Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
G Pravallika, K Ananda Rao, A Anitha and K Rajakishore

Abstract:
A study was conducted to assess the effect of heat mitigation methods on the body weight, average daily gain and body measurements of Murrah buffalo heifers in loose housing system. The experiment was conducted on 18 Murrah buffalo heifers of age 1.5 to 2 years, maintained at Buffalo Research Station (BRS), Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh and were randomly allotted into three groups i.e., group reared under conventional asbestos roof (control), group provided with dried coconut leaves over the conventional asbestos roof (T₁) and group provided with dried coconut leaves over the conventional asbestos roof and ceiling fans along with water splashing (T₂) for a period of 90 days with a prior 15 days acclimatization period. The study revealed that the overall average daily gain of T₂ group (362.96±7.89) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than control group (315.19±10.91). The overall mean chest girth (cm) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T₂ group (153.36±0.66) than control group (150.82±0.69). The mean overall height at withers (cm) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T₂ group (120.74±0.29) than control group (119.57±0.28). The overall body length, poll length and tail length were not significantly differed among the groups, however higher values were observed in T₂. It is concluded that provision of heat mitigation methods such as roof insulation and evaporative cooling resulted in higher growth of Murrah buffalo heifers compared to animals under conventional asbestos roof.