Effect of infrared lamps to ameliorate morbidity and mortality in Murrah calves

Abstract

The present study was conducted out to evaluate the effect of Infrared lamps to ameliorate morbidity and mortality in Murrah calves. Ten newborn Murrah calves were randomly divided into two groups (G₁ and G₂) of five each. The calves of G₁ were provided with no additional protection; however the calves of G₂ were protected against the 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 G₂ as compared to G₁. The calves in G₁ showed comparatively higher values of TLC and neutrophils and the differences were found significant (P<0.05) on 15^th day for TLC and 45^th day for neutrophils. The values of lymphocytes were significantly (P<0.05) lower in calves of G₁ than G₂ on 45^th day. The physiological parameters did not varied significantly between the groups except for RT which was found significantly (P<0.01) lower on 56^th day in calves of G₁ than G₂. On the basis of the results, it could be concluded that the Infrared lamps were efficient in providing favourable microclimate and hence can be effectively used in calf shed to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter.