Journal of Animal Research: v.5 n.2, p. 333-339. June 2015

DOI Number: 10.5958/2277-940X.2015.00058.3

Effect of Infrared Lamps to Ameliorate Morbidity and

Mortality in Vrindavani Calves

Showkat A. Bhat *1 , Bharat Bhushan 2 , Sajad A. sheikh 3 , Asu Singh Godara 4 , Chandrasekar T 1 and

Ranjeet Singh Godara 5

1 Division of Livestock Production and Management, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, INDIA.

2 Division of Animal Genetics, Indian veterinary research Institute, Izatnagar, INDIA.

3 Division of Poultry Science, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar, INDIA.

4 Division of Livestock Production and Management, Indian veterinary research Institute, Izatnagar, INDIA.

5 Division of Livestock Production and Management, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner, INDIA.

* Corresponding author: SA Bhat; Email: drshowkatbhat813@gmail.com

Received: 07 December, 2014

Accepted: 06 May, 2015

ABSTRACT

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of Infrared lamps to ameliorate morbidity and mortality in Vrindavani

calves. Ten newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups (G ₁ and G ₂ ) of five each. The calves of G ₁ were provided

with no additional protection; however calves of G ₂ were protected against cold weather by using the Infrared lamps. The health

status of calves was monitored daily both in the morning and evening. The blood samples collected within six hours of birth and

then at fortnightly interval were analyzed for total leukocyte count (TLC, thousands/µl) and differential leukocyte count (DLC).

The physiological parameters i.e. respiration rate (RR, breaths/min), heart rate (HR, beats/min) and rectal temperature (RT, °F)

were recorded at weekly interval. The health performance was better in calves of G ₂ as compared to G ₁ . The calves in G ₁ showed

comparatively higher values of TLC and neutrophils and the differences were found significant (P<0.05) on 15 th day for TLC

and 15 th and 45 th day for neutrophils. The values of lymphocytes were found significantly (P<0.05) lower in calves of G ₁ than

G ₂ on 15 th and 45 th day.The physiological parameters did not varied significantly between the groups except for RT which was

most of the times significantly (P<0.05) lower in calves of G ₁ than G ₂ . On the basis of the results, it could be concluded that

the Infrared lamps are efficient in providing favourable microclimate and hence can be effectively used in calf shed to protect

newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter.

Keywords: Blood parameters, Infrared lamps, Morbidity, Physiological Parameters, Vrindavani calves.

In modern dairying, management of calves plays an

immunodeficiency (White and An drews, 1986), season

important role in replacement of old and unproductive

effects (Fink, 1980), difficult parturition (Ahmad et al .,

animals from herd and finally to improve the economy

1986) and faulty management conditions (Fe dida et al .,

of the farm. Newborn calves are more susceptible to the

1984). The survival of a calf and its optimum growth rate

effects of cold exposure than the mature cattle because

can be achieved not only by good feeding but also with

their cold defence and heat conservation rnechanisms

efficientmanagementcompatibletospecificenvironmental

are not fully developed (Thompson, 1973). Newborns

conditions. Several effective measures including the use of

are in metabolically unstable conditions, which make

calf jackets, hot box or warm water bath are used to prevent

these subjects particularly sensitive to perinatal diseases

cold stress (Butler et al ., 2010). Reduction in the overall

resulting in high mortality (Dwyer, 2008). Diseases of

heating requirement of calf shed can be accomplished by

the newborn and neonatal mortality are a major cause of

taking advantage of the thermal and optical properties of

Infrared radiations. Hence, the study was conducted to

economic loss in livestock production (Piccione et al .,

study the effect of Infrared lamps to ameliorate morbidity

2008). The important causes of calf mortality include

and mortality in Vrindavani calves.