Microclimatic Alterations in Loose Housing Systems and Their Impact on THI and Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Heat stress adversely affects the physiological mechanisms responsible for thermoregulation and maintenance energy in dairy animals. In buffaloes, high ambient temperature and humidity during summer can affects health, productivity and welfare. Microclimatic modifications in housing systems may help to mitigate these effects. Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Livestock Production Management, LUVAS, Hisar, India. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were assigned to three loose housing treatments (six animals each): (T1) concrete flooring with corrugated asbestos roofing (control); (T2) concrete flooring with glass wool (50 mm) plus white painted roof; and (T3) concrete flooring with expanded polyethylene sheet (70 mm) plus white painted roof. Temperature-humidity index (THI) and haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocytes, monocytes) along with biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin, SGOT) were recorded and analyzed. Result: THI values were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in both T2 and T3 compared to T1. Haematological (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocytes, monocytes) and biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin) showed significant improvement (P less than 0.05) in T2 and T3 groups relative to the control, indicating better physiological status. Among biochemical indices, SGOT and glucose exhibited the strongest associations with THI. Microclimatic modifications, effectively reduced heat stress and improved the haematological and biochemical profiles of lactating Murrah buffaloes under summer conditions, thereby enhancing their overall performance and welfare.