Infrared thermography to assess thermoregulatory reactions of buffalo heifers supplemented with cumin and molasses during different seasons under field conditions

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of cumin and molasses supplementation on thermographic profile of Murrah heifers at different anatomical locations viz., forehead temperature (°C), eye temperature (°C), ear temperature (°C), elbow joint temperature (°C) and flank temperature (°C) during different season. A total of 24 Murrah heifers, maintained at Kathura village of Sonipat district (India) were selected and monitored for the thermal profiling at different anatomical locations of body using infrared thermography at monthly interval during winter, hot dry and hot humid seasons using an IR camera (ThermaCamTM SC2000;FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, OR, USA). Thermograms were analysed by ThermaCamTM Researcher 2001 software (FLIR Systems AB, Danderyd, Sweden). Statistical analysis revealed that different supplement and seasons had significant (P < 0.05) effect on body surface temperature at different anatomical sites. The magnitude of the increase in the IRT temperature at different anatomical regions of Murrah heifers was lower in the treatment groups compared to control group. The temperature of the eye region and the rectal temperature of Murrah heifers were found to be closely related. The results of the study suggest that cumin and molasses can be used to alleviate heat stress in Murrah buffaloe heifers. Further, infrared thermography of eyes can be used as non-invasive method for assessing the heat stress levels of Murrah heifers without disturbing the animal welfare.