Measures to Alleviate Heat Stress in Cattle and Buffaloes

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1 CONSULTANCY PROJECT REPORT on Measures to Alleviate Heat Stress in Cattle and Buffaloes Project Workers: Dr. Parveen Kumar, Principal Scientist Dr. Sohan Vir Singh, Senior Scientist Dr. R.C. Upadhyay, Principal Scientist Submitted to: M/S Space Cool Systems Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Dairy Cattle Physiology Division National Dairy Research Institute Karnal (Haryana)

2 Published by: Director National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Deemed University), Karnal (INDIA) Tel.: Fax: Cover Designed by: Dr. Parveen Kumar Dr. Sohan Vir Singh Dr. R.C. Upadhyay Front Cover Photo depicts fan cum Mist Cooling System to alleviate heat stress in Cattle & buffaloes. M/s Space Cool Systems Pvt. Ltd. Off.: 252, Vardhman Market, West Enclave, Pitampura, New Delhi Off. cum Resi: # A-7/9, Sector-16, Rohini, New Delhi Ph.: , Printing: Intech Printers & Publishers # 353, Mughal Canal, Karnal Contact No. : , jobs.ipp@gmail.com

3 FOREWORD India is the world s highest milk producing country during the last decade contributing to about 15% of the world milk production. The increased production of milk has improved per capita milk availability to 246 gm/day, however it is still short of recommended requirement of 280 gm/day by ICMR. Environment plays a significant role in regulating the productivity of animals. In order to reduce the production losses there is a need to modify the micro-environmental condition around animals by using certain advanced managemental techniques. In this regard a memorandum of understanding was signed between M/s Space Cool Systems Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi and NDRI, Karnal to undertake the research on effect of water dispersion on milk productivity using fan cum mist system. Data presented in this report on Measures to Alleviate Heat Stress During Summer in Cattle And Buffaloes demonstrated that it is possible to increase the milk yield more than 10 percent by maintaining the lactating Karan Fries and Murrah buffaloes under fan cum mist system during hot dry summer season. The information generated from this consultancy project is a result of arduous work of the scientists. I am confident that the findings of the project will be of tremendous use to progressive dairy farmers to meet the increasing demand of milk through enhanced productivity. I hope that the findings of this report will help in reducing losses in productivity of livestock and new insight in the field of dairy entrepreneurship. (A.K. Srivastava)

5 PREFACE The productivity of livestock undergoes seasonal changes and it has been established that the productivity is affected both directly and indirectly by climate extremes. The productivity remains unaffected relatively with in the zone of thermal comfort. In order to reduce production losses and to provide comfort to the animals there is a need to modify the environmental conditions at micro levels. Experiments have shown that milk yield of cattle and buffaloes decline due to rise in ambient temperature especially during hot and hot humid seasons. A proper shelter is therefore necessary for maintaining the productivity under different agro climatic conditions. Heat alleviating measures viz. fan, coolers, foggers, mist, showers, wallowing etc.may be used for reducing the thermal stress. In this study a fan cum mist system was installed and found to be very effective in maintaining the production level during heat stress and reduce thermal stress. This system is also able to maintain the hygienic conditions in the floor bedding and reduce water use and energy consumption. We express our profound sense of gratitude and indebtedness to Dr. A.K.Srivastava Director, Dr. Sushil Kumar former Director, Dr. S.L. Goswami Joint Director (Research), Dr. G.R.Patil Joint Director (Academic) & former Chairman Consultancy cell and Dr. B.S. Prakash, Head DCP NDRI Karnal for their esteemed and timely guidance during the course of the study. We are extremely thankful to Dr. Shiv Prasad, I/C cattle Yard for providing the logistic support during entire period of study. Help rendered by the staff of DCP Division, M.E. Section is duly acknowledged. We are grateful to M/S Space Cool Systems Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi for the installation of cooling system in the cattle yard for undertaking the experiment under memorandum of understanding signed between NDRI and M/S Space Cool System, New Delhi. The present report is the compilation of the results obtained during the course of study as envisaged under MOU. We hope that the information will be of immense use to the progressive dairy farmers for sustaining the milk production during hot dry and hot humid condition in different parts of India using the cooling system with efficient blasting of air and designed with high pressure fitted with atomizers. Dr. Parveen Kumar Dr. Sohan Vir Singh Dr. R.C. Upadhyay

6 CONTENTS Consultancy Project Report 1 Protocol for study on crossbred cows (Karan Fries) 4 Physiological Functions 4 Feed Intake 4 Milk Yield 4 Environmental Variables 4 Physiological Functions 4 Feed Intake 7 Milk Yield 8 Protocol for study on Buffaloes 9 Physiological Functions 9 Feed Intake 11 Milk Yield 12 Hormone Analysis 12 Benefit to Cost Ratio 13 Summary 13

7 CONSULTANCY PROJECT REPORT Measures to Alleviate Heat Stress in Cattle and Buffaloes Memorandum of understanding for contract research (Collaborative research) was signed between M/s Space Cool Systems Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi and National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana) to undertake the research on the topic entitled Measures to alleviate heat stress in cattle and buffaloes with a specific objective to see the effect of water dispersion on milk production, feed intake and physiological responses in cattle and buffaloes. The study was conducted at Cattle Yard, NDRI, Karnal (Haryana). Karnal is located 250 m above mean sea level North latitude and longitude. The average rainfall is around 700mm. The average ambient temperature during the different months of the year ranges from zero to more than 40 C. The mean monthly temperature and mean relative humidity during different months of the year at Karnal have been graphically represented in the form of climograph (Fig.1). 1

Temperature humidity index is negatively correlated with milk yield in cattle and buffaloes i.e. higher is the summer stress more is decline in milk production (Fig.2 & 2a).

8 Temperature humidity index is negatively correlated with milk yield in cattle and buffaloes i.e. higher is the summer stress more is decline in milk production (Fig.2 & 2a). Under this research programme M/s Space Cool Systems Pvt. Ltd. Delhi had installed fan cum mist cooling system along with the controlling unit (Picture 1) in the cattle Yard of NDRI, Karnal. A total number of ten fans (Picture 2) were fixed in the byre at an angular plane at a distance of about 20 feet covering about 200 feet over the animals. Each fan had the provision of fixing four atomizers (Picture 2) having diameter of 75µ for formation of mist. The blasting of air from the high-speed fan immediately evaporated the mist (Picture 3). Picture1. : Controlling unit of cooling system 2

objective, the experiments were conducted on cattle and buffaloes as per the following protocol: The study was conducted on six

9 Picture 2. Angular fans attached with atomizers Picture 3: Mist flow during the operation of cooling system In order to fulfill the specific objective, the experiments were conducted on cattle and buffaloes as per the following protocol: The study was conducted on six lactating crossbred (Karan Fries) cows and six Murrah buffaloes for a period of 45 days during summer season. An adaptation period of 15 days was given before the start of actual study. Statistical analysis was carried out using suitable statistical models. 3

10 PROTOCOL FOR STUDY ON CROSSBRED COWS (KARAN FRIES) Following parameters were recorded in control and experimental animals during hot dry season. PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS: Core temperature Respiratory frequency Heart rate Skin temperature Thermal heat load FEED INTAKE: Dry matter intake (kg/ animal/ day) Dry matter intake (kg/ 100 kg body weight/ day) MILK YIELD: Milk Yield (kg /day) ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES: Dry bulb temperature Wet bulb temperature Relative humidity Sunshine hours Wind velocity PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS Six lactating cows were kept under natural conditions (control) without fan cum cooling system and another six lactating cows (experimental) were maintained under the cooling system for a period of six hours i.e am to pm. Adaptation period of 15 days was given to the experimental group before the actual start of the experiment. The average dry bulb temperature ( C) and relative humidity 4

11 (%) were 36.7±0.2 & 42.6±1.5 respectively under natural conditions. The corresponding values in experimental groups were 35.8±0.1 & 46.7±1.4 (Table-1). The average dry bulb temperature decreased by 0.9 C and relative humidity increased by 3-4 % due to fan cum mist cooling system. The average wind velocity during the experiment ranged between km/ hr and sunshine hours ranged between The core temperature (RT) increased by 0.8 C in control cattle whereas in experimental cattle the increase was only 0.1 C. The decline in core temperature was significant (p<0.01) due to the operation of fan cum cooling system for six hours during the peak hot hours of the day (Table 2 & Fig.3). The 5

12 skin temperature (ST) at rump and hump regions was 36.50± 0.03 & 36.7 ± 0.01 C in control cattle. After the running of fan cum mist cooling system over experimental KF Cows, ST at rump increased by 1.4 and 0.3 C respectively in control and experimental groups of cattle (Table 2). Similarly at hump region the ST increased by 1.5 & 0.4 C respectively in control and experimental cattle over the pre exposure values. The skin temperature at rump and hump regions significantly declined (p<0.05) in experimental animals as compared to control animals. Heat storage (KJ) declined by 56.70% (p<0.01) in experimental group of lactating cattle (Table 3). The respiratory frequency in control and experimental animals were almost similar before the start of actual experiment during the morning hours. After the end of six hours of operation of cooling system reduced the respiratory frequency (Table 2) by 7 breaths per minute compared to the 6

control animals. Similarly the pulse rate also decreased in the experimental animals however the decrease in pulse rate was non significant (Table 2).

13 control animals. Similarly the pulse rate also decreased in the experimental animals however the decrease in pulse rate was non significant (Table 2). FEED INTAKE: Control and experimental lactating Karan Fries Cows were monitored for dry matter intake (DMI) for the experimental period. Average DMI in control cattle was 10.56±0.81 kg/day( Fig. 4). The DMI increased by 7.5 percent in experimental cattle. DMI /100 kg body weight was found to be 1.73 and 1.86 kg respectively in control and experimental cattle. The lactating cattle during feeding under the cooling system (Picture 4). Picture 4: Feeding of lactating animals under fan cum mist cooling system 7

MILK YIELD: The Milk Yield kg/day were recorded in both the control and experimental lactating cattle showing a net increase in milk production of 1.2 kg/day (Fig. 5).

14 MILK YIELD: The Milk Yield kg/day were recorded in both the control and experimental lactating cattle showing a net increase in milk production of 1.2 kg/day (Fig. 5). In terms of percent increase in milk production it was found to be 9.8 as a result of fan cum mist cooling system, which resulted in conservation of energy in terms of milk production (Picture 5). Picture 5: Lactating Karan Fries Cattle 8

15 PROTOCOL FOR STUDY ON BUFFALOES PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS Six lactating buffaloes were kept under natural conditions (control) without fan cum cooling system and another six lactating buffaloes were maintained under the cooling system (experimental) for a period of six hours i.e am to pm. Adaptation period of 15 days were given to the experimental group before the actual start of the experiment. The average dry bulb temperature ( C) and relative humidity (%) were 36.7±0.2 & 42.6±1.5 respectively under natural conditions. The corresponding values in experimental groups were 35.8±0.1 & 46.7±1.4 (Table-1).The average dry bulb temperature decreased by 0.9 C and relative humidity increased by 3-4 % due to fan cum mist cooling system. The average wind velocity during the experiment ranged between km/ hr and sunshine hours ranged between The core temperature (RT) increased by 0.81 C in control buffaloes whereas in experimental buffaloes the increase was 9

16 only 0.4 C. The decline in core temperature was significant (p<0.05) due to the operation of fan cum cooling system for six hours during the peak hot hours of the day (Fig. 6). The skin temperature (ST) at rump and hump regions was 36.70± 0.02 & 36.6 ± 0.02 C in control buffaloes. After the running of fan cum mist cooling system, ST at rump increased by 1.2 and 0.2 C respectively in control and experimental groups of buffaloes. Similarly at hump region the ST increased by 1.2 & 0.1 C respectively in control and experimental buffaloes. The skin temperature at rump and hump regions significantly declined (p<0.05) in experimental animals as compared to control animals. Heat storage (kj) declined by 60.19% (p<0.01) in experimental group of lactating cattle (Table 4). The respiratory frequency in control and experimental animals were similar i.e. ranging between breaths per minute before the experiment during the morning hours. After the end of six hours of operation of cooling system reduced the respiratory frequency (Fig.7) by 11 breaths per minute compared Figure 7: Physiological responses of lactating buffaloes 10

to the control animals. Similarly the pulse rate also decreased from 74 to 72 beats per minute in the experimental animals however this decrease in pulse rate was non significant (Fig. 7).

17 to the control animals. Similarly the pulse rate also decreased from 74 to 72 beats per minute in the experimental animals however this decrease in pulse rate was non significant (Fig. 7). FEED INTAKE: Picture 6: Buffaloes under normal conditions The control and experimental buffaloes were monitored for Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during the experimental period. Average DMI in control buffaloes was 11.21±0.71 kg/day (Fig.8). The DMI increased by 8.2 percent in experimental buffaloes amounting to kg/day (Fig 8). DMI /100 kg body weight was found to be 1.97 and 2.13 kg respectively in control and experimental buffaloes. 11

MILK YIELD: The Milk Yield kg /day were recorded in both the control and experimental lactating buffaloes and registering a net increase in milk production of 0.8 kg/day in experimental group (Fig.5).

18 MILK YIELD: The Milk Yield kg /day were recorded in both the control and experimental lactating buffaloes and registering a net increase in milk production of 0.8 kg/day in experimental group (Fig.5). In terms of percent increase in milk production it was found to be 12.3% as a result of fan cum mist cooling system, which helped in conservation of energy in terms of milk production (Picture 7). Picture 7: Lactating buffalo HORMONE ANALYSIS Plasma samples were analysed for hormones i.e. Thyroxine, Triidothyronine, Cortisol and Prolactin before and after the treatment in both control and experimental group of cattle and buffaloes. In experimental cattle, the plasma levels of cortisol decreased significantly ( p<0.01) from 4.21±0.14 to 2.38±0.09 ng/ml while in experimental buffaloes the corresponding values were 4.35 ± 0.13 and 2.60 ± 0.08 ng/ml respectively. The mean plasma prolactin and plasma thyroxine levels did not change significantly in both cattle and buffaloes as compared to control. 12

19 BENEFIT TO COST RATIO The economics of the fan cum mist cooling system was calculated including overhead expenses and cost of the inputs. The benefits to cost ratio in this experiment was found to be 1.52:1.00 i.e. Rs per day for 100 lactating animals (Table 5). SUMMARY The importance of beneficial effect of angular fan cum mist cooling system to alleviate heat stress was validated through experiments on lactating cows and buffaloes during summer season. The angular fan cum mist cooling system was found to be effective in minimizing stress by improved feed intake and physiological responses leading to minimum changes in hormones, which resulted in increased milk production by % during hot conditions. The results of the study are of great importance to farmers/ dairy industry as the angular fan cum cooling system resulted in alleviating the thermal heat load and increased milk production. 13

20 Effects of thermal heat alleviating system consisting of fan cum mist were investigated in crossbred cows and buffaloes. The investigation revealed that the cooling device reduces thermal heat load on lactating animals improves milk yield and feed intake. The device is very useful for high producing cows and buffaloes and changes the microenvironment to comfortable levels. The device is able to return its investments in about two years. The cooling system is economic for maintaining more then fifty high producing cattle and buffaloes during summer. The fan cum mist cooling system was found to be efficient in reducing core temperature and restores physiological responses to normal values without affecting the quality of milk. Limited recurring expenditure with increased milk production could sustain the cooling system economically. Further, fine flow of the mist through a very small opening (74µ) resulted in dry bedding of the animals leading to hygienic conditions. Immediate evaporation of the mist by the angular fan resulted in lowering of the temprature and helping in modifying the microclimatic conditions to comfortable levels. The progressive farmers can use the fan cum mist system without any adverse effect on physiological responses of animal. Fan cum Mist system has been found to be economical since benefits to cost ratio has been found to be 1.52:1.00 and also water use and its wastage is much less in mist system as compared to showers. The immediate evaporation of mist by the blasting of air leads to dry bedding of the animals shed helping in hygienic environment. The entire cost of mist and fan can be recovered through increased milk production and improved microenvironment of the shed. In India, use of fan is common in dairies while use of coolers and fan cum mist system is uncommon. 14

Effect of Shelter Management on Lactating Crossbred Cows During Summer Under the Agro-Climatic Condition of Konkan Region of India

DOI Number 10.5958/2277-940X.2014.00070.9 Journal of Animal Research: v.4 n.1, p. 9-17. June 2014 Effect of Shelter Management on Lactating Crossbred Cows During Summer Under the Agro-Climatic Condition