THE EFFECT OF SEASONAL VARIATIONS ON BODY AND VASCULAR FLUIDS OF BUFFALOES UNDER EGYPTIAN CLIMATIC CONDITIONS.

Document Type : Research articles.

Authors

Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Production, Fayoum University.

Abstract

The present study was carried out using twelve non lactating non
pregnant buffaloes at the experimental research station, College of
Agriculture, Fayoum University. All animals were 4-5 years old, and were
kept under shad with a galvanized steel shed. Seasonal effects on
thermoregulatory parameters, blood biochemical and body vascular fluids
accompanied with hormonal study were aimed to the present study. The
experimental periods starting from June 2004 up to May 2005 which
include the four season of year (summer, autumn, winter and spring).
Rectal temperatures (RT), respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR)
were measured. Two blood samples were taken one of them to determine
some hematological parameters and other to obtain serum. Haematocrite
ratio (Ht %) and blood hemoglobin content (Hb, g %) were determined.
serum total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartic and alanine transaminase
activity (AST and ALT), serum sodium (Na), potassium(K), chloride (Cl),
aldosterone and cortisol hormones were measured. Total body fluid (TBF,
L) extracellular fluid (ECF) and interstitial fluid volume (ISF), moreover
plasma (PV) and blood volume (BV) were determined.
There was a significant seasonal difference (P < 0.01) in RR, PR.
Total protein, albumin and globulin were increased significantly (P< 0.01)
in winter than in summer season. While liver enzymes, concentrations of
Na, K and Cl were decreased significantly in winter than summer season.
The highest value of aldosterone level was in winter and the lowest
value was shown in summer season. The absolute and relative values of
TBF, ECF, ISF, PV and BV were greater significantly (P <0.01) in summer
than other seasons.


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