Abstract

MACIAS-CRUZ, Ulises et al. Variations in the thermoregulatory responses of hair ewes during the summer months in a desert climate. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2018, vol.9, n.4, pp.738-753. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v9i4.4527.

Ten (10) multiparous hair ewes from white genotype, non-pregnant and non-lactating, were confined in order to determine diurnal variations of physiological variables and some blood metabolite concentrations through hot summer months (June to September) in an desert region of the northwest Mexico. While blood metabolite concentrations were measured at 6 and 18 h, physiological variables were evaluated at 0, 6, 12 and 18 h during 4-d in each month (weekly measurements). Temperature and temperature-humidity index monthly averages during the study were 33.6 oC and 78.6 units, respectively, being August the hottest month. Live weight and body condition did not change (P>0.05) across the summer months. Compared with other months, rectal temperatures in August were lower (P<0.05) between 0 and 12 h, and then increased (P<0.05) at 18 h. Respiration frequency decreased (P<0.05) at 6 h in all the months, but at 0 and 18 h this was higher in August than in other months. Higher (P<0.05) glucose concentration and lower (P<0.05) cholesterol and triglyceride concentration were observed in June and July than in August and September. In conclusion, under desert climatic conditions, hair ewes had the ability to maintain homeothermy during all summer warm months because they changed their diurnal rhythms of physiological and metabolic variables according to the intensity of the heat stress in each month.

Keywords : Hair sheep; Heat stress; Homeothermy; Physiological adaptation.