A note on the adaptability of native and cross-bred sheep to hot summer conditions of semi-arid and arid areas

Abstract

SUMMARYRelative adaptability of Chokla and Rambouillet × Chokla half-breds was compared by observing their responses on exposure to summer stress for 6 days and also under accentuated stress by deprivation of drinking water till the animals lost 30% of their body weight. Responses of both the breed groups were similar on 6 days exposure. Accentuated summer stress resulted in decreased feed intake followed by 15, 26 and 31% loss in body weight on 1st, 2nd and 3rd day of exposure, respectively. Progressive decline in faecal moisture, increase in rectal temperature and decrease in morning respiration rate were also noted in both the breeds while an increase in pulse rate was recorded only in the cross-breds. Increase in respiratory or pulse rate for unit rise in rectal temperature was found to be higher in the cross-breds. On accentuated thermal stress, haematocrit values were higher in the cross-breds and blood potassium concentration was higher in the Chokla while blood glucose decreased in both the groups. Under the conditions of short-term exposure to summer stress the cross-breds maintained homoeothermy as well as the Chokla.