Seasonal variation in physiological reactions of Jamunapari kids

Effect of variable environmental conditions viz. hot humid (mean daily temperature, DB>27°C and V.P.> 15 mmHg), moderate (DB, 17–27°C) and cool (DB<17°C) as prevailed in different months of the year was studied on physiological responses of 10 Jamunapari weaner kids followed up to one year of age. The kids were maintained under intensive system of management at Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom (27° 10’ N latitude and 78° 02’ E longitude). Rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate of the kids were recorded twice at 0700 and at 1500 h. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate significantly (P<0.01) differed between 7.00 and 15.00 hours of the day and between months of the year. Interaction of period X month was also significant (P<0.01). Rectal temperature and respiratory rate were higher (P<0.05) in August, whereas heart rate was higher (P<0.05) in December. Rectal temperature was lower (P<0.05) in January and February and respiratory rate was also significantly lower (P<0.05) during the two months. Due to low ambient temperature kids were not able to maintain body temperature as is evident from the low rectal temperature and respiratory rate in the months of January and February.