Effect of different housing patterns on feed and water intake in Mehsana buffalo heifers under semi-arid conditions

Three groups of 12-month-old buffalo heifers were reared for 1 year under 3 housing patterns. Group 1: individually tethered in a brick-walled RCC shed; group 2: individually lethered in that ched roof shed; group 3: individually tethered under tree sheller, The housing effect on feed intake was nonsignificant, but monthly variations were significant (P<0.05). The total daily water intake was significantly (P<0.05) different during differc'nt months, while water intake per 100 kg body weight and water intake per kg dry matter intake were significantly (P<0.05) different for housing and months.In semi-arid regions more open type of housing, i.e. thatched roof shed, has to be preferred for growing buffaloes.