Role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to determine the role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves. Ten newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups (G 1 and G 2 ) of five each. The calves of G 1 were provided with no additional protection; however calves of G 2 were protected against cold weather by using Infrared lamps. The body weight (kg) of calves was recorded at weekly interval. The blood samples collected at fortnightly interval were analyzed for Packed Cell volume (PCV, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), Total Serum Protein (TSP, g/l), albumin (g/l), globulin (g/l) and albumin globulin (A:G) ratio and hormones viz., triiodothyronine (T 3 , ng/ml), thyroxine (T 4 , ng/ml) and cortisol (ng/ml). The total body weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in G 2 as compared to G 1 . The PCV values were significantly (P<0.05) higher on day 15 and day 45 in G 1 than G 2 . The albumin and A:G Ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher on day 60 and 45, respectively in G 1 than G 2 . The cortisol levels were higher in G 1 than G 2 and differences were highly significant (P<0.01) on 15 th day and significant (P<0.05) on 45 th day. Significantly (P<0.01) higher values of T 3 and T 4 were observed on 15 th and 45 th day in G 1 as compared to G 2 . On the basis of the results, it may be concluded that Infrared lamps can be effectively used to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter and to improve their body growth performance.