Effect of different housing systems and seasonal variations on growth performance, physiological parameters and economic efficiency of Friesian calves
Abstract: A total of 16 male Friesian calves at 6-7 months of age and averaged 123 kg were used to study their growth performance and physiological responses during three seasons (winter. spring and summer) in two different housing systems (tie-stall and loose animals) under the same environmental conditions. Live body weights were recorded monthly to estimate body weight gain (BWG) and daily weight gain (DWG). Feed and water consumption were recorded weekly to estimate dry matter intake (DM1) and water intake (WI). Air temperature (AT) was measured four times per day, while relative humidity (RH) was measured twice per day. Blood samples were collected monthly to evaluate total protein (TP). total lipids (TL). Glucose albumin globulin and thyroxin hormone (T4. Values of rectal temperature (RI), skin temperature (SI) and respiration rate (RR) were recorded biweekly. In addition the study estimated the economic efficiency under the two different housing systems. Results of housing effect showed highly significant differences (P< 0.01) BWG. DWG. WI. RT and RR.. However. the results of DMI. ST and blood compositions showed insignificant differences between the two housing systems. The results showed also significant seasonal differences (P<0.01) for BWG. DWG. DMl, WI. RT. ST. RR and T4. There were highly significant correlations between animal responses and the environmental conditions. It could be concluded that keeping animals in tie-stall system inside a fully shaded barn having dry concrete floor with good drainage and well-ventilated area, gives better growth performance than keeping animals in loose system under the same environmental conditions. Moreover, the effect of different housing systems is limited mainly to growth performance and body reaction without influencing blood composition. The total revenue was increased in tie-stall group compared with loose animal group (3.80 and 2.97, respectively).
Keywords: tie-stall, loose housing, seasonal variations, Friesian, growth rate, blood composition, economic efficiency.
Publication year 2008
Pages 141-157
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
serial title Egyptian Journal Animal Production
ISSN 0302-4520
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Nutrition
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Animal housing. Blood composition. Calves. Cows. Economic situation. Growth. Growth rate. Performance testing. Physiological requirements. Seasonal variation.
Proposed Agrovoc tie-stall;
Publication Type Journal
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