Study of behavioural and physiological changes of crossbred cows under different shelter management practices

Abstract

The effect of various kinds of shelter modifications in different seasons, viz. hot dry, hot humid and winter on physiological and behavioral responses of Karan Fries crossbred cows were studied in the present investigation. The mean rectal temperature, respiration rate per min, pulse rate per min and skin temperature in hot dry and hot humid seasons were significantly higher in group 1 with concrete flooring (G1), while in winter these were higher in groups with rubber mattress (G2) and straw bedding (G3). The time spent on feeding and rumination was significantly higher in G3 group with significantly low feeding temperament score. Significantly higher resting time and higher weight gain was observed in G3 as compared to G2 and G1. The study indicated that thatch roof and sand bedding in hot seasons and straw bedding in winter proved to be the most comfortable for crossbred cows in northern India.