AMELIORATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES, CORTISOL AND MILK YIELD IN BUFFALOES BY REGULATING THEIR DRINKING WATER TEMPERATURE DURING SUMMER SEASON
Keywords:
Bubalus bubalis, buffaloes, water, milk yield, cortisol, physiological responsesAbstract
The one-month trial incorporated during the summer season included twelve healthy lactating Murrah buffaloes equally divided into two groups. Drinking water previously cooled in earthen pots was offered to the Experimental group, and the Control group was given water available on the farm. The milk yield, serum cortisol, serum cholesterol, pulse and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, and water consumption in both groups were regularly quantified. Significant differences were found in the milk yield and serum cholesterol concentrations, and highly (P<0.01) significant variations were discerned in the serum cortisol concentrations, water consumption, pulse and respiratory rates, and rectal temperature. This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of offering precooled drinking water on lactating buffaloes studied physiological parameters during the summer. It further demonstrated that this heat stress management technique which is easy to emulate and is decidedly economical, also facilitated an increase in the milk yield.
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