Effects of shearing and exercise on heat tolerance, food utilization and blood constituents in desert sheep

Abstract

Adult desert rams were used to evaluate the effects of shearing and exercise (8 km or 12 km day−1 in early winter). Shearing decreased rectal temperature (Tr) but not respiration rate (RR) before exercise; both Tr and RR increased to equal values in shorn and unshorn rams following exercise. Shearing increased DMI and water consumption. Exercise increased ruminal NH3 and VFA and lowered rumen osmolality. Total N intake and faecal N increased with shearing. Total N excreted increased and N retention decreased with exercise. Exercise decreased plasma osmolality, albumin, FFA and cholesterol. Shearing and exercise increased plasma urea. Shearing decreased plasma glucose level. Shearing of desert sheep under warm thermal environments improves thermoregulatory capacity and food utilization, whereas an increase in the intensity of exercise adversely influences N metabolism.