Effect of feeding management practices on water intake in Tharparkar and Rathi cattle of Indian hot arid zone

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of grazing and stall feeding on water intake in Tharparkar and Rathi cattle in their native tract of hot arid zone. Lactating cattle (Tharparkar 10; Rathi 10) and heifers (Tharparkar 10; Rathi 10) of each breed were divided into two groups, forming grazing and stall-fed group at Jodhpur and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan. Observations were recorded for water intake, dry matter intake and milk yield in the morning and afternoon regularly, twice weekly for six weeks during each season (summer, winter and rainy) continuously for two years. Water intake in lactating cows and heifers of both the breeds followed the pattern of THI during summer season. Rathi cows had higher water intake/kg W0.75 than Tharparakar cows, however, Tharparkar heifers had higher water intake/kg W0.75 than Rathi heifers. Grazing Rathi cows had significantly higher water intake than stall-fed cows. Study revealed that Tharparkar cows had lesser water intake per kg W0.75 and per kg milk yield basis; however, Rathi heifers had lesser water intake per kg W0.75 basis in their native tract.

Keywords

• Arid cattle
• Grazing
• Stall feeding
• Water intake