Effect of seasonal variation on respiration rate and core body temperature in Aseel and Kadaknath breed of chicken

Native birds are more tolerant to adverse climatic conditions than the improved/cross-breeds of chicken. The present study was conducted to record the physiological responses such as respiration rate and body temperatures in Aseel and Kadaknath birds up to 6 weeks of age under standard managemental conditions during hot-humid and winter season. The dry-bulb temperature and wet-bulb temperature was recorded daily and temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. The THI ranged from 73.33±1.61 to 85.70±0.33. Above 80 THI was observed during hot-humid season. The season, sex and breed interaction had highly significant (P<0.01) effect on body temperature (core and surface) and respiratory rate for all age groups. Season effect (P<0.05) was highly significant on studied parameters. It may be concluded that enhanced THI caused the elevation in surface and core body temperature along with increased respiration rate during hot-humid season, thereby indicating stressful conditions in native birds.