EFFECTS OF LOW FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURES ON FARM ANIMALS: II. INFLUENCE OF AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE ON WATER INTAKE OF LACTATING HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN COWS

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Abstract
The effects of low fluctuating temperatures on water intake and on the ratios of water intake to various other factors are reported. Six mature lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were confined in stanchions for three 14-day experimental periods during which temperatures, measured in degree-hours per day (d-h/day), ranged from 110 to 1152 and daily minimum ambient air temperatures (DMAAT) varied from 0° to 38° F. An interim period of approximately 14 days separated each test period. Each cow received hay ad libitum and concentrates were fed according to level of milk production and live weight. Each cow was watered individually five times daily and water consumption was recorded.Correlations of free water consumption and total water intake with both d-h/day and DMAAT were significant at the 2 per cent level in each case. Regressions of free water consumption and total water intake during the subsequent day on d-h/day were both significant at the 3 per cent level but regressions of the same factors on DMAAT were only significant at the 8 per cent level for free water consumption during the subsequent day and the 9 per cent level for total water intake during the subsequent day. Low fluctuating temperatures did not affect any of the ratios analysed to a significant extent. Thus, as d-h/day increased and DMAAT decreased, water intake increased. The increases were concomitant with increased feedstuffs intakes.Results of this study support Adolph’s hypothesis that the water requirement of mammals is roughly one millilitre per Calorie of heat produced. Temperature had no significant effect on this ratio. The correlation between water intake and caloric intake was significant at the 2 per cent level.Thermal stress effects experienced by the cows in response to temperature changes appeared to be dissipated within 24 hours, or overshadowed by the more immediate effects of the environment the following day.