Evaluación de la temperatura ambiental sobre la calidad y producción de leche en vacas en el páramo andino

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental temperature on the quality and production of milk in cows in the Andean paramo in the San Andrés parish in the province of Chimborazo. 10 Creole Holstein cows in production were used, which were divided into 2 groups in a pasture rotation system, staying the nights outdoors (G1) and under shed (G2). Climatic factors were recorded by placing sensors (Kestrel) located 2 meters from the ground in different areas (paddocks and shed). The daily milk production obtained in the milkings (morning and afternoon) was recorded; Milk analysis was carried out every 15 days, 3 consecutive days using the Lactoscan equipment, where 15 cc samples were used. The mean values obtained for mean temperature were 12.42 ° C for G1 and 14.19 ° C for G2; the cold stress index was calculated using the WCI (wind chill) obtaining the following values 4.4 and 17.26 with an average milk production of 11.16 and 12.30 liters for the G1 and G2 respectively, showing a significant difference (P = 0.000006). In the analysis of milk, it showed significant differences (P <0.05) between treatments for the variables fat (P = 0.027) and conductivity (P = 0.016). The correlation coefficient was significant (P <0.05) between milk production with climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, WCI) and highly significant (P <0.01) between WCI and the percentage of fat. It was concluded that the group that stayed the nights under the shed increased their milk production and obtained a higher percentage of fat compared to those that remained outdoors.