Strategies to Boost Milk Production Amid Drought Conditions

While central and southern regions of Colombia face floods due to heavy rains, the Caribbean area continues to suffer from a prolonged drought. Rivers have receded, pastures have dried, and producers worry about the water shortage in a stark contrast of extreme weather affecting the nation.

These conditions pose limitations for dairy production. However, with proper supplementation, balanced nutrition, and efficient herd management, it's possible to sustain and even boost milk production during drought periods.

High temperatures and lack of rain directly affect pasture availability and quality. Eudes Antonio Garzón, a veterinary expert, points out that excessive sunlight and water scarcity lead to accelerated forage maturation, reducing its nutritional value.

"In summer, forages undergo hydric stress, speeding up seed formation and decreasing the available protein, digestible fiber, and fat in grass," Garzón explained. "This means cattle consume more forage with less nutritional value."

The key to maintaining consistent milk production lies in implementing supplementation and management strategies that offset these deficiencies. Eduardo Orozco, a cattle farmer from Valledupar, found that providing molasses water with salt improved milk production during dry seasons. "Typically, in summer, my production ranged between 480 liters, but with improved feeding, I reached around 760 liters," stated Orozco.

His experience illustrates that it is indeed feasible to maintain and increase milk yields by adapting to climate challenges effectively.