ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS (TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY) ON NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS AND METABOLISM IN ANIMALS

Abstract

Background: Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity play a crucial role in regulating physiological functions in animals. Extreme variations in these conditions can disrupt metabolic processes, alter nutrient utilization, and compromise growth, reproduction, and immunity. As global climate patterns shift, understanding these environmental influences becomes essential for developing adaptive strategies in animal nutrition and management.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of temperature and humidity, as key environmental factors, on nutrient requirements and metabolism in animals, with a focus on cows.

Methods: A randomized complete block design was employed, and twenty-five cows were assigned to different treatment groups representing varying temperature and humidity conditions. Feed intake remained constant across all groups.

Results: The results indicated that temperature and humidity significantly influenced feed intake, with variations observed among the groups. Protein digestibility showed a significant decrease with higher temperatures and lower humidity levels. Fat digestibility was also negatively affected by elevated temperature and lower humidity. Conversely, fiber digestibility increased under higher temperature conditions.

Conclusion: These findings highlighted the importance of considering environmental factors when formulating diets and managing animal husbandry practices, with implications for optimizing nutrient utilization and animal health. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms and generalize the findings to other animal species and geographical locations..

Lettuce seedlings were transplanted on October 15th in both seasons. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves per head, head length, and diameter were measured, along with chlorophyll content (SPAD reading), head volume, average head weight, and total yield per square meter. In addition, nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels were evaluated in leaf tissues, as well as nitrate accumulation.

Results revealed that the treatment using compost tea enriched with bacterial inoculation significantly outperformed all other treatments in enhancing vegetative growth, nutrient uptake, and yield attributes. This was followed closely by compost tea with molasses, while mineral fertilizer ranked third in effectiveness. The lowest performance was observed in plants treated with compost tea alone. Notably, the use of organic treatments, particularly with bacterial support, led to a significant reduction in leaf nitrate content—an important health and food safety indicator.

Overall, the findings demonstrate that compost tea, especially when fortified with beneficial microbes or molasses, can serve as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to mineral fertilizers in lettuce cultivation.