Effect of different environmental conditions on some haematological parameters in cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate physiopathological responses to different environmental conditions (ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index) on haematological parameters. Blood samples were collected at 4 time points under different environmental conditions (T1, T2, T3 and T4) by 43 Piemontese cows aged 2–12 years and analysed for haematological parameters. For each period, ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded by means of a data logger and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated as indicator of thermal comfort for cattle. Data were then measured by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The obtained results showed a statistical significant effect of time on the following parameters: RBC (P<0.0001), Hb (P<0.0001), Hct (P<0.0001), MCV (P<0.0001), MCH (P<0.0001), MCHC (P<0.0001), Plt(P<0.0001), WBC (P<0.0001), neutrophils (P<0.0001), lymphocytes (P<0.0001), monocytes (P<0.0001) and eosinophils (P<0.0001). The majority of haematological values obtained in the present study, even though within the physiological range for cattle, showed that variations in haematological parameters are related to changes in ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index. These results provide insight into the physiological responses of Piemontese cow to different environmental conditions, allowing to better evaluate its ability to adapt and cope with environmental stress.