Browsing by Author "RAJNI ARORA"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON EFFECT OF IMPROVED SHELTER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SAHIWAL CATTLE IN ARID REGION OF RAJASTHAN(Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner, 2021) RAJNI ARORA; Dr. S.C. GoswamiThe present investigation was carried out to study the effect of improved shelter management practices on performance of lactating Sahiwal cattle in arid region of Rajasthan. A total of 24 apparently healthy Sahiwal cow in their early lactation period (1-3 months) selected from Livestock Research Station were randomly assigned to four groups. One group-1(G-1) acted as control without any shelter management reared on pucca floor made up of cement concrete blocks in covered area. The experimental cows in group-2 (G-2) were reared on rubber mat bedding over pucca floor in covered area. In group-3 (G-3) were reared on pucca floor (made up of cement concrete blocks) in covered area with physical modification in shelter. In group-4 (G-4) were reared on rubber mat on floor in covered area with physical modification in shelter. Physical modification by providing fan and splashing of water on the body for two times a day at 11.00 AM and 3.00 PM daily of cattle reared under different groups. Performance of Sahiwal cattle was assessed by studying the physiology, milk yield and quality, haematobiochemical, reproductive, health and behavior parameters. The obtained results of meteorological variables indicated that there was wide variation in temperature and THI. With respect to main effect of shelter management, there was observed significant changes in respiration rate, rectal temperature and pulse rate. Rectal temperature, was significantly (P<0.05) lower in G-3 and G-4 group as compared to other groups of Cattle. Respiration rate was significantly (P<0.05) lower in G-4 group as compared to other groups of Cattle whereas, pulse rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) in G-1 and G-2 groups as compared to other groups. The overall mean daily milk yield of cow was significantly (P<0.05) higher in physically modified Shed (G-3 and G-4) as compared to other shed (G-1 and G-2) during Experimental Period. This might be due to provision of fans with splashing of water in 152 respective groups. The milk constituents milk fat, lactose, protein, SNF and Total solids did not differ significantly (P≤0.05) among the groups. In the present study hemoglobin levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in G-4 followed by G3, G2 and G1 groups .The effect of shelter management were not significant on blood parameters . However increased value of AST/SGOT, BUN and TP level in G-1 and G-2 groups with no physical modification in shed as compared to G-3 and G-4 groups (fan with splashing of water two times in a day) and lower value of glucose, cholesterol and when compared with G-3 and G-4 groups were observed. It indicates effect of thermal stress on blood biochemical variables. Whereas The maximum cortisol concentration in G-1 followed by G-2, G-3 and G-4, respectively indicating stress on animals of group -1. However there were no significant difference in reproductive parameters In different groups. But G-3, G-4 groups cows took lesser days to come in oestrous and service period as compared to G-1 and G-2 groups. The G-4 cows showed oestrus signs earlier than other groups of animals. Service per conception differed non significantly between the groups. Though the Animals of G-3 and G-4 groups took lower service per conception as compared to G-1and G-2 groups. No effect of improved shelter management was evident on body condition score of cows. Cleanliness score was significantly (p<0.05) higher in G-1 group as compared to other groups. Locomotion score were significantly (P<0.05) lower in cows housed on rubber mat flooring with physical modification (G-2 and G-4). There were significant difference (P<0.05) in animal behavior such as in standing time, lying time, eating time and rumination time. The animals reared on rubber mat spend more time in lying condition rather than standing. Animals on concrete floor spent more time standing without eating in G-1 group results in low feed intake and reduce rumination time. At the end, based on the performance of Sahiwal cattle, it appears that the Sahiwal cows housed inside improved shed providing rubber mat flooring with physical modification were more comfortable and had improved physiological reactions, improved milk production and changed behavioral activities on voluntary allocation of time on resting, feeding and lying, improved locomotion score, and enhanced staying comfort of Sahiwal cows.. Though ,the finding of study in text are concrete and encouraging, but more trial are required to arrive at recommendation for raising cattle farming in arid region of Rajasthan.