Studies of Some Hormonal Parameters in Rambouillet Sheep during Seasonal Migration in Jammu Region

The investigation was undertaken to study some hormonal parameters in migratory Rambouillet sheep of Jammu (India) during seasonal uphill and downhill migration. Thyroid hormons and cortisol concentrations were analysed in male and female sheep of 1–2 years (young) and 2–4 years (adult) of ages. Non-significant increase of thyroid hormones (T₃ and T₄) levels were recorded during uphill migration. Highest thyroid hormones concentrations were found immediately after reaching the high altitude in all groups. During downhill migration, thyroid hormone levels increased non-significantly at mid station and remained high at base station as compared to the values of high altitude. Again, non-significant increase of cortisol level was recorded in both uphll and downhill migration in all the groups. The cortisol and thyroid hormone levels were found higher in young as compared to adult sheep. The cortisol levels were found higher in female animals, whereas non-significantly higher thyroid hormone levels were recorded in male animals.