Vol. 11, Special Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Pushpa Lamba, Arun Kumar Jhirwal, Vivek Saharan and Anuj Kumar

Abstract:
The study was carried out at LRS Kodamdesar, Bikaner (Rajasthan) for the period of three months. Eighteen female Sahiwal calves of 6-12 months of age were selected and divided into three treatment groups i.e. T₀ (Control group having asbestos sheet as roof), T₁ (Thatch roof which is having thatch over asbestos sheet as modification) and T₂ (Agro-net roof which had Agro-net over asbestos sheet as a modification). All the three groups were managed under similar system of management. The daily recording of macro and microclimate i.e. temperature, relative humidity and THI was done twice in day at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm .The body measurement were recorded on weekly basis. The result showed that the mean temperature, relative humidity and THI at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm were significantly higher (P<0.01) in T₀ as compared to other two groups. All the body measurements were statistically higher in T₁ and T₂ as compare to T₀ but not significantly. Thus, from the overall result of the present research work, it may be concluded that thatch and agro-net can be used above the asbestos roof as roof modification in arid region as they are cost effective and had shown significant effect on microclimate inside animal house which ultimately leads to better growth of Sahiwal calves.