J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1952. 11:42-49.
© 1952 American Society of Animal Science
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Seasonal Variations in the Feed and Water Intake of Cattle

D. N. Mullick, V. N. Murty and N. D. Kehar

Indian Veterinary Research Institute1

Abstract

There seems to be little information on the metabolic behavior of ruminants in the tropics, affecting their general health and production. This investigation was designed to study the influence of seasonal rhythm on the metabolic behavior of different nutrients in cattle.

Observations on the pulse rate, respiration rate, body temperature, body weight, digestibility and water metabolism were recorded on six healthy kumauni hill steers for summer, autumn, winter and spring seasons extending over a period of 18 months. Mean air temperature and relative humidity also were noted for the whole period of observation. It was found that:

  1. The pulse rate, respiration rate and body temperature increased while body weight decreased in the summer months.
  2. The amount of water taken and the insensible perspiration was highest in summer, comparatively lower in autumn and spring, and minimum in winter.
  3. The dry matter intake varied with the water intake.
  4. The urinary output and its specific gravity remained unaltered in all the periods.
  5. The ingestion of protein and fat is much lower in summer and autumn than in winter and spring.
  6. The amount of digested protein in terms of percentage of T.D.N. is less in summer and autumn months, whereas that of carbohydrate was higher in the summer months and the reverse was the case in winter and autumn.
  7. Differences in intake of water, dry matter and nutrients were statistically significant between the seasons.
  8. The interrelationship between the different nutrients and environmental conditions has been discussed.

Footnotes

1 Animal Nutrition Section, Izatnagar, U. P.






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