Effect of Deep Bedded Pack System in Manure Management for Reducing Heat Stress of Cattle in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Heat stress has a considerable effect both on animal welfare and production. Animals in heat stressreduceproductivity and reproductive performances and in extreme cases, it causes death. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Satkhira, a South-Western part of Bangladesh from July 2019 to June 2020 for12 monthsperiod to investigate the year-round heat stress experienced by cattle raised in a Deep Bedded Pack System (DBP) compared to that raised on a concrete floor (CF) system in an open barn. A total of six dry cows (2.5 to 3 yearsold, Holstein-Friesian crossbred) were allotted into two groups with three replications. The deep bedded pack was prepared with rice husk. The heat stress was calculated by following an equation using temperature and humidity data. Result: Animals raised on a concrete floor were suffered moderate to severe heat stress for eight months in a year from March to October. Otherwise, animals on the DBP floor were suffered from moderate heat stress only for five months, from June to October in a year. No severe case was found on the DBP floor but severe heat stress was shown by animals on the concrete floor from July to September. Therefore, animals feel more comfortable in the DBP management system.