Physio-metabolic responses in buffaloes exposed to sustained thermal stress: Acclimatization dynamics

Abstract

The study was conducted at Physiology & Climatology Division, IVRI on four dry adult Murrah buffaloes to observe the physio-metabolic alterations and acclimatization process during thermal stress [HS]. The animals were exposed in climatic chambers at 25, 30, 35 and 40 oC; 21 days at each treatment. Daily exposure period was fixed from 10.00-15.00 hrs. Rectal temperature [RT], respiration rate [RR], pulse rate [PR] were measured daily in morning and afternoon. Blood was collected on day one and day 21. There was a significant increase in RR, RT & PR at 35 and 40 oC, similarly enzymes AST, SOD, serum sodium, potassium also increased during heat stress period (P