Optimizing Drinking Water Temperature for Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during Winter: Implications for Productivity under Subtropical Climate

Neelam Purohit; Indu Devi; Divyanshu Tomar; Kuldeep Dudi

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Optimizing Drinking Water Temperature for Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during Winter: Implications for Productivity under Subtropical Climate

Neelam Purohit, Indu Devi , Divyanshu Tomar, Kuldeep Dudi

Abstract

Context. The temperature of drinking water during winter plays a vital role in the thermoregulation of dairy buffaloes, which also affects the animal’s physiology and production. Aims. This study investigated the effects of drinking water temperature on physiological responses, water intake, feed intake, and milk production in lactating buffaloes during the winter season in subtropical India. Methods. A total of 24 lactating Murrah buffaloes were randomly assigned to three groups based on the temperature of drinking water (n=8 in each group) viz. ambient temperature (8-12 °C, G1), fresh water temperature (20-24 °C, G2) and slightly warm water (32-36 °C, G3) during the winter season (January–March 2024). The maximum temperature, minimum temperature and mean relative humidity were 25.70±0.49, 4.89±0.52°C and 76.92±2.79%, respectively. Key results. The findings revealed that offering fresh and warm water to buffaloes (G1 and G2) had a positive effect on the total water intake, dry matter intake, and milk yield as compared to cold water consumption (G1). Total water intake increased by 15.4–16.2%, and milk yield improved by 5.3–6.9% in the fresh and warm water groups. Intake of warm water reduced respiration rates and supported better thermoregulation, which was indicated by a significant increase in rectal temperature. Conclusion. Thus, providing warm drinking water helps in reducing winter stress, feed efficiency, and productivity in dairy buffaloes under subtropical conditions. Implications. It highlights a simple yet effective management strategy to improve animal welfare and productivity during harsh winters.

AN25087 Accepted 15 July 2025