Hematological and Physiological Response of Yak on Transportation to Lower Altitudes in Spring and Winter

Abstract

Some hematological and physiological parameters of yak were recorded on transportation to lower altitude in two different seasons i.e. spring and winter. The animals showed a steady increase in respiration rate and heart rate on arrival to lower altitude in spring but no specific trend in these parameters was observed in winter. The values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count showed a declining trend during both the seasons, which was much faster in spring as compared to that in winter. The animals were able to adjust to lower altitude by a shift in physiological and hematological parameters.

Key words:

• Yak
• hematology
• altitude
• season