Short answer
A cow or buffalo looks weak when she is not getting enough feed, protein or minerals, or when worms or illness are taking what she eats. Deworm her on your vet’s schedule, give enough feed with protein, a daily mineral mixture and clean water, and have the vet check her if she is losing weight fast or has fever.
Signs of a weak animal
- Ribs and hip bones showing.
- A rough, dull coat.
- Low appetite and low milk.
- Tires quickly.
- Takes a long time to come into heat after calving.
Common causes
- Too little feed or poor quality fodder.
- Not enough protein.
- A shortage of minerals and vitamins.
- Worms.
- The months after calving, when a good milker gives more than she eats.
- A long illness.
What helps
- Deworm on your vet’s schedule.
- Increase feed slowly and include protein, such as oil cake or legume fodder like berseem or lucerne.
- Give a mineral mixture every day.
- Keep clean water in front of her all day.
- Keep the shed clean, dry and shaded.
HNC products that help
Suraksha ProlexMinerals and protein in one herbal feed supplement. A good place to start for a weak animal.
Devarshi Herbal MineralsDaily herbal mineral mixture. Builds immunity and minerals absorb easily.
AyuraonMicro mineral cattle feed that increases milk by up to 15%.When to call the vet
Call the vet if she stops eating, has fever or diarrhoea, or keeps losing weight even on good feed.
Questions farmers ask
What should I feed a weak cow?
Enough fodder, a protein source such as oil cake or legume fodder, a daily mineral mixture and clean water. Increase the feed slowly, and deworm her on your vet’s schedule.
Why is my buffalo thin even though she eats well?
Worms and long illness are the usual reasons. Deworm her and, if she does not improve, have the vet examine her.
Which HNC product is for a weak animal?
Suraksha Prolex gives minerals and protein together. Devarshi is our daily mineral mixture and builds immunity.