Physiological response to transportation stress at different flocking densities in hot humid and winter seasons in goats and assessment of pretreatment of Vitamin C.

Abstract

Present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal effects of transportation of goats (Alpine x Beetle) at different flocking densities, supplemented with Vitamin C in group I, Vitamin C + Electrolyte in group II and Jaggery in group III, 3 days before transport of animal, during winter and hot-humid seasons. The goats were selected from LRC, NDRI Karnal and were of 10-12 months old. Each group consisted of 25 goats each, divided into high (15) and low (10) flocking densities, transported for 8h with average speed of 25 Km/h. All the animals were kept off-feed and deprived of water during the transportation period. Physiological responses (Respiration rate, Rectal temperature, Pulse rate and Skin temperature) were recorded before and after transportation. A significant increase (P<0.05) in ST, RT, RR and PR were recorded just after unloading in both the flocking density groups and during both seasons which then declined to basal values (P<0.05) within 6-12 hours post transportation. Supplementation with Vitamin C, Vitamin C + Electrolyte and Jaggery aided in reducing transportation stress but Vitamin C + Electrolyte combination proved more beneficial in alleviating transportation stress in the goats.