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The present study investigated the effect of seasonal heat stress on the physiological, behavioural and blood bio-chemical profile of adult Ghoongroo pigs (1.5–2 years of age) of different physiological groups. Thirty Ghoongroo pigs (10 boars, 10 non-pregnant sows and 10 pregnant sows) were allotted to individual pens. The study continued for 1 year covering three main seasons, i.e. summer (March–June), rainy (July–October) and winter (November–February) season. Temperature humidity index was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in summer (83.2 ± 0.47) followed by rainy (68.5 ± 1.13) and winter (66.8 ± 0.67) seasons, which indicated that pigs were exposed to heat stress during summer. Rectal temperature and pulse rate were not affected by group × season interaction but were affected by group (P = 0.002) and season (P < 0.001), which were usually greater during summer than during winter and in boars than in pregnant sows. Respiration rate was affected by group × season interaction (P = 0.002), which was greater in boars than in non-pregnant and pregnant sows during summer and rainy season but was similar in winter among the groups. Total erythrocytes, leucocytes counts, and cortisol levels were influenced by group (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001) and group × season interaction (P < 0.001), which increased in summer compared with winter. Sodium and potassium concentrations in serum were not affected by group and group × season interaction but were affected by season (P < 0.001), which were lower in summer than in winter. All behaviour activities (standing, resting and roaming time, urination, fighting and drinking frequency) were affected by group (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001) and group × season interaction (P < 0.001), except eating time that was only influenced by season. The present study suggested that Ghoongroo pigs experienced heat stress during summer, which was reflected in physiological, blood-biochemical and behavioural alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptive physiological functions of black Bengal goats (Capra hircus) of coastal regions were compared with goats from the plains during winter, spring, and summer seasons. Goats in the coastal zone had significantly (P < 0.01) higher plasma electrolytes levels. Goats in the plains zone had significantly (P < 0.01) higher haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, and erythrocyte indices and lower TLC values. Glucose, total protein, and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.01) lower, whereas cholesterol, BUN, and SGPT were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in goats of coastal zone. Regardless of zones, glucose, total protein, and creatinine levels were higher in winter, cholesterol and SGOT levels were higher in spring, and BUN was higher in summer. Goats from coastal areas had significantly (P < 0.05) higher urinary pH and urea levels. Goats in the coastal zone had significantly (P < 0.05) higher cortisol concentrations. From the above study, we can conclude that salinity of feed, soil and water does not significantly affect the homeostasis of black Bengal goats reared in coastal areas, indicating their adaptability to saline coastal environments and their potential for reproduction in a climate-resilient livestock system. The fodder, water and soil of coastal areas contain higher amounts of sodium, zinc, and iron in the compared to plain areas. Black Bengal goats raised in coastal regions are able to maintain their homeostasis without much altering hemato-biochemical and endocrine profiles. Black Bengal goats can be a good option for climate resilient animal husbandry system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to investigate hemato-biochemical profile and blood metabolites during different periods of pre-pubertal growth in summer- and winter-born black Bengal kids of either sexes. The body weight was 8.07 ± 0.21 kg on 180 day with significantly (P < 0.01) higher growth in male kids. The winter born kids exhibited significantly (P < 0.01) higher body weight, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte counts (TLC), glucose and cholesterol and significantly (P < 0.01) lower non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and α-amino nitrogen (AAN). Both PCV and Hb were lowest on day 15 and then increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) and reached maximum value at 90 days (PCV) and 180 days (Hb). TEC increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) from day 15 to 180 days and reached its maximum value at 180 days age. Both glucose and total cholesterol were maximum at day 15 and significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased with the advancement of age and found lowest was at day 150. But, total protein was lowest at day 15 and increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) up to day 150. NEFA and AAN were lowest on day 15 and increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) with the advancement of age and reached peak value on 180 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]