RESEARCH ARTICLES
Effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index on milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes
U. P. V. Kalyan, S. K. I. Vasantha and J. Nikhil Kumar Tej
doi: DOI: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2022.53.1.89-93
Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.2022.53 (1): 89-93
Author Details
U.P.V. Kalyan : V BVSc& AH, Department of Veterinary Physiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, A.P
S. K. I. Vasantha : Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary PhysiologyNTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram -521102 Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati
J. Nikhil Kumar Tej : Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary PhysiologyNTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram -521102 Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati
Article History
Received: 09.08.2021 Accepted: 15.11.2021 Published: 31.03.2022
Corresponding author: S. K. I. Vasantha
e-mail: vasuinjarapu@gmail.com,
Citation: Kalyan, U.P.V., Vasantha, S. K. I. and Tej, J.N.K. 2022. Effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index on milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes. J. Vet. Anim. Sci. 53(1): 89-93
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2022.53.1.89-93
Abstract
The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index (THI) on milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes. Eight adult lactating Murrah buffaloes of 3-5 years of age and insecond to fourth lactation were selected in summer and winter season. Meteorological variables such as ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded and THI was calculated during the period of study. Milk samples were collected from Murrah buffaloes and evaluated for the concentration of milk fat, protein, SNF, lactose and salt. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.20. The results indicated that average milk production, milk fat, protein and SNF decreased significantly (p<0.05) in summer in comparison to winter, while lactose and salt did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in between seasons. From the present study it was concluded that high THI imposes significant heat stress and negatively affects milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes. Hence, additional feed, shelter and management practices might be adopted to overcome the negative effects of thermal stress and also to optimize milk production of the animals.
Keywords: Milk, buffaloes, lactose, seasonal stress, THI
