Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
R Arora, SC Goswami, ML Chaudhary and G Gujar

Abstract:
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of shelter modifications in the form of floor alteration and heat stress amelioration aids on the biochemical aspects and productive performance of Sahiwal zebu cows. 24 healthy Sahiwal cows in their second or third parity were randomly assigned to four groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4) having 6 cows each and were studied for duration of 150 days from June to November. G1 acted as control without any shelter modification, while G2 cows were housed in stalls with rubber mat covered floors, G3 cows were provided with cooling fans along with water sprinkling twice a day, and G4 cows were housed in stalls combining rubber mat floors with cooling fans and water sprinkling twice a day. This study revealed a significant (p<0.05) effect of shelter modification on milk yield, though no significant effect on milk composition was found. The use of heat amelioration aids with, and without rubber mat floors positively influenced the productive aspects of Sahiwal cows. Such strategies can be utilized to reduce stress on animals and help in maintaining their production.