Thermoregulatory Traits of Native Sheep in Pregnancy and Supplemented in Grazing System

Alécio Matos Pereira,Tairon Pannunzio Dias E Silva,Irenilde Alves Da Silva,Fernanda Patrícia Gottardi,Carlo Aldrovandi Torreão Marques,Ana Mirtes Rodrigues Bonifácio,Jacira Neves Da Costa Torreão,Camila Vieira Dos Santos,Katiene Régia Silva Sousa

doi:10.5539/jas.v6n9p113

Alécio Matos Pereira, Tairon Pannunzio Dias E Silva + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v6n9p113

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Abstract

Current assay evaluates thermoregulatory characteristics of native sheep in pregnancy and supplemented in grazing system. Were used 24 multiparous lactating ewes, 12 Santa Inês and 12 Morada Nova, with an average weight of 52.6 and 31.3 kg, respectively, were randomly distributed in a completely randomized split-split plot design. Physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured in that order during the morning and afternoon, 06-07 and 13-14 h, respectively, every seven days, totaling 10 samples. The environmental temperature was higher (P<0.05) in the afternoon, probably due to the higher incidence and intensity of sunlight at this time, with index globe temperature and humidity presenting values that characterize an environment of danger to animal production, characteristics of the semiarid. Effect (P<0.05) turn and race on the thermoregulatory characteristics of the sheep were found, showing unfavorable conditions in the afternoon with greater intensity of use of heat dissipation mechanisms by Santa Inês ewes. Assessing the effect of supplementation on the physiology of these sheep, it appears that there is an influence (P<0.05) on the RR and HR, with higher values for Santa Inês ewes subjected to 1.5% concentrate diet. However, RT remained within the normal range, indicating that they are adapted breeds rearing conditions and experimental diet that have efficient mechanisms in respiratory heat dissipation, indicating also that they are qualified to productive farm animals in semi-arid conditions.

Highlights

The northeast region has much of the Brazilian herd sheep and highlights its potential production of this species, which has adaptive features that give them good production capacity in various ecosystems of the region
rectal temperature (RT) remained within the normal range, indicating that they are adapted breeds rearing conditions and experimental diet that have efficient mechanisms in respiratory heat dissipation, indicating that they are qualified to productive farm animals in semi-arid conditions
The enviromental temperature in semi-arid conditions, as expected and reported by several authors (Santos et al, 2005, 2007; Silva et al, 2012, 2013b), was higher (P

Summary

Introduction

The northeast region has much of the Brazilian herd sheep and highlights its potential production of this species, which has adaptive features that give them good production capacity in various ecosystems of the region. Among the technologies that promote increased production in the tropical region, Façanha et al (2013) highlight the use of more specialized genotypes inserted into a compatible with their requirements and/or use of adapted animals, of which we must select the most productive environment. In the ongoing search for the efficiency of the production system, the use of concentrates in the diet of animals raised on pasture supplementation has been widely disseminated. High levels of this food may impair the ability of thermoregulation of ruminants in warm regions; this food should be used sparingly in the diet of these animals. Current assay evaluates thermoregulatory characteristics of native sheep in pregnancy and supplemented in grazing system

Material and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusions