Summer pastures favor milk production in Rio Grande do Sul, but climate challenges persist in Brazil

Dairy farming in Rio Grande do Sul is going through a transition period from winter to summer pastures. Although the warm and rainy weather is driving the growth of summer pastures, the forage shortage – typical of this transition – continues to impact the sector. This situation was highlighted in the Informativo Conjuntural published by Emater/RS last Thursday (5). The increase in temperatures has caused heat stress in cows, reducing food consumption and, consequently, milk production. Despite this, the animals maintain good body condition. On the other hand, the pressure from endo and ectoparasites, such as ticks, horn flies and botflies, requires increased attention to health management. According to Emater/RS, several regions of the state are adopting specific measures to deal with climate challenges. In Manoel Viana, in the administrative region of Bagé, the greater supply of annual and perennial summer pastures resulted in an increase in milk production. The recommendation ...