EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT BEDDING MATERIALS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BEHAVIOR, AND HEALTH STATUS OF RED SINDHI CATTLE CALVES

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of different bedding materials on growth performance, behavior, and health of Red Sindhi cattle calves. Twelve calves were divided into three groups (A: katcha floor; B: wheat straw; C: rice straw) under an intensive management system. Group C (rice straw) showed significantly higher fortnightly body weight in Group C (134.375 kg) compared to Group B (129 kg) and Group A (118.25 kg). Similarly, Group C exhibited superior physical development, with the greatest fortnightly body height (118 cm), length (119.625 cm), and girth (130.75 cm), outperforming Group B (height: 113.125 cm; length: 117.125 cm; girth: 126 cm) and Group A (height: 108.5 cm; length: 110.25 cm; girth: 122.375 cm). Behavioural observations revealed Group C spent more time lying (208.375 minutes/day), feeding (28 minutes/day), and drinking (18.25 minutes/day), whereas Group A recorded the highest standing duration (141.500 minutes/day). In contrast, Group C displayed the lowest standing time (126.5 minutes/day). Feeding and drinking durations in Group B (25.5 and 16.375 minutes/day, respectively) and Group A (22.5 and 15.25 minutes/day) were notably lower. Health assessments identified lameness, swollen legs, and skin lesions exclusively in Group A, with no such issues observed in Groups B or C. These findings underscore the welfare advantages of bedding materials.it is concluded that rice straw bedding (Group C) significantly enhances growth performance, behavior, and health status in Red Sindhi cattle calves compared to wheat straw bedding (Group B) and the katcha floor (Group A). These results underscore the importance of appropriate bedding materials in improving calf welfare and productivity.