Effects of extreme high and low environmental temperature in Bangladesh perspective on clinical parameters in goats

Abstract

In this study, Black Bengal (BB) goats' physiological characteristics were examined in relation to high and low ambient temperatures. The investigation was carried out throughout the winter months (November- February) and the summer months (April- July). Twelve experimental Black Bengal goats of either sex was used in this experiment and were aged between 2-3 years old with a body weight of 18 to 23 kg. A digital hygrometer and thermometer installed in the animal shed were used to record the daily temperature in the surrounding air and relative humidity to compute the temperature-humidity index (THI). Physiological parameters (respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature) of the animals were noted daily during the experimental period. According to this study, all of the animals endured extremely high levels of heat and cold stress in the summer and winter, with the temperature humidity index (THI) recorded in the summer was 30.5 ± 0.51 and the winter was 16.37 ± 1.51. Throughout the summer and winter, all BB goats showed significant alterations in their clinical parameters. The results of the study indicated that seasonal and recording-time differences in rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate were statistically (P<0.05) substantial. It has been found that THI in Black Bengal goats is more influenced by ambient temperature than relative humidity and is a sensitive indication of both heat and cold stress. Therefore, heat stress is associated with certain physiological effects in Black Bengal goats.