Evaluation and amelioration of heat stress in lactating buffaloes under farm conditions
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Date
2005-01
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
In order to investigate the alleviation of heat stress, 15 recently calved buffaloes were divided into 3 groups of 5 animals in each group. Group-A buffaloes were subjected to 5 hrs wallowing per day. Group-B animals were applied wet gunny bag on their back and, Group-C were maintained under control natural condition that is open shed with pacca floor and observation were recorded for 5 month during summer season from April to August. Mean ambient temperature (maximum) was 31.680.41 to 37.180.52 0C, THI value was 70.70.41 to 84.870.43, relative humidity was 65.40.84 to 91.470.61, air velocity was 4.510.31 to 7.990.47km/hr, and sunshine was 4.130.50 to 10.70.33hr., during the period study. Exposure of lactating buffaloes to heat stress caused linear increase in rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate significantly higher (P<0.05) in control group where as other two groups did not recorded such change. Haemato-biochemical characters viz, hemoglobin, packed cell and erythrocyte count volume stood significantly (P<0.05) lower in control animals during heat stress. Total leucocytic count increased with increase lymphocytic count significantly (P<0.05) in control group as compared with treated group involvement of these parameters in indicating stress conditions. Increased plasma protein and glucose, albumin and creatinine concentration were also recorded in control group. Thermal stress on serum profile of Thyroid (T4 and T3) and adrenal medullary (NE and E) hormones were estimated by standardized radioimmunoassay and HPLC respectively. Effect on the level of T3 and T4, with increase in THI was significant (p0.01) for T4 and nor-epinephrine only. Milk fat, SNF, total solid (all %) and 15 day milk yield (L) recorded were 8.13±0.14, 9.17±0.09 and 17.17±0.20 respectively. But when THI and R.H. were 84.87±0.43 and 84.6±0.69% the average milk fat%, SNF, total solid (all %) and milk yield, were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in group C buffaloes. However, Group A shown better results in term of milk composition and followed by group B buffaloes. On the basis of cilmatological, haemato-biochemical and production results it could be suggested that heat stressed lactating buffaloes required protection from exposure to heat. Both treatment applied were found to be adequate for summer stress alleviation, however, wallowing provided greater relief compared to gunny bag application.
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