Adaptation of Tarai buffaloes to seasonal variations as indicated by haematological profile

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal change in thermal environment on Haematological parameters in Tarai buffaloes under tropical conditions. The highest mean values of maximum ambient temperature (°C) were reported in summer, followed by pre-winter and winter, while the highest values of relative humidity (%) were recorded in winter than other two seasons. The highest values of erythrocyte count, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration (MCHC) were recorded during winter and the lowest in summer. The erythrocyte counts, PCV and haemoglobin concentration differed significantly in all the three seasons. The mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) were significantly lesser in summer as compared to other two seasons. The total leukocyte count (TLC) was affected significantly by seasonal change in thermal environment. The lymphocyte and eosinophil number was highest in winter and neutrophils were highest in summer. The monocyte number was significantly lower in summer as compared to winter and no significant changes in basophil count was observed. It can be concluded from our study that tarai buffaloes adapt to seasonal changes by varying their haematological response.