Effect of heat stress on water deficit markers in Nali sheep

An exploration was launched to access the heat ambience associated alterations in water-deficit markers in sheep from western Rajasthan. Appraisal of environmental elements was carried out on the basis of recording of heat load index during intervening, dry-hot, humid-hot and cold Environmental periods (EPs) from Sri Ganganagar and Churu districts of Rajasthan. The mean values among EPs varied significantly (p<0.05) for minimum, maximum and average Temperature Humidity Index (THI). During humid-hot EP, the % variation in the values of plasma bicarbonate, urine bicarbonate, Fractional Excretion of Bicarbonate ions (FE_Bicarb), plasma anion gap and urine anion gap were found to be maximum (+32.73%, +112.78%, +168.75%,-45.74% and +23.17), respectively. On the basis of study it was concluded that the humid hot was the most effective season among all ambiences. The female sheep were affected more than male sheep. Along with that it was also observed that 15-19 months age group was affected the most among all 4 age groups.

• Study focused on water-deficit markers in sheep from Rajasthan altered due to heat stress.

• Varying environmental periods can cause stress to the animals at different levels.

• Arid areas stand the trouble of seasonal change and the arid tracts of Rajasthan are the most dreadful victim of seasonal variations.