Physiological study on productive and reproductive performance in kangayam cattle

Abstract

newlineThe present study was conducted in Kangayam breed of cattle at different age group newlineto assess growth rate, physiological and haematobiochemical parameters, reproductive newlinehormones concentration, milk composition and thermotolerance ability. 66 animals of newlinedifferent age were selected and divided into 6 groups of 10 animals each. Growth rate of newlinecalves from 1 to 12 months of age was estimated using Schaeffer s formula and compared newlinewith actual weight. There was about 2-4% less body weight obtained when formula was used. newlineAmong physiological parameters, respiratory rate in early months was significantly newlinehigher (Plt0.05) in both males and females and later it was reduced as the age increased. newlineHowever no changes were obsvered in pulse rate, rectal temperature and skin temperature newlinebetween different age groups. newlineThe haematological profile of Kangayam calves at different age groups showed newlinesignificantly (Plt0.05) increased level of total erythrocyte count (TEC) between animals at 6 newlineand 9 months of age as compared with the early age group of 3 months. However, the TEC newlinevalues was differ significantely in 6rd and 9 newlineth month of age of both male and female compared newlineto other age groups. The hemoglobin (Hb) content in female animals was significantly newline(Plt0.05) higher in 6 and 9 month age group compared to other age groups. newlineThe packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular newlinehemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) level did not newlineshow variation between age groups in both sexes of animals. There was an elevated level of newlinetotal leukocyte count (TLC) in male and female groups at 3 months of age. The differential newlineleukocyte count (DLC) and platelets count (PLT) showed no significant change in all the age newlinegroups. The percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils newlineshowed minor changes among the age groups and sexes. newlineThe mean morphometry of erythrocytes (µm) viz., radius, diameter, circumference newlineand surface area showed no significant dif