Six buffalo female calves were used to carry out the study in three phases. In phase-I, animals were kept under natural conditions. In phase-II, the animals were exposed in a climatic chamber at 40°C for 4 hours daily for 12 days. In phase-III, the animals were supplemented with salts of NaHCO3, KCl and KHCO3 and exposed at 40°C for 4 hours daily for 12 days in a climatic chamber. Muscle secretions were collected from the calves every forth day during exposure period. Sodium level increased significantly (P<0.05) in phase II and subsequently in phase III compared to phase I. Potassium levels were significantly different among three phases. It decreased in phase II, however, increased significantly in phase III. The chloride levels were significantly different among three phases. It increased significantly in phase II and subsequently in phase III. The results indicated that heat stress resulted in changes in electrolytes concentration in muzzle secretion which can be used as an index for heat stress in buffalo calves.
Buffaloes, Heat Stress, Electrolytes
