Physiological and behavioural responses of Ongole-cross and Simmental-cross cattle at local farm in Lampung Tengah District

This title has been presented on Thursday, December 14, 2023  at 13.50-14.00 GMT+7.

Abstract

This title has been presented on Thursday, December 14, 2023  at 13.50-14.00 GMT+7.

The physiological status and productivity of beef cattle in tropical regions are influenced by their adaptation to hot and humid conditions. This study aimed to measure and compare the physiological and behavioural responses of Ongole-cross and Simmental-cross breeds, and examining their correlation with environmental temperature. Physiological parameters, including rectal temperature, respiration rate, and pulse rate, along with the duration of specific activities such as locomotion, lying, eating, and rumination, were systemically collected from five male Ongole-cross and five male Simmental-cross cows. Based on the calculation of average Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), all cows were exposed to a moderate environmental stress. As homeothermic animals, there was no correlation between rectal and environmental temperatures in both breeds. Conversely, a strong correlation between respiration rate and environmental temperature was measured in both both breeds. In addition, the correlation between pulse rate and environmental temperature was strong and weak in Simmental-cross and Ongole-cross breeds, respectively. Both breeds exhibited significantly longer duration of rumination during the night compared to daytime. Notably, the Ongole-cross breed displayed an extended duration of eating during daytime. In conclusion, the Simmental-cross breed demonstratred a more robust physiological and behavioural responses, indicating their thermoregulatory compensation under a moderate environmental stress.