Abstract
Twenty-four lactating buffaloes were chosen and subsequently divided into 4 groups i.e. group-I (control), group-II (supplemented astaxanthin at 0.25 mg kg-1 BW/day), group-III (prill fat at 100 g day-1), and group-IV (combination). Surface body temperature at different anatomical regions of buffaloes was recorded using infrared thermography (IRT), rectal temperature using a digital thermometer, and cortisol hormone by ELISA kit at the fortnightly interval. Forehead region temperature showed a higher correlation (0.390) with THI compared to other anatomical regions. The change in surface body temperature was positively correlated with THI and cortisol levels. The increase in the IRT temperature at different anatomical sites of buffaloes was at a lower magnitude in treatment groups compared to the control group. Udder surface temperature was higher in peak lactation and high producing buffaloes. Forehead region temperature showed a close relationship with rectal temperature and cortisol levels of buffaloes. According to the research findings, astaxanthin and prill fat can be used in ameliorating heat stress. Infrared thermography (non-invasive method) of the forehead and udder can be used as indicators for measuring the heat stress and production levels of buffaloes, respectively.
Highlights
Invasive approaches are commonly used for assessing physiological and metabolic changes in farm animals (Stewart et al, 2008)
Taking into account the foregoing information, the current study was carried out to determine the effects of astaxanthin, prill fat, and their combination on indicators of heat stress and body surface temperature in lactating buffaloes through infrared thermography (IRT) during the summer season
Surface temperature measurements at various anatomical regions can be used as an indicator to evaluate thermal discomfort in lactating buffaloes
Summary
Invasive approaches are commonly used for assessing physiological and metabolic changes in farm animals (Stewart et al, 2008). To assess these changes, the animal has to be restrained, which causes handling stress to animals (Maziero et al, 2012) These invasive techniques may cause anxiety-related effects as a result of the procedure itself, for that reason, it is advised to use digital thermography (thermography camera) in measuring surface body temperature and to indicate stress level in animals during summer (Soerensen and Pedersen, 2015). Taking into account the foregoing information, the current study was carried out to determine the effects of astaxanthin, prill fat, and their combination on indicators of heat stress and body surface temperature in lactating buffaloes through infrared thermography (IRT) during the summer season
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