Vol. 10, Special Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Amit, Subhasish Sahu, Pradeep Kumar, Archana Sarangi, Devender Singh Bidhan, Man Singh, Narender Singh, Spandan Shashwat Dash and SK Chhikara

Abstract:
An attempt was made to study the effect of microclimate alterations on feed and water intake and feed conversion efficiency 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. Feed and water intake was recorded fortnightly for two consecutive days. The overall total dry matter intake as well as water intake (both voluntary water intake and total water intake) didn’t differ significantly (P>0.05) in different groups whereas; overall DMI per 100 kg body weight was significantly high (P<0.05) in T₃. FCE was better in the T₄ group. So it can be concluded that microclimate alterations helped heifers in better relieving the heat load thereby increasing feed intake and better FCE as compared to heifers in existing asbestos roofs.