Room to Breathe : Open housing and heat management for healthier, more productive animals

Dr. Naina Singh, Veterinary Officer, Government of Maharashtra Dr. Vishal Awate, Veterinary Officer, Government of Maharashtra

Heat stress is a major challenge for livestock production in India, particularly during the hot summer months when high temperatures and humidity impair animal comfort, feed intake, milk production and reproductive performance. Open or loose housing systems offer a practical approach to managing heat by allowing free animal movement, promoting natural ventilation and providing shaded resting and feeding areas. Important design features include east–west shed orientation, high and insulated roofs, open sides, ridge ventilation, wide eaves, shade trees and effective drainage. During periods of intense heat, direct cooling through fans, skin-wetting sprinklers and access to clean drinking water can further reduce the thermal load. Adjusting feeding times, maintaining nutrient-dense diets, avoiding midday handling and monitoring early signs of heat stress are also essential management practices. Low-cost temperature and humidity sensors can support automated cooling and improve timely intervention. Similar principles, adapted to species-specific requirements, can benefit goats, sheep, poultry and young stock. The adoption of affordable housing improvements and appropriate cooling strategies can help safeguard livestock welfare, sustain productivity and strengthen the resilience of Indian dairy farming under increasingly challenging climatic conditions.