Question

In comparison to temperate breeds of cattle, sweat glands in buffaloes are about

• A. One fourth
• B. One fifth
• C. One sixth
• D. One seventh

Hint:

Buffalo Thermoregulation Facts: Sweat gland density is $1/6\text{th}$ of cattle $\implies$ Poor heat tolerance, requires Wallowing in water.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cutaneous thermoregulation: water buffaloes possess poorly developed sweat glands with roughly 1/6th the density of zebu/temperate cattle, predisposing them to heat stress.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Sweat Gland Density: Zebu Cattle } (\approx 1000 - 1500/\text{cm}^2) \gg \text{Buffalo } (\approx 150 - 200/\text{cm}^2 \approx 1/6\text{th}) \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In comparative environmental physiology and thermoregulation:
- Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) have dark, sparsely haired skin with poorly developed cutaneous evaporation mechanisms.
- The density of functional sweat glands in buffaloes is approximately one-sixth ($1/6\text{th}$) of the sweat gland density found in cattle ($150 - 200/\text{cm}^2$ in buffaloes vs $1,000 - 1,500/\text{cm}^2$ in cattle).
- Consequently, cutaneous evaporative heat loss is inefficient, necessitating wallowing in water or artificial showering to prevent hyperthermia in hot summer months.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, sweat glands in buffaloes are about One sixth of cattle, matching option (C).