Blood biochemistry and hormonal profiles of crossbred calves during hot-humid season under modified roofing systems

Abstract

Heat stress causes various alterations in normal blood biochemical & hormonal parameters of the animals leading to decrease in comfort and hence production as well as productivity. Its impact is even more during hothumid climate. This study was therefore designed to witness the effect of various housing models on different blood parameters of crossbred calves during the rainy season in tropics. A total of eighteen crossbred calves (9-11 months old) were randomly selected and allocated in 3 groups viz. control (C): corrugated cemented sheet (CCS) as roofing material, T1: polycarbonate plastic sheet as roof and T2: polycarbonate roof with adjustable height. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of modified housing using different roofing materials on growth and physiological performance of calves during the rainy season. The THI at 9:00 am varied between 82.50 ±0.52 to 86.30 ±0.43 and at 2:30 pm between 85.67 ±0.63 to 92.32 ±0.48 during the season. The overall average temperature of shed was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 (28.18±0.11) than T1 (29.74±0.19) and C (30.55±0.06). Overall average relative humidity (%) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 (77.08±0.31) as compared to T1 (82.10±0.76) and C (82.92±0.12). Overall average temperature humidity index (THI) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 (76.56 ±0.23) followed by T1 (78.35 ± 0.23) and C (79.30 ± 0.18). Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (g/dl) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 (11.18±0.31) as compared to T1 (10.36±0.47) and C (10.10±0.55). Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) level (IU/L) in C (102.53±3.08) was significantly higher (P<0.05) followed by T1 (98.51±3.28) in comparison to T2 (91.73±2.41). No significant difference was found in the serum hormone levels (T3, T4 and cortisol) between the treatment groups. It may be inferred that the micro-environment was more conducive in T2 than control; hence the reflective polycarbonate roofing with adjusted higher height may be the desirable choice for animal housing in view of mitigating heat stress during the hot-humid climate.