Context The drinking water temperature during winter has a significant impact on dairy buffaloes’ thermoregulation, which in turn influences their haemato-biochemical, endocrine responses and milk yield. Aims The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of drinking water temperature on haemato-biochemical and endocrine responses of lactating Murrah buffaloes during the winter season under a subtropical climate. Methods Twenty-four lactating buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India, under a loose housing system were selected for the study during January to March 2024. Twenty-four lactating buffaloes were divided into three uniform/random groups, with eight in each group after considering their bodyweight, parity and milk yield. Group-I animals were offered drinking water at a temperature of 8–12°C, whereas, Group-II and Group-III were offered drinking water at temperatures of 20–24°C and 32–36°C, respectively. Voluntary water intake was recorded daily and blood sample analysis was conducted at fortnightly intervals. Serum biochemical and endocrine parameters, including glucose, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity were analysed. Key results The study revealed that the group offered cold water had significantly (P 0.05) less water consumption. The results revealed that drinking water temperature did not significantly affect the haematological profile, but significantly influenced electrolyte balance, metabolic responses and stress indicators. Cold water (8–12°C) significantly increased blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids and electrolyte concentrations, indicating higher metabolic demands and mild stress. Whereas fresh water (20–24°C) and warm water (32–36°C) promoted efficient glucose metabolism and retained lower insulin concentrations while boosting antioxidant capacity. Conclusion The present study indicated that fresh water temperature (20–24°C) was sufficient in maintaining metabolic efficiency, reducing the effects of cold stress in buffaloes, and promoting better health and performance without the cost of suppyling heated water. Implications The study draws attention to a simple, yet efficient management approach that might enhance animal welfare and health during severe winters.
Purohit et al. (Mon,) studied this question.