EFFECT OF SUMMER STRESS ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL, ENZYMATIC AND HORMONAL PARAMETERS OF RHODEISLAND RED BIRDS REARED AT BACKYARD IN DIFFERENT AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES OF WEST BENGAL

摘要

Rural poultry rearing contributes significantly to the exchequer of rural mass in developing countries especially of Asian and African continent including India in terms of egg and meat for its low input and better adaptability. In the changing scenario of global climate, the proper selection and village poultry production system draws attention across the country. Here, an attempt is undertaken to mitigate the gap in knowledge of physiological adaptability in five agro-climatic zones of West Bengalduring summer season. Body weight and some hematological, enzymatic and hormonal profiles in the different agro climatic zones are assessed during summer and it is found that highest body weight gain and protein intake was found at Coastal zone. No significant variations were found between different zones in the level of hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4) and serum alanine transaminase (ALT), whereas serum aspertate transaminase (AST) concentrations varied significantly among different zones. The results indicated potential adaptability of RIR birds reared in backyard at all agro-climatic zones of West Bengal.