This was revealed by Dr. Excel Rio Maylem, a researcher and head of the Reproduction and Physiology Section (RPS) of the Research and Development Division (RDD)-DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). Dr. Maylem and her team are currently working on a research titled, “Development of adaptability of foreign breeds of water buffalo in Philippine tropical climate.” The study underscores how buffaloes with foreign breeds adapt to the country’s environmental conditions in terms of productivity and overall welfare. “The weather we are experiencing right now is favorable to the animals. There is less stress on animals during the winter months. The herd is more comfortable, the air quality is better, the food is more effective, and there is less moisture,” explained Maylem. Have you noticed that during the heat of the day, buffaloes love splashing in the water and roll in mud holes? The animal’s body absorb solar radiation because of their dark skin and thin hair. Their poor sweating ability makes their evaporative cooling system less effective so long exposure to direct sunlight is stressful for them. RDD OIC-chief Dr. Marvin Villanueva, however, advised dairy farmers to ensure the health of the calves throughout the colder months. “Calves are susceptible to infections much like human newborns are, so dairy farmers should ensure that calves receive colostrum,” Dr. Villanueva advised. Colostrum is the first milk of the mother, which contains essential nutrients needed in the early growth of the calf. It contains high antibodies, which serve as defense against common diseases, providing passive immunity.
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