Effect of thermal environment on water and feed intake in relationship with growth of buffalo calves
Abstract: Eight six month old buffalo calves with an averaged of 118 kg, were used to assess their water and feed intakes and daily weight gain in response to constant heat stress (40°C) and comfort (25°C) conditions in thermo-controlled labs. The calves were divided into two groups in two labs. 4 calves under 40°C and 87.5% relative humidity (group A) and 4 calves under 25°C and 64 % relative humidity (group B). Two stages were studied, each of one month interrupted by 15 days outdoor interval between the two stages. The mean values of daily water (WI) and feed (Fl) intakes were computed at weekly intervals during the experimental stages. The animals were weighed initially and finally at each stage to calculate the average daily gain (ADG). Daily WI during the 1st stage was greater under 40°C by 20% than that under 25°C. whereas the contrary occurred during the 2nd stage. On the other hand, FI was distinctly reduced due the effect of heat stress during the two stages in both concentrates and roughage. This effect of heat stress was great during the two stage. ADG of group A showed clear decrease (-0.49 kg/day) in BW during the 1st stage while in the 2nd stage there was almost maintenance of BW. In clear contrast, group B showed great increase in BW (l.11 kg/day) during the 1st stage however the increase in the 2nd stage was less (0.45 kg/day). This study revealed that the major effect of temperature on growth is through control of Fl. Under comfort temperature, in the 1st stage the ADG increased with the increase in WI and FI, while in the 2nd stage the calves showed less increase in spite of the increase in FI.
Publication year 2006
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
City القاهرة
serial title 13th Conference of the Egyptian Society of Animal Production
Author(s) from ARC
External authors (outside ARC)
    جمال عاشور جامعة القاهرة
    محمد محمود الشافعى جامعة القاهرة
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Nutrition
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Calves. Feed intake. Heat stress. Relative humidity. Water. Water buffaloes.
Publication Type Conference/Workshop
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