Effect of Thermal Stress on Feed Intake, Plasma Enzymes and Blood Biochemicals in Buffalo Heifers

Abstract

Twelve buffalo heifers were divided into two groups. Group 1 served as control and group 2 was exposed at 40°C in a climatic chamber to investigate the effect of thermal stress on feed intake, physiological responses, enzymes and blood biochemicals. Dry matter intake was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1. There was no significant change in RR, PR and RT in group 1 and group 2 on day 21, 14 and 7 before exposure to thermal stress. The values of physiological responses increased significantly in group 2 than in group 1 after exposure to thermal stress for 4 h daily. Glucose, total cholesterol decreased significantly, whereas total protein increased significantly in group 2. SGOT increased significantly in group 2 but variation in SGPT concentration between groups was non significant. The alkaline phosphatase activity decreased significantly following the thermal stress whereas acid phosphatase activity was comparable between the groups. The significant changes in blood parameters may serve as an indicator of stress in buffalo heifers.