HOUSING EFFECTS ON CROSSBRED COWS IN HOT-HUMID CLIMATE

The effect of housing vis-a-vis open condition without any housing on milk production, milk constituents, feed, water and grass consumption was studied on crossbred cows in a hot-humid climate. The air temperature and air velocity were significantly lower in the house atmosphere. The black-globe temperature inside the cow house was always higher than the air temperature indicating that the surrounding walls, roof and floor emitted radiated heat. In the open, both long and short wave radiations were only 25% less during the 12 night hr. Cows when left in the open produced significantly more milk though the milk fat and protein content dropped. Cows in the open consumed more water (21 to 23% higher) and ate more grass than when housed. The findings indicated that housing for cattle in the hot-humid tropics should be minimal to allow maximum ventilation and air movement.