Impact of Seasonal Variations on Enzyme Activity and Metabolic Health in Crossbred Cattle under Nagaland's Climatic Conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of seasonal variations on blood serum enzyme activity as a marker of metabolic status in crossbred cattle raised under the specific climatic conditions of Nagaland. Ten clinically healthy crossbred cattle, managed under uniform nutritional and physiological conditions, were selected from the Modern Dairy Farm of Nagaland University, Medziphema. Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) values were calculated for spring, summer, and winter seasons using local meteorological data. The mean THI was highest (p<0.05) in summer (78.08±0.74), followed by winter (72.66±3.19), and lowest in spring (67.72±3.35). Blood samples were collected twice in each season between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Analysis revealed that aspartate amino transferase (AST) levels (IU/L) were significantly lower (p<0.05) in summer (62.74±2.58), followed by winter (76.96±6.15), and highest in spring (101.55±5.57). Conversely, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (86.11±4.28), moderate in summer (54.62±5.84), and lowest in spring (30.69±2.20). These results indicate that seasonal stress alters hepatic enzyme activity, potentially affecting the metabolic health of dairy cattle. As global demand for animal products increases alongside environmental variability, such findings are essential for developing adaptive livestock management strategies in climate-sensitive regions like Northeast India.