Vol. 10, Special Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Amit, Subhasish Sahu, Ravinder Saini, Archana Sarangi, Devender Singh Bidhan, Man Singh, Sandeep and SK Chhikara

Abstract:
An attempt was made to study the effect of microclimate alterations on skin temperature of buffalo heifers during summer at buffalo farm of LPM, LUVAS, Hisar (Haryana). Twenty buffalo heifers (8-18 months of age) were divided into four groups (5 heifers in each group) viz. T₁ (control): Corrugated asbestos roof; T₂: Corrugated asbestos roof painted white on upper side; T₃: Corrugated asbestos roof having EPE (Expanded polyethylene) sheet on lower side and T₄: Corrugated asbestos roof painted white on upper side and EPE sheet on lower side. Skin temperature was recorded for every animal at 7:00 AM as well as 2:00 PM at fortnightly intervals. The overall skin surface temperature at different body locations was always significantly (P<0.05) high in T₁ at 7:00 AM as well as 2:00 PM. So it can be concluded that heifers kept in EPE sheet in modified sheds (T₃ and T₄) kept the values of skin temperature on lower side proving its superiority for thermal insulation, whereas; asbestos roofs without any modification (T₁) got heated up in the forenoon and releases heat as thermal radiation in afternoon causing heat stress in heifers.