Role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves

The main aim of this study was to determine the role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves. Ten newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups (G₁ and G₂) of five each. The calves of G1 were provided with no additional protection; however calves of G₂ were protected against cold weather by using Infrared lamps. The body weight (kg) of calves was recorded at weekly interval. The blood samples collected at fortnightly interval were analyzed for Packed Cell volume (PCV, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), Total Serum Protein (TSP, g/l), albumin (g/l), globulin (g/l) and albumin globulin (A: G) ratio and hormones viz., triiodothyronine (T, ng/ml), thyroxine (T, ng/ml) and cortisol (ng/ml). The total body weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in G₂ as compared to G₁. The PCV values were significantly (P<0.05) higher on day 15 and day 45 in G1 than G₂. The albumin and A: G Ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher on day 60 and 45, respectively in G1 than G₂. The cortisol levels were higher in G1 than G₂ and differences were highly significant (P<0.01) on 15^th day and significant (P<0.05) on 45^th day. Significantly (P<0.01) higher values of T₃ and T₄ were observed on 15^th and 45^th day in G1 as compared to G₂. On the basis of the results, it may be concluded that Infrared lamps can be effectively used to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter and to improve their body growth performance.