Bio-molecular variability under different environmental regimens and suitable nutrient supplementation to combat the weather related stress under semi-arid dryland region in Deccani females

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and find suitable nutrient supplement to combat its adverse effect. Twenty four Deccani female sheep were divided randomly into four groups of similar overall body weight (viz., Control (C), T1 (3ml of 10% Zinc Sulphate), T2 (1ml of 0.1% Selenium) and T3 (60mg Vitamin E daily)) and reared under semi-intensive conditions at Hayathnagar Research Farm of ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India between December, 2013 to June, 2014. Various physical, physiological, biochemical and bio-molecular parameters were significantly correlated with THI. Superior body weight and lowered physiological response, plasma enzymes (ALP, SGOT and SGPT) and metabolites (Urea and creatinine) was observed in supplemented groups than control. Significantly superior plasma levels of nutrients and electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca and P) in supplemented groups suggested better availability of nutrients in supplemented animals. In THI-wise analysis (group-I: T<28ºC and RH<60%; group-II: T >28ºC and RH>60%), performance of supplemented group of animals was superior than that of control animals in terms of attaining superior body weight, maintaining physiological limits, plasma minerals, enzymes, cortisol, nutrients and blood metabolites. Study under present circumstances suggests that supplementing sheep with Zn, Se and Vit. E can built up thermo-tolerance in small ruminants and may help in coping the seasonal stress.