Abstract:
The subsistence livestock farming is integrated in sustainable agriculture production and food security for small holder rural poor in Pakistan. Proper maneuvering and adjustment of environmental factors could be beneficial in sustainable livestock farming. The aim of this study was to check the effect of lightning duration on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score of Sahiwal heifers. For this purpose, a total of nine yearling Sahiwal cattle heifers having similar age, body weight and height were selected and divided into three groups (A, B and C) in such a way that each group had three heifers. Group A was allotted short day photoperiod (8 h Light: 16 h Dark), Group B was maintained on natural photoperiod and Group C was kept on long day photoperiod (16 h Light: 8 h Dark). The duration of experimental trial was from December to February (90 days) and during these months the duration of natural photoperiod varies from 8 to 12 hours. Results of this study showed that the photoperiod manipulation had a significant (p<0.05) effect on DMI, water intake and weight gain. The DMI in heifers of Group A, Group B and Group C were 4.86, 4.76 and 5.33 kg day-1, respectively. Water intake in heifers of Group A, Group B and Group C was 2.68, 2.49 and 3.06 Lday-1, respectively. Average daily weight gain in Group A, Group B and Group C was 372.5, 338.1 and 435.4 g day-1, respectively. Body measurements were not statistically different (p >0.10) however, body measurements were numerically greater in heifers exposed to long-day photoperiod than those on short-day photoperiod. Based on results, it is concluded that supplemental lighting had a significant effect on the growth performance of Sahiwal cattle heifers.
Page(s):
26-26
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, August 27-31, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023
Keywords:
photoperiod
,
growth performance
,
Dry matter intake
,
heifers