Effect of watering frequency on milk parameters, feed and water intake in Achai-Jersy cross cattle

Water is a vital nutrient for sustaining life and optimizing growth, lactation and reproduction of dairy cattle.It is pertinent to mention here that achieving better production and good health without considering the availability of free access to clean drinking water is not possible.In order to investigate the effect of different watering regimes on different productive parameters, the current study was designed.The trial period comprises of six weeks with a total number of twelve healthy lactating cows in mid-lactation.These animals were divided into three different groups.The experimental groups received watering regime as water twice a day, thrice a day and ad libitum.Results indicated that watering frequency had a significant (P<0.05)effect on milk production, water intake and feed intake.Average milk production in Group-A, B and C was 4.34, 4.89 and 5.08 liters respectively.Water intake in cows of group Group-A, B and C was 28.90, 31.28 and 33.26 liters, respectively.Feed intake in cows of group A, B and C was 20.87, 22.23 and 25.31 kg, respectively.Watering frequency had a significant effect (P<0.05) on milk production, water intake and feed intake.The watering frequency however, showed non-significant effect on milk composition in all treatment groups.Hence, it was concluded that ad-lib water availability positively effects milk production and feed intake of Achai-Jersey cross cattle.It is recommended that free access to clean drinking water is adequate to satisfy the water requirement of lactating cows for better feed consumption and thus higher milk production.