Studies on Draftability of Non-Descript Bullocks of Orissa

Abstract

The draftability study was conducted on a pair of medium size bullocks with CIAE Animal Loading Car at draft load of 10, 12 and 14 % of body weight in summer and rainy season and at draft load of 12, 14 and 16 % of bodyweight in winter. Pulse rate (PR), respiration rate (RR) and the body temperature (BT) were recorded and power output was determined at hourly interval. It was observed that the physiological responses were predominantly affected by the ambient conditions at a particular load. In summer, the total power output per day of 6 hours work at 10 % load was 2.27 kW (Avg. 0.38 kW), whereas at 12 and 14 % load the same were 2.13 and 2.47 kW, respectively. The bullocks could work only for five hours as work had to be stopped after 3rd hour, due to fatigue. Although, the total power output at 14 % was higher than that of 10 and 12 % load, it could not be taken as a sustainable load in summer as the bullocks got fatigue after 3rd hour of work. The power out put per day was maximum (2.89 kW) at 12 % load followed by 2.63 kWat 14 % load and 2.47 kW at 10 % load in the rainy season. At 14 % load, the bullock got fatigue after 3rd hour of work. Maximum power output of 3.29 kW was found at 16 % load in the winter. The sustainable load was found to be 14 % with a power output of 3.19 kW/day. Considering the fatigue score and power output, it was observed that the bullocks could sustain draft load of 10 % in summer, 12 % in rainy season and 14 % in winter.