Effect of work conditions on oxygen uptake and energy cost of test draught he-buffalo during treadmill exercise under controlled environment

Test draught he-buffalo was exercised on animal treadmill at different work conditions under controlled environment for a period of four hours or upto the test draught he-buffalo reached a state of fatigue for determining oxygen uptake and energy cost as oxygen uptake plays an important role in determination of energy cost for efficient utilization of muscle power of draught animals. Oxygen uptake and energy cost showed regular increasing trend at all speeds, inclination of treadmill, draughts and combination of temperature and humidity under the experiment. Oxygen uptake requirement during 420C temperature was found to be higher compared to 220C temperature and increases with increase in humidity to compensate the requirement of energy during exercise. Increment in maximum oxygen uptake was observed as 669.124% (2.0 km/h speed, 50 inclination of treadmill, 14% draught and 420C temperature with 90% humidity). Duration of exercise showed direct implication on oxygen uptake and was directly related with metabolic and energy demand of muscles. Oxygen uptake changes with changes in respiration rates, tidal volumes, oxygen extraction percentage, high ambient temperature and humidity levels resulted in more oxygen uptake due to distress caused by heat load conditions. Variation in energy cost has similar increasing trend as in case of oxygen uptake and found that requirement of energy cost during 420C temperature was higher compared to 220C temperature. Increase in oxygen uptake was found to be more sensitive to draughts so it can be used as an indicator of stress. Models developed for oxygen uptake and energy costs showed good correlation with independent variables and there R2 value was in acceptable range. Models developed for oxygen uptake and energy cost can be used for determining oxygen requirement and energy cost without performing experiment in the field for efficient utilization of muscle power of test draught he-buffalo.