Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Babita Kumari, Sunita Pareek, Ruchi Maan, Naveen Kumar, Pardeep Makwana and Punam

Abstract:
A study was conducted to investigate the effects of cold stress on haematological and oxidative stress parameters under different body condition score (BCS). Apparently healthy 180 Marwari sheep were divided in 6 groups (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5) as per their condition score. BCS was estimated by method as described by Jefferies (1961) and Russel (1969). Serum Catalase and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured by colorimetric and spectrophotometric method, respectively. Haemoglobin, PCV and ESR were estimated by standard method (Jain, 1986). The month of October-November was considered as moderate ambience (control) and the data observed during cold ambience (December-January) were compared from these data. The overall mean values of serum catalase and serum gamma glutamyl transferase showed a significant (p≤0.05) increase during extreme cold ambience as compared to moderate ambience. The overall mean values of haemoglobin and packed cell volume showed a significant (p≤0.05) decrease whereas erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed a non-significant decrease during extreme cold ambience. Serum catalase activity was observed highest in BCS 2.5 and lowest in BCS 4.5. Higher catalase activity indicated the activation of the protection mechanism in animals. Maximum and minimum increase in serum GGT were observed in the mean values of 4.5 BCS and 2.5 BCS. Increased serum GGT activity reflected increased oxidative stress due to cold ambience. In the present study, the haematological parameters were minimum in sheep with low BCS and maximum in higher BCS group. Decreased Hb and PCV during extreme cold ambiance in low BCS group may be due to reduction in synthesis of Hb and RBCs.