Drinking Heated Water Improves Performance via Increasing Nutrient Digestibility and Ruminal Fermentation Function in...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Livestock Physiology

Background:

• Yak calves face challenges in winter due to cold temperatures affecting their growth and health.
• Water temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing feed intake and metabolism in livestock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of heated water consumption on yak calf growth, serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation during winter.
• To determine if providing 20 °C water optimizes physiological functions in yak calves compared to cold water.

Main Methods:

• 24 yak calves were randomly assigned to either a cold water (0-10 °C) or heated water (20 °C) group for 2 months.
• Evaluated body weight gain, serum biochemical indexes (including immune globulins and hormones), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and ruminal fermentation parameters.

Main Results:

• Heated water intake led to significantly higher total weight gain and average daily gain in yak calves.
• Significant increases were observed in immune globulin M, interleukin-6, thyroid hormones, growth hormone, and serum proteins (total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen) with heated water.
• Apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and ether extract, along with total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, and propionic acid in the rumen, were significantly enhanced by heated water.

Conclusions:

• Providing heated water at 20 °C improves growth performance in yak calves during winter.
• Heated water positively influences nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation, contributing to enhanced physiological functions and overall performance.