Abstract

Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on total oxidant capacity (TOC) in hair goats grown at different altitudes in the same season. The study was carried out on 208 hair goats (25 male and 183 female) in 11 different districts of Adana province (Turkey) in the summer season. The districts were grouped as 0-99 m (Grop 1), 100-500 m (Group 2) and higher than 500 m (Group 3) according to altitude characteristics, and goats were classified into two groups as under 3 years and 4 years or older. Blood samples were collected, serums harvested and stored at -20°C until TOC analysis. Heat stress was determined according to temperature humidity index (THI). There were severe and moderate heat stress in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.001). TOC was significantly lower in group 2 compared to the other groups (P<0.001). The highest TOC was measured in group 3 (P<0.001). And TOC was significantly higher in animals aged 4 and older compared to under 3 years of age (P<0.05). Although male goats were exposed to significantly higher THI than female goats (P<0.01), TOC levels were found similar in both groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, altitude, THI, age and gender had a complex effect on TOC.

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