V. BeenaDEBIA YAMIN2023-02-232023-02-232020-11-30https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810194339Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of MASTER OF VETERINARY SCIENCE inVeterinary PhysiologyThe present study was undertaken to investigate the association of temperature humidity index with physiological, biochemical and behavioural responses in Malabari, crossbred and Attappady goats of Kerala. The research work was conducted at University Goat and Sheep Farm, KVASU, Mannuthy, Thrissur district in Kerala from March to May, 2020. In-house temperature, in house relative humidity and physiological parameters were measured at 7.00 AM, 10.00 AM, 2.00 PM and 5.00 PM. Haematological, biochemical and endocrines parameters, blood gases and electrolytes, were analysed during 2 nd, 32nd day and 60th day of the study. A positive correlation was noticed between in-house temperature (IT) and temperature humidity index (THI) with respiration rates, rectal temperatures, heart rate and skin temperature levels of breeds at 2.00 PM and 5.00 PM. Alterations in physiological parameters were more significant in Malabari goats. However a negative correlation was observed between in-house relative humidity and all physiological parameters during all the different times. Behavioural patterns were influenced by increased IT and THI and the breeds spent more time in standing position during heat stress. No significant difference was observed in haematological parameters in the breeds except in TLC levels which were significantly increased during periods of heat stress. A significant difference was observed within the study period in the pO2, Na+ , HCO3 - and blood pH. A significant difference was observed between the breeds for K + , Cl and HCO3 - levels. No significant difference was noticed for pCO2 level among the breeds and within the observed days. A significantly higher glucose level on 32nd day and a lower total cholesterol level in the latter half of the experimental period were noticed in Malabari and crossbred. Mean total protein levels of all the breeds were significantly increased on 32 nd day. The albumin, globulin and A/G ratio levels of all the breeds were within the range during the period of study. Increased GGT levels were observed in the first half of the experimental period in all breeds. Higher cortisol levels in Malabari and crossbred could be estimated in the first half of the experiment. Although Malabari showed higher T3 levels on 32nd day compared to other breeds, within the breeds no significant difference in T3 levels could be noticed. However, significantly higher T4 values were recorded on 32nd day and 60th day only in crossbred breeds when the IT and THI were high.EnglishThesis