Influence of environment on respiration, heart rate and body temperature of filial crosses compared to local Awassi sheep

Abstract

Sheep in the study were on the American University of Beirut Agricultural Research and Education Center in the Beka'a Valley of Lebanon. The flock ( n = 36) had native Awassi (A) and crossbreds from imported Finn Landrace (F), Texel (T) and FT crosses. Respiration rates were higher for all animals at higher ambient temperatures. Genotype ( P < 0.05) affected respiration rate, with Awassi having lower rates than filial crosses (63.8 vs. 76.5 breaths/min) during all seasons. Animal sex also ( P < 0.05) affected respiration rate between crosses and Awassi (71.2 vs. 49.6 breaths/min). Awassi classes differed ( P < 0.05) from each other during the summer with young females having highest rates (90.7 breaths/min). Shearing caused ( P > 0.05) changes between the crosses and Awassi during summer. Heart rates of the crosses were ( P < 0.05) higher than of Awassi during fall and spring seasons (116.3, 125.8 vs. 104.8, 117.1 beats/min, respectively). Young filial males had ( P < 0.05) higher pulse rates than the same Awassi class during all seasons. Body temperatures of filial crosses during all seasons were ( P > 0.05) higher than Awassi (39.41 vs. 39.31 °C). Rectal temperatures increased with higher ambient temperatures and were lower in the morning hours. Filial crosses had higher respiration, heart rate and body temperature than Awassi. Age and sex of the animal, breed and season influenced physiological parameters. Awassi were more adapted and tolerant of prevailing conditions although the filial crosses survived these conditions.