Effect of Thermal Stress on Haematological Parameters and Enzymatic Activities in Two Breeds of Goat after Thermal Stress

Abstract

The influence of thermal stress (heat and cold stress) on haematological parameters and some enzyme activities were studied in Beetal and Toggenberg goats. A total of 36 healthy adult (2–4 years of age) female Beetal and Toggenberg goats were selected. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activities. Haemoglobin concentrations were found significantly higher (P<0.01) in all seasons, whereas, significantly higher (P<0.01) PCV was found in summer and autumn; ESR in summer season only in Toggenberg as compared to those of Beetal goat. In between three different seasons, irrespective of breed, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) values were significantly higher (P<0.01) in summer followed by autumn and winter season whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was significantly higher (P<0.01) in winter than those of other two seasons. In between the breeds, significantly higher (P<0.01) enzyme activities (AST, ALT and ALP) were found in Toggenberg goats in all seasons as compared to Beetal. When the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values were considered separately in Beetal and Toggenberg goats in different seasons, significantly higher (P<0.01) activities were found in summer followed by autumn than those of winter season in both the breeds.