Evaluation of rectal temperature during the post-parturient period in crossbred cows reared under the subtropical climate

Abstract

The present study evaluated alteration of rectal temperature (RT) in crossbred cows (n=68) during first 7 days post-partum. The temperature-humidity-index (THI) during the study period was 80.5, 69.8 and 56.2 (P<0.05). The RT was positively associated with relative humidity i.e. RH (r = 0.268, P=0.033) and THI (r = 0.311, P=0.013) during hot-humid season; whereas, RT showed a trend of positive association with air temperature i.e. AT (r = 0.224, P=0.077). However, no association of RT with AT, THI and RH were observed during autumn. Further, RT was positively correlated with AT (r = 0.207, P=0.023) and THI (r = 0.238, P=0.008) but negatively with RH (r = -0.425, P<0.001) during winter season. RT was significantly altered in diseased condition with higher values in infected cows than healthy cow from day one afternoon to day seven morning (P£0.05). In healthy cows, RT increased significantly by 1oF at afternoon than at morning (P<0.001) but parity did not affect RT at morning (P=0.979) and afternoon (P=0.226). The season had a significant effect on RT at morning (P=0.007) and afternoon (P<0.001); higher during the hot-humid season, while similar during autumn and winter seasons. Normal RT at morning ranged from 100.2 to 103.4oF during hot-humid and from 99.9 to 102.7oF during autumn and winter seasons. The study revealed an association of RT with AT, RH and THI varied during different seasons. Further, RT was affected by health, time of day and seasons in crossbred cows.