Ethological and clinical reactions of dairy goats under the conditions of the extreme continental climate of the Lower Volga

Abstract

The research study was devoted to the adaptive properties of dairy goats that were imported from the Netherlands (Saanen breed) and Germany (Anglo-Nubian breed) and were adapting to the new conditions of the extremely continental climate of the Lower Volga region. The adaptive properties of the goats were assessed with respect to ethological and clinical indicators, taking into account the season of the year. The daily behavior of goats in conditions of year-round zero grazing was as follows: the standing time of the animals ranged from 242.6 to 248.5 minutes and amounted to 16.85 and 17.26%; the lying down time lasted for 258.5 and 262.4 minutes or 17.95 and 18.22%; the motor activity made 370.6 and 373.4 minutes or 25.74 and 25.93%; and the night rest was recorded for 486.0 and 490.0 minutes or 33.75 and 34.03%. A significance was established in favor of Anglo-Nubian goats in terms of the feeding time for 12.7 minutes (P<0.05) and ruminating time while standing for 5.8 minutes (P<0.05). Saanen goats significantly (P<0.05) exceeded Anglo-Nubian goats in terms of day-time sleep, contact with other animals, and milking. The maximum body temperature in both groups was noted in the summer period at an ambient temperature of from +23 to +34 °C, i.e. 39.4-39.9 °C for Saanen breed and 39.4-39.7 °C for Anglo-Nubian breed. The minimum indices were established in the winter period at the air temperature range from -10 to -16 °C, namely, 39.0-39.3 for Saanen goats and 38.6-38.8 °C for Anglo-Nubian ones. In the autumn-spring period, the body temperature indices of both Saanen and Anglo-Nubian goats were higher than in winter and lower than in summer.