Background: Broiler production is crucial for global food security as a high-quality protein source. However, climate change causes extreme temperature fluctuations, including severe cold stress. Sudden ambient temperature drops impair broiler growth and health. This study investigates how continuously decreasing ambient temperature affects oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity in broiler blood cells. 
 
Methods: Blood cells pooled from two broiler chickens were diluted and subjected to a gradual temperature reduction from 42oC to 0oC, with 3oC decrements at each step. Mitochondrial activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels were subsequently measured. 
 
Result: Mitochondrial activity and NO levels showed significant quadratic trends (P&lt;0.05), increasing at moderate cold before declining at lower temperatures. From 42oC to 21oC, mitochondrial activity rose significantly at 39-33oC and 21oC (P&lt;0.05), while MDA levels increased at 39-27oC and 21oC (P&lt;0.05). TAC declined significantly from 42oC to colder points (P&lt;0.05). Between 18oC and 0oC, mitochondrial activity and NO fluctuated, suggesting an adaptive response. Conversely, H2O2, GSH and catalase levels remained stable across all temperatures (P&gt;0.05). These findings highlight a complex cellular response to cold stress, emphasizing the need for proper cold stress management in broiler production.

Evaluating Oxidative Stress, Nitric Oxide Production and Mitochondrial Activity Trend in Broiler Blood Cells under Progressive Cold Stress

<div>Background: In north India, pigeon pea experiences low temperature stress during winter months (December-January). Information&rsquo;s regarding cold stress and its impact on morphological characters, physio-biochemical processes and yield attributes in pigeon pea crop is very limited. Keeping the above facts in to consideration, the experiment was formulated to screen suitable genotypes of pigeon pea tolerant to cold stress based on morpho-physiological traits and ability to set flower and pods and yield performance.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Field experiments with 98 genotypes of pigeon pea were conducted in augmented design including checks with all recommended cultural practices in 2018-19 and 2019-20 at New Research Farm, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur. Morphological, biochemical and yield parameters were recoded periodically.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;Based on the reaction of pigeon pea genotypes against the exposer of cold stress in terms of flower/pod drop and flower/pod retention, cold injury at the apical meristems and post regeneration of apical portion, the genotypes like IPA 15F, Dhule-D, JBT46/27, IPACT-6, IPACT-14, IPAC-1-17, IPACT-68, IPACT-22 showed &gt;90% flower/pod drop and retained only 0-10% flowers/pods, &gt;90% apical damage and &lt;10% recovery of apical portion and were considered highly sensitive to cold stress. Genotypes namely MA-3, IPA 9F, ICP 15-9-1, VKG 27/161, H-26, ICPL 7035, LRG-30, PBT/SSL 2/73, KPL 1034-31, IPA 15-15, KPL 34, ICP 2073, IPACT-5, IPAB 10-66, IPACT-10, IPACT-11, IPAHT-26, IPACT-15, IPAD 2-8, IPACT-16, IPAD-8, IPACT-17, IPAHT-43, IPACT-21 showed &gt;80% flower/pod drop and retained 10-20% flower/pods, &gt;80%apical damage and &lt;20% recovery of apical portion and considered moderately susceptible to cold stress. Genotypes NDA-2, MAL-13, ICP-2275, IPACT-2 showed around 20-40% flower/pod drop and have retained 60-80% flowers/pods, &lt;20% apical damage and&gt;80% recovery of apical portion were considered as the highly tolerant to cold stress. The nitrogen balance index, chlorophyll and flavonols showed higher values in tolerant group whereas lower in susceptible group. The average yield/plant of pigeon pea genotypes tolerant to cold stress is considerably higher than the susceptible group of pigeon pea genotypes.</div>

​Performance of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] Genotypes under Cold Stress

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out to determine the effect of cold stress on fifteen wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Fifteen cultivars including winter cultivars viz., Sayson, Marton, Gaskoghen, C-82-12, C-82-13, facultative cultivars: Alvand, Mahdavi, Zarrin, Marvdasht, Tous and spring cultivars viz., &nbsp;Shiraz, Pishtaz, M-79-7, M-81-13, Kavir were sown at three dates (15 October, 15 November and 15 December) based on complete blocks design with three replications under field conditions. In laboratory experiment the same cultivars were evaluated under cold stress at two and four leaves growth stages. Results showed that there were significant differences among cultivars in grain yield, potassium accumulation, lethal temperature (LT50), ion leakage, chlorophyll content &nbsp;a and b among growing stages, genotypes and interaction between them. Ion leakage was the highest for M-81-13 cultivar (81.12ds m-1). C-82-12 and &nbsp;Gaskogen with more than 6.44 % and Sayson with 4.89 % potassium accumulations had the highest and lowest values. Lethal temperature of Gaskogen and Shiraz were -42 and -28&deg;C. Gaskogen was tolerant to cold stress and hadn&rsquo;t high grain yield potential. The highest chlorophyll a and proline &nbsp;content were obtained for Marvdasht and Gaskoghen with 2.51mg.g-1 and 0.34mg.g-1 at two leaves growth stage. In contrast the lowest chlorophyll b related to Sayson and C-82-12 with 1.37 and 1.39 mg g-1, respectively. All cultivars at first planting date had more grain yield than two other planting dates.&nbsp;

Physiological and biochemical responses of wheat cultivars&nbsp;(Triticum aestivum L.) to cold stress conditions

Climate change has been the major threat to livestock systems sustainability globally. This climate change has provoked many stressors, for instance, cold, heat, humidity, rain, ice and wind, that can directly or indirectly exert influence on the endocrine system and impact the performance of an animal including their production potential, reproductive system and regular estrous cycle. Also, the environmental stressors can contribute to the amenability of animals to infections; it is therefore, vital to understand how stressors alter the animal&rsquo;s adaptive capacity and efficient methods in coping stress. This review aims at the scientific evidences regarding challenges due to cold stress and its potential mitigation by nutritional interventions. The cold is amongst the most potential environmental stressors which can adversely affect production potential as well as the growth of animals. Under cold stress the animals&rsquo; dietary intake increases, but the production capacity declines, furthermore, it can also culminate in physiological fluctuations, behavioral shift, tissue and intestinal impairment and soaring death rate. Maintenance of animal in its thermoneutral zone is important, otherwise any deviation from it proves life threatening. So, to cut back on the economic losses timely course of action must be taken to prevent the damages ascribed to the stressor. To maintain the production performance along with profitability, it is thus recommended to adapt scientific feeding regimens and also incorporate feed supplements (especially vitamins and minerals) to combat the devastating effects of cold stress.

Mitigating Cold Stress in Livestock by Nutritional Interventions: A Comprehensive Review

<div style="text-align:justify">Background:&nbsp;Chronic exposure to stress results in immuno-suppression. The present study was carried out to explore the therapeutic benefits of vestibular stimulation on the immune system of stress-induced Wistar rats.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;Stress was intervened in the Wistar rats by cold water swimming method for a period of 14 days. Following stress, caloric vestibular stimulation was induced in the rats by irrigating external auditory meatus bilaterally with hot water (temperature 41oC) for 2 minutes for a period of 15 days and 30 days in respective groups. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained and serum corticosterone, Interleukin 2 (IL2), Immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were analyzed using ELISA method and histopathology of brain was assessed. Brain CD4 and CD8 cells were analyzed by Immunohistochemistry. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Stress significantly increased serum corticosterone, IL2 levels and reduced IgM levels. Stress group showed increased dendritic arborization in prefrontal cortex, neuronal atrophy, nuclear pyknosis with congested blood vessels in hippocampus and mononuclear cell inflammatory infiltrate in hypothalamus. Brain extravascular CD4 and CD8 showed positive in stress group. Caloric vestibular stimulation effectively reduced serum corticosterone levels, histopathological changes, brain extravascular CD4 and CD8 cells and improved IgM in the present study.</div>

Vestibular Stimulation as An Interventional Approach for Cold Water Stress Induced Immunological and Histopathological Changes in Rats

The main aim of this study was to determine the role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves. Ten newborn calves were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of five each. The calves of G1 were provided with no additional protection; however calves of G2 were protected against cold weather by using Infrared lamps. The body weight (kg) of calves was recorded at weekly interval. The blood samples collected at fortnightly interval were analyzed for Packed Cell volume (PCV, %), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), Total Serum Protein (TSP, g/l), albumin (g/l), globulin (g/l) and albumin globulin (A:G) ratio and hormones viz., triiodothyronine (T3, ng/ml), thyroxine (T4, ng/ml) and cortisol (ng/ml). The total body weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in G2 as compared to G1. The PCV values were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher on day 15 and day 45 in G1 than G2. The albumin and A:G Ratio were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher on day 60 and 45, respectively in G1 than G2. The cortisol levels were higher in G1 than G2 and differences were highly significant (P&lt;0.01) on 15th day and significant (P&lt;0.05) on 45th day. Significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher values of &nbsp;T3 and T4 were observed on 15th and 45th day in G1 as compared to G2. On the basis of the results, it may be concluded that Infrared lamps can be effectively used to protect newborn calves from adverse conditions of winter and to improve their body growth performance. &nbsp;

Role of Infrared lamps in cold stress alleviation during winter in Murrah calves

<div>Background: Stress is a reflex reaction initiated by animals due to the inability to cope with a stressor, which may cause discomfort, illness, or sometimes death. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (fruit kernel) in Wistar albino rats.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
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Methods: Rats were divided into five different groups (n=6). Cold stress was induced by exposing rats to cold environments during peak winter for 4 h/day for the 10-day experimental period. Groups 1 and 2 kept as healthy and stress-induced groups respectively. Group 3 received the Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg body weight) as a standard adaptogen. The Group 4 and 5 received Z. armatum at a dose rate of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Haemato-biochemical, stress and hormonal profile of all the groups were analyzed. 
 
Result: A significant hyperglycemia was observed in a stress-induced group compared to the healthy group. Elevated lipid peroxidase (LPO) and declined superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were recorded in stress-induced group concerning the healthy group. Hormonal analysis exhibited significant hypercortisolism with significant reduction in thyroxine (T4) values in stress- induced group. However, levels of LPO, SOD and hormonal parameters were recovered towards normal levels in a group 5, receiving a extract of Z. armatum (500 mg/kg). The present study revealed the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Z. armatum (fruit kernel) at a dose rate of 500 mg per kg body weight in rats.</div>

Anti-cold Stress Effect of Aqueous Extract of Fruit Kernel of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: The present study investigates the association between plasma metabolites and body condition score (BCS) in Marwari sheep under cold stress. BCS is considered as an easy, rapid&nbsp;and non-invasive assessment method for determining an animal&rsquo;s state of health. Animals modify their body&rsquo;s metabolic state to adapt and combat cold ambient temperature&nbsp;conditions. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on apparently healthy Marwari sheep by screening 180 animals from marginal farmers in two different ambiences from in and around Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The study included 6 months to 6 years age group animals which were divided in to six different categories as 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. The technique outlined by Jefferies (1961) and Russel (1968) was used to determine the body condition score of the sheep. Blood samples were collected during moderate and extreme cold ambiences in the morning hours from the slaughter house and health status was monitored by recording rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body condition score. Estimated plasma metabolites were glucose, total proteins, urea, cholesterol and creatinine. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The plasma glucose concentration increased significantly in extreme cold environment compared to a moderate environment (increasing by 9.21%), Whereas total plasma protein concentrations decreased significantly under cold conditions by 7.66%. Similarly, plasma urea and cholesterol levels increased significantly (8.81% and 13.81% increase, respectively). The results suggest that a particular BCS is not sufficient to represent the health state of sheep. However, animals with a BCS of 2.5 to 3.5 demonstrated strong physiological adaptability to their surroundings, indicating that Marwari sheep exposed to cold may have an ideal BCS.

Body Condition Score Versus Metabolites in Marwari Sheep under Cold Stress

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of silymarin (SM) and selenium-yeast (SY) on energy metabolism, growth, hematological indices and immune status of Barbari goat during cold stress. 
 
Methods: Thirty two Barbari goats (age: 6-8 months) were selected from ILFC- II, SVPUAT, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) India. Experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=8) according to body weight and age. First group (CON/C) was kept as control group giving only basal diet, second group (T1 /SM600) supplemented with 600 mg Silymarin/kg DM, third group (T2 /SeY) supplemented with 0.3 mg Selenium as Se-Yeast/kg DM and fourth group (T3 /SM600+SeY) supplemented with 600 mg Silymarin + 0.3 mg Selenium as Se-Yeast/kg DM along with basal diet for 90 days of the experimental periods. 
 
Result: Mean body weight gain (BWG) and dry matter intake (DMI) of the supplemented group was found significantly (P&lt;0.01) more than control group where as feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (P&lt;0.01) in the supplemented group. Plasma glucose concentration was found significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower where as plasma concentration of NEFA had no effect in the supplemented group as compare to control group. Haemoglobin and total immunoglobulin level was found significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in supplemented group as compare to control. The results of this study indicated that supplementation of SM and SY have important role in improving growth performance, feed intake and immune status of Barbari goat during cold stress.

Effects of Dietary Silymarin and Selenium-yeast on Energy Metabolism, Growth, Hematological Indices and Immune Status of Barbari Goat during Cold Stress

Background: Drought stress is one of the most common and important environmental factors affecting crop growth and production. Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a temperate halophyte crop, but it is sensitive to water scarcity, which can reduce its growth and yield. 
 
Methods: To study the performance of tropical sugar beet under water deficit conditions, a pot experiment was conducted in January to May 2021, using a completely randomized design with three replicates. First and second cycles of drought stress were imposed on seven-week-old sugar beet plants (LS-6 tropical variety). The first phase of stress involved with 5, 10, 15 and 20 days of irrigation withholding to 8 treatments, followed by 15 days of normal watering. Then, half of the treatments were subjected to a second cycle of drought by imposing 3 days of stress. Drought effects were studied in terms of growth, physiological, biochemical and yield characteristics. 
 
Result: Water deficit hampered plant growth by reducing leaf area and leaf area index. A marked decrease in relative water content and chlorophyll stability index was also observed. Proline and total soluble carbohydrate content increased compared to the control, while starch content was decreased. However, after 15 days of watering under the second duration of stress, all parameters recovered against control, with a slight effect compared to single-stressed treatments. Yield reduction was observed under severe stress 20 days water withholding, whereas the drought effect was not significant on the harvest index.