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Intake and Digestion of Nutrients by the Bovine under Climatic Stress¹

Institute of Hormone Biology, Syntex Research Center, Stanford Industrial Park, Palo Alto, California Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India

The intake and digestion of nutrients by heifers of a good breed imported into a hot and humid region and of the indigenous, low-producing, stunted animals of that area were compared to assess the possible relationship of difference in metabolic activity to heat tolerance, and also with respect to alimentary function and digestive efficiency. Metabolism trials were conducted in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, and the effects of regional feeds and seasons on feed and water intakes, digestibility of protein, fats and carbohydrates, and balances of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were studied. The local animals, adapted to the climate, had higher feed and water intakes per unit of body weight, but their digestion coefficients for dry matter, crude protein, fats, and total carbohydrates were significantly lower than those of the imported animals. Nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus balances were also lower in local animals. Between the 2 diets, animals preferred the diet of their home area.

² Present address: P.O. Box 119, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720.

Manuscript received 22 September 1967.