The impact of shelter housing on the live weight gain of male calves in Yocará (Juliaca, Peru)

Abstract

In the southern highlands of Peru, shelters for male calves are enclosed structures designed to protect them from extreme cold and solar radiation. Therefore, maintaining adequate climatic conditions in these shelters is key to optimizing live weight gain. The objective of the study was to estimate the impact of the shelter's climatic conditions on the live weight gain of male calves in the community of Yocará (Juliaca, Peru). A quasi-experimental research design was used, based on primary data and an eight-month follow-up. The results show that calves housed in shelters with better climatic conditions, as measured by the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), achieved an average positive and statistically significant daily live weight gain of 0.106 kg (p < 0.05), compared to the scenario without such infrastructure. These findings highlight the importance of adequate livestock infrastructure in increasing live weight gain. It is recommended to strengthen public policies aimed at improving and expanding the construction of livestock shelters with enhanced designs that promote animal welfare and live weight gain.