Seasonal haematological profile of cattle in four agro–climatic regions of Tamil Nadu under different housing systems

Dr. Suraj; P.T; Dr.T.Sivakumar; Dr.A.Paramasivam

Volume : IV, Issue : XI, November - 2015

Seasonal haematological profile of cattle in four agro–climatic regions of Tamil Nadu under different housing systems

Dr. Suraj, P. T, Dr. T. Sivakumar, Dr. A. Paramasivam

Abstract :

The environment in which the dairy cattle is reared affects its ability to maintain health and production which is in turn related to physiological mechanisms. A study was conducted in the four agro–climatic regions of Tamil Nadu viz. North Eastern zone, North Western zone, Western zone, and Hilly zone with the objective to determine the reference values for the haematological parameters of crossed cattle in milk during the four seasons kept under five housing systems. Initially a survey was conducted in the four selected agro–climatic regions with a pre–structured interview schedule for identifying the existing dairy cattle housing patterns, production and management measures. Based on the survey animals from five housing systems with thatch, tile, cement sheet, metal sheets and open housing systems were selected for haematologic examination. During the South West monsoon season WBC, HB, PCV, MCHC, PLT, MPV and PCT were found to differ significantly (p<0.01) between animals kept in different housing systems in all the agro–climatic zones. During the North East monsoon season WBC, RBC, HB, PCV, MCHC and RDW were found to differ significantly (p<0.01) between animals kept in different housing systems in all the agro–climatic zones. During cold season WBC and MCHC were showing highly significant difference (p<0.01), whereas RDW, PLT and PCT were showing significant difference (p<0.05) between animals kept in different housing systems in all the agro–climatic zones. Highly significant difference (p<0.01) was found in WBC, HB and MCHC between animals kept in different housing during summer season, whereas PCV was showing significant difference (p<0.05). There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the other haematological parameters during any of the seasons.