Productive performance and serum cortisol level of Sahiwal cows under different housing systems during Winter season

Abstract

During winter season, when the environmental temperature goes below the thermoneutral zone, it affects the performance of dairy cows. The objective of current study was to evaluate the influence of various types of housing systems on productive and physiological performance of Sahiwal cows in winter season. For this purpose, Twelve Sahiwal cows almost same weight (363±5kg), milk yield (6±0.5Lday-1 ) and 2nd parity (mid-lactation) were assigned to three experimental groups with four cows in each group. These groups are specified as; conventional barn (CB), open shed+curtain (O+C) and open shed (O) reared cows. Temperature-humidity index values were 63.8, 61.1 and 57.9 in CB, O+C and O groups respectively. Results showed that various types of housing systems had a significant effect on the performance of Sahiwal cows. The intake of dry matter was significantly higher in O reared cows (11.2 kg day-1 ) followed by the O+C (10.3 kg day-1 ) and CB reared cows (10.2 kg day-1 ). The intake of water was maximum in CB reared cows (17.7 L day-1 ) and was minimum in open shed reared O reared cows(14.4 L day-1 ) cows. Similarly, milk yield was maximum in CB readed cows (7.8 L day-1 ) and was minimum in O reared cows(5.2 L day-1 ) cows. No differences were observed in the composition of milk in CB, O+C and O reared cows. The rectal temperature (101.6 °F) was significantly lower in O reared cows followed by O+C and CB reared cows. Similarly, respiration rate was also lower (17.06 breaths min-1 ) in O reared cows followed by O+C and CB reared cows. Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (21.1 ng/ml) in O reared cows as compared to other dietary treatments. It was concluded that production performance and physiological norms of indigenous Sahiwal cows can be improved by keeping them in conventional closed barn during the winter season.