Effect of heat stress on physiological, haemato-biochemical and hormonal parameters of Vechur cattle in the tropical highlands of Kerala

Vechur, an indigenous cattle breed from Kerala is well known for its adaptability to local environmental conditions, including notable heat tolerance. The present study was done to see the effect of heat stress on blood parameters in Vechur cattle of similar age groups (12-14 months of age) and physiological status. Blood samples were collected and analyzed based on the temperature-humidity index (THI). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for haemoglobin, volume of packed red cells, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and blood pH. A significant rise (p