Physiological conditions of Bali cattle based on daily temperature-humidity index (THI) in oil palm plantation

Abstract

Oil palm plantations (OPP) have a temperature-humidity index (THI) higher than the surrounding environment, which affects the physiological conditions of cattle. The study aims to measure the body temperature (BT), respiration rate (RR), and pulse rate (PR) as a comfort indicator of cattle to the environment. Fourteen Bali cattle were used to study the physiological condition of cattle in an OPP based on THI. The THI in the morning, day, and night were tested using a Completely Randomized Design followed by Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that the OPP had a different THI (P<0.05): 77.36±1.22, 82.91±1.40, and 79.49±2.63 in the morning, day and night respectively. The BT, RR, and heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) during the day higher (P<0.05) than morning and the night, while the PR was not different. It is concluded that OPP has THI potential to give moderate stress, but the cattle still overcome them through physiological efforts, so it was suitable for Bali cattle grazing area.