DEPENDENCE OF VITAL SIGNS, MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION ON TEMPERATURE HUMIDITY INDEX (THI) IN WHITE FULANI CATTLE

Abstract

The interaction of vital signs, milk yield and composition on thermo-humidity index (THI) in white Fulani cattle is yet to be fully documented in Nigeria. This was the main focus of this research work. Parameters measured were done once a month from September to November. Ambient temperature and humidity; rectal temperature, pulse and respiratory rate of animals were recorded. Milk was harvested from the six white Fulani cattle used for this experiment and volume of each was determined. The milk samples were analysed in a reputable laboratory for lactose (%), calcium (mg/L), vitamin C (mg/L), vitamin E (mg/L), urea nitrogen (mg/day), α-lactalbumin (%), β-lactoglobulin (%), solid non-fat (%), percentage fat, crude protein (%), selenium (mg/dl). Mean values were subjected to linear regression using SAS (2003). Result showed that calcium (Y= 3997.60-84.73THI), vitamin E (Y= 1.29 - 0.04THI), vitamin C (Y= 0.16 - 0.01THI) and selenium (Y= -0.09 + 0.003THI) showed significant differences (P<0.05) while, rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, volume of milk, fat, α-lactalbumin , β- lactoglobulin showed no significant difference (P>0.05). This study revealed that vitamin and mineral contents of milk is largely dependent on temperature and humidity which could be used to determine heat stress