Heat stress impact on blood biochemical response and plasma aldosterone level in three different indigenous goat breeds

A study was conducted to compare the adaptive ability of three indigenous goat breeds (Osmanabadi,Malabari, and Salem Black) to heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to assess the thermo-tolerant ability of these breeds to heat stress based on the changes in their blood biochemical response and aldosterone concentration. Thirty six-ten months to one year old female goats were randomly allocated into six groups of six animals each as OCON (n=6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n=6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MCON (n=6; Malabari control), MHS (n=6; Malabari heat stress), SCON (n=6; Salem Black control) and SHS (n=6; Salem Black heat stress). The OCON, MCON, and SCON animals were maintained in the shed while OHS, MHS, and SHS animals were exposed to summer heat stress between 10:00 h to 16:00 h. All the animals had access to ad-libitum feed and water. The duration of the study was 45 days. The results indicated that breed differences (P < 0.01) were established for the levels of plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin. However, heat stress treatment did not influence these variables. Further, heat stress significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma cholesterol only in the MHS group. Besides, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, plasma urea, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) did not show any significant variation both among and within the breed for the treatment. However, plasma triglyceride was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both OHS and SHS groups as compared to their respective control groups. Further, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed significant variation for the breed (P < 0.05) as well as treatment (P < 0.05) with a higher concentration in the OHS group. Among the breeds, heat stress induced lower (P < 0.05) plasma aldosterone was established only in the MHS group. Thus, it can be concluded from the results that the Malabari breed which was well known for its survival in a harsh environment in its native tract could not adapt well to the [...](AU)

Heat stress impact on blood biochemical response and plasma aldosterone level in three different indigenous goat breeds

A study was conducted to compare the adaptive ability of three indigenous goat breeds (Osmanabadi,Malabari, and Salem Black) to heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to assess the thermo-tolerant ability of these breeds to heat stress based on the changes in their blood biochemical response and aldosterone concentration. Thirty six-ten months to one year old female goats were randomly allocated into six groups of six animals each as OCON (n=6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n=6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MCON (n=6; Malabari control), MHS (n=6; Malabari heat stress), SCON (n=6; Salem Black control) and SHS (n=6; Salem Black heat stress). The OCON, MCON, and SCON animals were maintained in the shed while OHS, MHS, and SHS animals were exposed to summer heat stress between 10:00 h to 16:00 h. All the animals had access to ad-libitum feed and water. The duration of the study was 45 days. The results indicated that breed differences (P < 0.01) were established for the levels of plasma glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin. However, heat stress treatment did not influence these variables. Further, heat stress significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma cholesterol only in the MHS group. Besides, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, plasma urea, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) did not show any significant variation both among and within the breed for the treatment. However, plasma triglyceride was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both OHS and SHS groups as compared to their respective control groups. Further, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed significant variation for the breed (P < 0.05) as well as treatment (P < 0.05) with a higher concentration in the OHS group. Among the breeds, heat stress induced lower (P < 0.05) plasma aldosterone was established only in the MHS group. Thus, it can be concluded from the results that the Malabari breed which was well known for its survival in a harsh environment in its native tract could not adapt well to the [...]

Quantitative analysis of expression patterns of different cell surface Toll-like receptor genes imparting heat stress resilience to indigenous Osmanabadi and Salem Black goat breeds

The study was conducted to establish the differences in the expression pattern of different cell surface toll-likereceptors (TLRs) between indigenous Osmanabadi and Salem Black goats subjected to summer season induced heat stress. The primary objective of the study is to assess the thermotolerance ability of these two breeds based on maintaining the immune status during exposure to heat stress. The results indicated that the expression of TLR1, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, and TLR10 genes in both the breeds showed different expression pattern. The expression pattern of all these genes did not differed between the control (OC) and heat stress (OHS) group in Osmanabadi breed but significantly higher (P<0.05) expression of these genes were reported in heat stress group (SBHS) as compared to control group (SBC) in Salem Black breed. However, the striking difference was established in the expression pattern of TLR2 between these breeds. The TLR expression was significantly higher in heat stress group of Osmanabadi breed. But TLR2 did not express in Salem Back breed. The higher expression of most of the cell surface TLRs in the SBHS group as compared to OHS group indicates the superior resilient capacity of Salem Black goats to maintain immune status even during exposure to adverse environmental condition. Further, these TLRs could serve as indicators to reflect better thermo-tolerance of Salem Black breed over Osmanabadi breed.(AU)

Quantitative analysis of expression patterns of different cell surface Toll-like receptor genes imparting heat stress resilience to indigenous Osmanabadi and Salem Black goat breeds

The study was conducted to establish the differences in the expression pattern of different cell surface toll-likereceptors (TLRs) between indigenous Osmanabadi and Salem Black goats subjected to summer season induced heat stress. The primary objective of the study is to assess the thermotolerance ability of these two breeds based on maintaining the immune status during exposure to heat stress. The results indicated that the expression of TLR1, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, and TLR10 genes in both the breeds showed different expression pattern. The expression pattern of all these genes did not differed between the control (OC) and heat stress (OHS) group in Osmanabadi breed but significantly higher (P<0.05) expression of these genes were reported in heat stress group (SBHS) as compared to control group (SBC) in Salem Black breed. However, the striking difference was established in the expression pattern of TLR2 between these breeds. The TLR expression was significantly higher in heat stress group of Osmanabadi breed. But TLR2 did not express in Salem Back breed. The higher expression of most of the cell surface TLRs in the SBHS group as compared to OHS group indicates the superior resilient capacity of Salem Black goats to maintain immune status even during exposure to adverse environmental condition. Further, these TLRs could serve as indicators to reflect better thermo-tolerance of Salem Black breed over Osmanabadi breed.

Crude glycerin inclusion in Santa Inês ewes' diet before and during the breeding season: its effects on physiological parameters, hematological variables, and reproductive performance / Inclusão de glicerina bruta na dieta de ovelhas Santa Inês antes e durante a estação de monta: Seus efeitos nos parâmetros fisiológicos, variáveis hematológicas e desempenho reprodutivo

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation containing crude glycerin (CG) before and during the breeding season on the physiological and blood biochemical variables as well as on the reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes. A total of 24 ewes (12 pluriparous and 12 nulliparous ewes, 4 and 1.5 years old, weighing an average of 40 ± 5 and 27 ± 3 kg, respectively) were randomly assigned to three treatments consisting of different dietary concentrations of CG (0%, 5%, and 10 % of the total dry matter). The experiment lasted 63 days and was divided into three 21-day phases. In the first and second phases, the animals were subjected to flushing. In the second and third phases, we evaluated the animals' reproductive performance. Weather, physiological, and blood biochemical variables were also studied. The results indicated that the inclusion of CG did not influence significantly (P > 0.05) either the ewes' body weight or their body condition score. All ewes exhibited estrus during the breeding season. Their respiratory rate was significantly influenced by the time of day (P < 0.0001). A 10% CG supplementation did not drastically change the hematological and biochemical variables, which were within the reference ranges. However, the week of supplementation influenced sérum metabolites (P < 0.05). Thus, these results indicate that CG could be used in up to 10% in replacement of ground corn without significantly affecting the physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters of the ewes or their reproductive performance before and during the breeding season.(AU)

Neste estudo, objetivamos avaliar o efeito da suplementação concentrada contendo glicerina bruta (GB) antes e durante a estação de monta sobre as variáveis bioquímicas e fisiológicas, bem como sobre o desempenho reprodutivo das ovelhas Santa Inês. Um total de 24 ovelhas (12 pluríparas e 12 nulíparas, de 4 e 1,5 anos de idade, pesando em média 40 ± 5 e 27 ± 3 kg, respectivamente) foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em três tratamentos constituídos por diferentes concentrações dietéticas de GB (0, 5 e 10% da matéria seca total). O experimento durou 63 dias e foi dividido em três fases de 21 dias. Na primeira e segunda fase, os animais foram submetidos ao flushing alimentar. Na segunda e terceira fase, avaliamos o desempenho reprodutivo dos animais. Variáveis climáticas, fisiológicas e bioquímicas sanguíneas também foram estudadas. Os resultados indicaram que a inclusão de GB não influenciou significativamente (P > 0,05) no peso corporal das ovelhas nem em seu escore de condição corporal. Todas as ovelhas exibiram estro durante a estação reprodutiva. A frequência respiratória foi significativamente influenciada pela hora do dia (P < 0,0001). Uma suplementação com 10% de GB não alterou drasticamente as variáveis hematológicas e bioquímicas, que estavam dentro do intervalo de referência. No entanto, a semana de suplementação influenciou os metabólitos séricos (P < 0,05). Sendo assim, esses resultados indicam que a GB pode ser utilizada em até 10% na substituição do milho moído, sem afetar significativamente os parâmetros fisiológicos, hematológicos e bioquímicos das ovelhas assim como o desempenho reprodutivo antes e durante a estação de monta.(AU)

Effects of Parkia platycephala on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses of lactating goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers (hemogram and biochemical parameters), and physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate) were assessed. Intake, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency were not affected by the replacement of ground corn with PP. At these replacement levels, the goats significantly spent more time feeding and ruminating. There was a significant decrease in the number of chews (number/day and number/min) with an increase in PP inclusion. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate were higher in the afternoon for the three periods measured. There were no negative changes in blood markers or rumen health with the use of PP. The current findings indicate that PP can be used to replace up to 100% of the corn in the diet of lactating goats without causing significant changes in animal health, feeding behavior, or physiological parameters.(AU)

Impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and their combinations on the adaptive capability of Malpura sheep under hot semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the cumulative effects of combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on physiological adaptability, blood biochemical and endocrine responses in Malpura rams. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. Twenty eight adult Malpura rams (average BW 66.0 Kg) were used in the present study. The rams were divided into four groups viz., CON (n=7; control), HS (n=7; heat stress), NS (n=7; nutritional stress) and CS (n=7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. The CON and HS ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while NS and CS rams were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and NS rams were kept in climatic chamber @ 42ºC and 55% RH for six hours a day between 10:00 hr to 16:00 hr to induce heat stress. The parameters studied were respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), scrotal volume, sweating rate scrotum, sweating rate skin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV), plasma cortisol, T3 (tri-iodo-thyronine), and T4 (thyroxin) level. Combined stresses significantly (P<0.01) influenced all adaptive parameters studied. The study shows that Malpura rams possess the adaptive capability to two stresses simultaneously. This is evident from the non-significant changes in RR, RT, sweating rate of scrotum and skin and Hb concentration between HS and CS groups. Further, the capability to adjust the cortisol level to minimum possible increase to elicit the heat stress relieving effects also proves the superior adaptive capability of Malpura rams to the effects of combined stresses.(AU)

Impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and their combinations on the adaptive capability of Malpura sheep under hot semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the cumulative effects of combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on physiological adaptability, blood biochemical and endocrine responses in Malpura rams. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. Twenty eight adult Malpura rams (average BW 66.0 Kg) were used in the present study. The rams were divided into four groups viz., CON (n=7; control), HS (n=7; heat stress), NS (n=7; nutritional stress) and CS (n=7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. The CON and HS ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while NS and CS rams were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and NS rams were kept in climatic chamber @ 42ºC and 55% RH for six hours a day between 10:00 hr to 16:00 hr to induce heat stress. The parameters studied were respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), scrotal volume, sweating rate scrotum, sweating rate skin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV), plasma cortisol, T3 (tri-iodo-thyronine), and T4 (thyroxin) level. Combined stresses significantly (P<0.01) influenced all adaptive parameters studied. The study shows that Malpura rams possess the adaptive capability to two stresses simultaneously. This is evident from the non-significant changes in RR, RT, sweating rate of scrotum and skin and Hb concentration between HS and CS groups. Further, the capability to adjust the cortisol level to minimum possible increase to elicit the heat stress relieving effects also proves the superior adaptive capability of Malpura rams to the effects of combined stresses.

Resilient capacity of cattle to environmental challenges - An updated review

t Livestock rearing plays an integral role in enablingsmall and marginal farmers to ensure their livelihood security,which prevents both the food insecurity and poverty. Amongthe livestock, large ruminants and in particular cattle plays asignificant role from economic perspectives. This review is anattempt to compile information pertaining to thermo-toleranceof cattle to heat stress challenges. Heat stress has seriousconsequences, which negatively influence cattle productioncausing severe economic burden to the cattle farmers. Theability of the cattle to perform normal biological functions invarious adverse environmental conditions denotes its resilientcapacity. The resilience capacity is determined by varioustraits which govern maintaining their body conformation,respiratory and cutaneous evaporative cooling mechanisms,hair coat, maintenance of metabolic rate, feed efficiency,tolerance to dehydration, production maintenance andreproductive efficiency. Breed differences were establishedfor climate resilience and the superiority of indigenous breedsover exotic animals were established in this aspect. Theresilience capacity of indigenous cattle based on changesassociated with both phenotypic and genotypic traits werereviewed and several biological markers, which reflect theability of cattle to survive in different climatic conditions,were highlighted. The significance of refining the existingbreed program for imparting climate resilience was projectedto identify breeds, which have the ability to survive indifferent agro-ecological zones. (AU)

Resilient capacity of cattle to environmental challenges - An updated review

t Livestock rearing plays an integral role in enablingsmall and marginal farmers to ensure their livelihood security,which prevents both the food insecurity and poverty. Amongthe livestock, large ruminants and in particular cattle plays asignificant role from economic perspectives. This review is anattempt to compile information pertaining to thermo-toleranceof cattle to heat stress challenges. Heat stress has seriousconsequences, which negatively influence cattle productioncausing severe economic burden to the cattle farmers. Theability of the cattle to perform normal biological functions invarious adverse environmental conditions denotes its resilientcapacity. The resilience capacity is determined by varioustraits which govern maintaining their body conformation,respiratory and cutaneous evaporative cooling mechanisms,hair coat, maintenance of metabolic rate, feed efficiency,tolerance to dehydration, production maintenance andreproductive efficiency. Breed differences were establishedfor climate resilience and the superiority of indigenous breedsover exotic animals were established in this aspect. Theresilience capacity of indigenous cattle based on changesassociated with both phenotypic and genotypic traits werereviewed and several biological markers, which reflect theability of cattle to survive in different climatic conditions,were highlighted. The significance of refining the existingbreed program for imparting climate resilience was projectedto identify breeds, which have the ability to survive indifferent agro-ecological zones.

Physiological adaptability of livestock to heat stress: an updated review

Climate change associated heat stress was established to be the crucial factor, which negatively influences animal production. The animals possess several adaptive mechanisms which are helpful for their survival in harsh environmental conditions, but while doing so their productive performances are compromised. Among the various mechanisms, which helps to maintain homeostasis in animals, Physiological adaptability was considered one of the primary response mechanisms by which the heat stressed animals survive the heat stress. This review is therefore an attempt to provide the audience an updated review on the subject to signify the importance of physiological responses in animals and their role in surviving the stressful environment. Respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), sweating rate (SR) and skin temperature (ST) are the cardinal physiological variables which helps to maintain the heat balance and homeostasis in the stressed animals. Among the various physiological variables, RR, RT and ST were established to be ideal indicators for quantifying heat stress in several farm animals. Therefore, these variables can be effectively used to assess the severity of heatstress in livestock. Although these variables are considered significant in establishing the heat stress impact in animals, a wide genetic variation was also established in these response mechanisms. Further, variations in physiological adaptability were also established between indigenous, cross bred and pure bred animals. The indigenous livestock breeds were tipped to be exhibiting less physiological variability as compared to their counterparts.(AU)

Physiological adaptability of livestock to heat stress: an updated review

Climate change associated heat stress was established to be the crucial factor, which negatively influences animal production. The animals possess several adaptive mechanisms which are helpful for their survival in harsh environmental conditions, but while doing so their productive performances are compromised. Among the various mechanisms, which helps to maintain homeostasis in animals, Physiological adaptability was considered one of the primary response mechanisms by which the heat stressed animals survive the heat stress. This review is therefore an attempt to provide the audience an updated review on the subject to signify the importance of physiological responses in animals and their role in surviving the stressful environment. Respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), sweating rate (SR) and skin temperature (ST) are the cardinal physiological variables which helps to maintain the heat balance and homeostasis in the stressed animals. Among the various physiological variables, RR, RT and ST were established to be ideal indicators for quantifying heat stress in several farm animals. Therefore, these variables can be effectively used to assess the severity of heatstress in livestock. Although these variables are considered significant in establishing the heat stress impact in animals, a wide genetic variation was also established in these response mechanisms. Further, variations in physiological adaptability were also established between indigenous, cross bred and pure bred animals. The indigenous livestock breeds were tipped to be exhibiting less physiological variability as compared to their counterparts.

Impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and combined (heat and nutritional) stresses on rumen associated fermentation characteristics, histopathology and HSP70 gene expression in goats

A study was conducted to assess the impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and combined stresses (heat and nutritional stress) on rumen fermentation characteristics, histopathology of rumen and rumen HSP70 gene expression in goats. Twenty four adult Osmanabadi bucks were divided into four groups, C (n=6; control), HS (n=6; heat stress), NS (n=6; nutritional stress) and CS (n=6; combined stress). The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. The C and HS bucks had ad libitum access to their feed while NS and CS bucks were subjected to restricted feed (30% intake of C bucks) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and CS bucks were exposed to heat stress in an outside environment. Both feed intake and body weight were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in CS and NS groups. The carboxy methyl cellulase activities - extracellular, intracellular and total activity in the rumen fluid differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the groups. The highest concentration of ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.05) was recorded in C while the lowest in the CS group. The concentration of total nitrogen and trichloroacetic acid precipitable N, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid was lower (p < 0.01) in the restricted fed (NS and CS) bucks as compared to ad libitum fed groups (C and HS). Further, the ratio of acetate to propionate (A: P ratio) was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher in CS and NS groups. The higher expression of rumen heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA was observed in CS goats. The histopathological section of rumen revealed a reduction in the length of rumen villi and thickness in CS, whereas rumen keratinization was highest in the CS group. From the study it can be concluded that when two stresses occur simultaneously, they may have severe impact on rumen fermentation characteristics of bucks.(AU)

Impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and combined (heat and nutritional) stresses on rumen associated fermentation characteristics, histopathology and HSP70 gene expression in goats

A study was conducted to assess the impact of heat stress, nutritional stress and combined stresses (heat and nutritional stress) on rumen fermentation characteristics, histopathology of rumen and rumen HSP70 gene expression in goats. Twenty four adult Osmanabadi bucks were divided into four groups, C (n=6; control), HS (n=6; heat stress), NS (n=6; nutritional stress) and CS (n=6; combined stress). The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. The C and HS bucks had ad libitum access to their feed while NS and CS bucks were subjected to restricted feed (30% intake of C bucks) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and CS bucks were exposed to heat stress in an outside environment. Both feed intake and body weight were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in CS and NS groups. The carboxy methyl cellulase activities - extracellular, intracellular and total activity in the rumen fluid differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the groups. The highest concentration of ammonia nitrogen (p < 0.05) was recorded in C while the lowest in the CS group. The concentration of total nitrogen and trichloroacetic acid precipitable N, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid was lower (p < 0.01) in the restricted fed (NS and CS) bucks as compared to ad libitum fed groups (C and HS). Further, the ratio of acetate to propionate (A: P ratio) was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher in CS and NS groups. The higher expression of rumen heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA was observed in CS goats. The histopathological section of rumen revealed a reduction in the length of rumen villi and thickness in CS, whereas rumen keratinization was highest in the CS group. From the study it can be concluded that when two stresses occur simultaneously, they may have severe impact on rumen fermentation characteristics of bucks.