Effect of work conditions on oxygen uptake and energy cost of test draught he-buffalo

Test draught he-buffalo was used on the animal treadmill at different work conditions under a controlled environment for a period of four hours or up to the test draught he-buffalo reached a state of fatigue for determining oxygen uptake and energy cost. Oxygen uptake and energy cost result showed regular increasing trend at all speeds, inclination of treadmill, draughts and combination of temperature and humidity. Oxygen uptake requirement and variation in energy cost at 42 0C temperature was higher as compared to 22 0C temperature, and it increases with increase in humidity. The increment in maximum oxygen uptake was observed as 669.124 % (2.0 km/h speed, 50 inclination of treadmill, 14% draught and 42 0C temperature with 90 % humidity). Oxygen uptake changes with changes in respiration rates, tidal volumes, oxygen extraction percentage, humidity levels and high ambient temperature. Increase in oxygen uptake was found to be more sensitive to draughts so it can be used as an indicator of stress. Oxygen uptake and energy costs model showed good correlation with independent variables and there R2 value was in the acceptable range. This model can be used in oxygen requirement and energy cost estimation in the out-field experiment for efficient utilization of muscle power of test draught he-buffalo.