Effect of different ambient management interventions on milk production and physiological performance of lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes during hot humid summer

摘要

Ambient environment has direct effect on the productive performance and welfare of dairy animals and it causes significant changes in their biological functions. Study was conducted to evaluate the productive, physiological and behavioral differences of Nili-Ravi buffalo reared in different ambient management strategies in humid hot environment of Pakistan. Fifteen (15) lactating multiparous Nili-Ravi buffalos were divided into three treatments, comprising of 5 animals in each and animals were housed in semi-open barn. Nili-Ravi buffaloes of approximately similar weight, age and same parity (3rd) were randomly allotted to three different treatments included;1) provision of only roof shade, Controlled, designated as S, 2) provision of shade assisted with fan (SF), 3) provision of shade, fan and sprinklers (SFS). Three animal groups were kept in separate sheds under tied sloped floor system. The buffaloes were fed on iso-caloric and iso-nitrogeneous diet during the experimental period. The animal#8217;s individual milk production was measured daily. Respiration rate, rectal temperature, total time spent in feeding, drinking, rumination, standing, lying and locomotion were measured during the trial period. The physiological parameters were recorded twice daily on 12:00 and 18:00 h. Behavioral observations were recorded visually from morning milking till next morning milking on fortnightly basis. The data were analyzed using completely randomized design (CRD) through SAS 9.1.3. Significant differences (p0.05) were observed in milk yield (kg/d) 5.66±0.23, 7.27±0.20, 10.45±0.79 in buffaloes under S, SF and SFS treatment, respectively. Rectal temperature was 102.06±0.07, 101.69±0.08, 101.05±0.9 (oF) in buffaloes under S, SF and SFS treatment, respectively, and respiration rate were 26.16±1.12, 33.8±0.82 and 38.48±0.84 breaths/min were observed in buffaloes under S, SF and SFS treatment, respectively. Significant differences (p0.05) were observed in behavioral responses regarding total time feeding, rumination, lying and locomotion activities between different treatment groups. It is concluded that combined effect of shade, fan and sprinklers causes beneficial effect on milk production, physiological and behavioral responses in lactating Nili-Ravi buffalo animals during humid hot season.