Physiological responses of several beef cattle breeds based on environmental conditions in Beef Cattle Research Station

Abstract

Physiological conditions were one factors that can affect the growth of cattle. The study aimed to determine the physiological responses of several beef cattle breeds that are reared in Beef Cattle Research Station (BCRS), Grati District, Pasuruan Regency, East Java Indonesia, was carried out by measure temperature, humidity, Temperature Humidity Index (THI), rectal temperature, respiration frequency, body temperature, Head Tolerance Coefficient (HTC) and heart rate of 159 cows consisting of Bali, Madura, Jabres, Galekan, Rambon, Peranakan Ongole (PO), Belgian Blue x PO cross, PO x Bali cross (POBA) which were observed during 4 months in pens. Data were analysed descriptively. The result of the study were ambient temperature and relative humidity of the pen ranged from 25-34.12°C and 54.88-84.27%, THI ranged from 74.92-84.97, body temperature ranged from 35.06-38.53°C, respiration frequency ranged from 20-54 times/minute, HTC ranged from 1.81-3.34, and heart rate ranged from 65-92 times/minute. It was concluded that several breeds of beef cattle in BCRS have mild to severe heat stress, high heat tolerance, respiration rate and heart rate. This condition does not cause production problem in several beef cattle, but in BB x PO cross it has potential to low productivity.