Effect of shade materials on rectal temperature, respiration rate and body surface temperature of crossbred calves during rainy season

Abstract

An attempt was made to study the effect of different shade materials on body surface temperature, rectal and respiration rate in Vrindavani calves during the rainy season. Crossbred calves (18) were divided into 3 group, viz. thatch shading roof with plastic covering (T1), agro-net shading roof- 60% light diffusion (T2), and asbestos with canvas shading roof (T3). The recording of macro and microclimate as well as the entire physiological parameters, viz. rectal temperature, respiration rate and body surface temperature were recorded at 9:00 and 2:00 PM for 2 consecutive days at every fortnight interval. The microclimate, viz. maximum and minimum, RH, THI and surface temperature of roof was lower in T2 group. The physiological parameters values were significantly lower in T2 group. It can be concluded that in rainy season agro-net helped to protect calves from the hot and humid condition.

Keywords

• Body surface temperature
• Crossbred calves
• Rectal temperature
• Respiration rate
• Shade materials