Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Devipriya Karumalaisamy

Abstract:
The study is conducted to explore the Physiological and haematological changes in adult lactating Kangayam cows during summer (April- June) and winter (December- February) season on its native tract of Tamil Nadu. A total of 10 Kangayam cows with age between 3 to 5^th lactation was selected for this study. Physiological responses like respiratory rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, skin temperature and sweating rate were measured during both seasons. The temperature humidity index also calculated during both season to know the effect of environmental stress on animals. The blood samples were collected during both seasons and haematological parameters like red blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total white blood cells, different leukocytes and platelets were studied to compare the seasonal effect and physiological adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. The results revealed that all physiological variables except rectal temperature were significantly (p<0.05) increased during summer than winter season. In haematological parameters the red blood cells (RBCs), Hemoglobin (Hb) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced during summer than winter season. There is no difference in packed cell volume (PCV), Mean corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and different white blood cells in both seasons. Whereas white blood cells and platelets were significantly (p<0.05) increased during winter than summer. All changes in haematological variables within reference range only. This study indicated that the changes in physiological and haematological response acted as one of the adaptation process of the animal to withstand the adverse environmental conditions and to maintain body homeostasis.