Effect of bedding materials on haemato-biochemical parameters of Rathi calves

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of various bedding materials on the haematological and physiological parameters of Rathi calves across four distinct seasonal macroclimates: Monsoon, Post-monsoon, Winter, and Summer. Twenty healthy female Rathi calves, aged 5 to 6 months and with an average body weight of 67±2 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, each consisting of five calves. The calves were provided with different bedding materials (concrete, sand, wooden sawdust, and rubber mat) and fed a uniform diet with ad libitum access to green and dry fodder. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts, neutrophil counts, eosinophil counts, and basophil counts were measured across the different bedding types throughout the study period. The results showed no significant differences in any of the haematological parameters between bedding materials across all seasons. Hb levels, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil counts remained stable, suggesting that bedding material had minimal or no effect on the blood parameters of the calves. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of bedding materials in livestock health and suggests that while bedding may affect comfort and behavior, its impact on blood parameters is limited.