5 buffaloes die after eating fodder in Nawanshahr

Five buffaloes of a Nawanshahr farmer died two days ago after reportedly consuming toxic fodder. The incident took place in Barnala Kalan village in the district.

Owner Sarabjit Singh was left inconsolable after discovering the sudden deaths of his five buffaloes. “I had 10 cattle. Five of them, all buffaloes, died after consuming the fodder I had fed them. Three of the deceased buffaloes were pregnant,” he said.

The remaining cattle, including cows, were saved after veterinary doctors from the area rushed to the scene and administered emergency treatment. “Had the doctors not come in time, I could have lost all my animals,” Sarabjit added.

The loss is a severe blow to the farmer’s livelihood. According to Sarabjit, each buffalo was worth between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh, making the total loss of ₹5 lakh.

The authorities were informed immediately after the incident. A veterinary team conducted preliminary examinations and treated the surviving animals. Samples of the fodder were also tested in the lab.

Dr. Rajinder Kumar, in-charge of the Veterinary Polyclinic in Mahalo, stated that the deaths occurred due to nitrate poisoning. He explained that extreme weather conditions were responsible for the phenomenon. “Fodder plants tend to absorb excess potassium nitrate during such conditions, which affects buffaloes more and results in sudden death. The oxygen supply decreases which results in its deficiency, and the blood turns a chocolate colour. Lungs also get damaged,” he said, describing the physiological impact.

The doctor also explained that the tolerance level of cows is much more than that of buffloes.

The doctor also said such cases are on rise. "In the past year, hundreds of cases of cattle getting sick because of nitrate poisoning were reported. We have managed to save majority of them as the owners approach us on time," he added.