ADAPTATIONAL STUDIES ON HEREFORD CATTLE IN MALAYSIA I. HEAT TOLERANCE

(M. PATHMASINGHAM, M. MURUGAIYAH and MOHD. NASIR ABDUL)

SUMMARY

This paper reports on the initial adaptability of imported Hereford cattle to the Malaysian environment. It also compares the effects that three management treatments have on their adaptability. For the trial, 25 females and 3 males, were used. These were split into 3 management treatments, consisting of total shade, optional shade, and day shade and night grazing. The adaptability was assessed by rectal temperature, Rhoad's Heat Tolerance Coefficient, respiration rate, Benezra's Index of Adaptability, and pulser ate. The rectal temperature and Rhoad's Coefficient obtained were 4 0.62°C and 58.52 respectively for all animals throughout the day. These were comparable to Jerseys in Malaysia. Males were found to adapt less well than the females. In the treatment comparisons, animals given the day shade and night grazing were found to adapt and respond best to the Malaysian environment. In terms of respiration rate and Benezra's Index, the overall figures were 126.8 and 6.56 respectively. These were again found to be similar to the imported Jersey. Again the animals in the day shade and night grazing group responded better significantly than those in the other two treatments. However, in this comparison the males shorved up better than females, probably due to their temperament. In the pulse rate comparisons, again the third groups of animals responded significantly better than those in the other groups. The significance of using rectal temperature and respiration rate, and the need to use these to complement adaptability studies is discussed. Recommendations regarding the management of imported Herefords into Malaysia is made

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