Vol. 13, Issue 3 (2024)

Climate change has profound effects on global weather patterns, with rising temperatures and altered precipitation contributing to shifts in ecosystems. In the Indian context, climate change has manifested in decreased monsoon circulation, increased heat waves, and altered cold wave occurrences. Livestock, particularly dairy cattle, are susceptible to these climatic changes, affecting their productivity and health. This study investigates the cellular stress response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Vechur cattle (Bos indicus) and Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred cattle (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) exposed to in vitro thermal stress temperatures (42°C for heat and 25°C for cold) compared to the control temperature (37°C). The methodology involves PBMC isolation, culturing, and exposure to thermal stress, with subsequent assessment of cell viability. Results indicate a significant decrease in the viability of PBMCs after thermal stress exposure, with a more pronounced decline observed in that of crossbred animals. This study contributes to understanding the impact of climate-induced thermal stress on cellular function in livestock, emphasising the importance of considering genetic variability in heat-tolerant cattle breeds.