The effect of seasonal variations on body and vascular fluids of buffaloes under Egyptian climatic conditions [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

The present study was carried out using twelve non lactating non pregnant buffaloes at the experimental research station, College of Agriculture, Fayoum University. All animals were 4-5 years old, and were kept under shad with a galvanized steel shed. Seasonal effects on thermoregulatory parameters, blood biochemical and body vascular fluids accompanied with hormonal study were aimed to the present study. The experimental periods starting from June 2004 up to May 2005 which include the four season of year (summer, autumn, winter and spring). Rectal temperatures (RT), respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) were measured. Two blood samples were taken one of them to determine some hematological parameters and other to obtain serum. Haematocrite ratio (Ht %) and blood hemogloin content (Hb, g %) were determined. serum total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartic and alanine transaminase activity (AST and ALT), serum sodium (Na), potassium(K), chloride (CI), aldosterone and cortisol ,hormones were measured. Total body fluid (TBF, L) extracellular fluid (ECF) and interstitial fluid volume (ISF), moreover plasma (PV) and blood volume (BV) were determined. There was a significant seasonal difference (P < 0.01) in RR, PR. Total protein, albumin and globulin were increased significantly (P< 0.01) in winter than in summer season. While liver enzymes, concentrations of Na, K and CI were decreased significantly in winter than summer season. The highest value of aldosterone level was in winter and the lowest value was shown in summer season. The absolute and relative values of TBF, ECF, ISF, PV and BV were greater significantly (p <0.01) in summer than other seasons.

Summary in Arabic.

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