Effects of vitamin E on diurnal variation in rectal temperature of Black Harco pullets during the hot-dry season

Experiments were performed with the aims of determining rectal temperature (RT) fluctuations in pullets, and the effect of vitamin E administration on the fluctuations during the hot-dry season. The RT values in experimental pullets administered vitamin E orally at a daily dose of 30 mg/kg, were significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of control pullets administered only water (41.21±0.02 and 41.43±0.04 °C, respectively). The dry-bulb temperature was significantly (P<0.001) and positively correlated with RT in both experimental (r=0.800) and control (r=0.936) pullets. Vitamin E administration ameliorated the heat stress of the hot-dry season, and may enhance productivity of pullets during the season.