Effects of coat color pattern and sex on physiological traits and heat tolerance of indigenous goats exposed to solar radiation

Abstract

In this century, climate change is one of the major problems affecting livestock productivity. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of body coat color pattern and sex on heat regulation and heat stress tolerance in indigenous goat breeds exposed to solar radiation. In the experiment, 4 bucks and 4 does (8 to 9 months age) with black, white, grey and brown coat color were selected and exposed to solar radiation during 12 days during the summer period. Water and feed were served add libitum. The consumption were measured daily at 17:00 for each animal. Rectal temperature (RT) and rate pulse (PR) were measured three-time (7:00, 12:00, and 17:00) every day on each animal during the experimental period. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and immediately delivered to the lab to determine biochemical (serum protein: albumin and globulin), and hematological parameters. Exposing goats to temperature variation affected the physiological, hematological as well as biochemical parameters in all subjects. The female with a black body coat color was mostly affected. The heat stress induced an increase of RT and PR, an increase in water consumption while depression in food intake was observed. Blood platelets, hematocrits, red cell distribution, white blood cell and albumin were damaged in goats with black coat color compared to goats with white coat color. These variations in physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters in female black goat could affect its productive and reproductive performances in high-temperature environments.