Effect of Summer Heat Stress on Fertility and Blood Parameters in Ewes and Nanny Goats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55627/agrivet.004.03.0946Keywords:
Small ruminants, Heat stress, Blood parameters, Cardiac troponinAbstract
One hundred twenty-three (54 fertile and 69 infertile) ewes and nanny goats' enrolled in this study to evaluate the effect of heat stress on their reproductive performance. The data collected were ambient temperature, humidity, coat, skin color, weight, and body temperature. Blood samples (7 mL) drawn for complete blood analysis, and determination of serum cortisol and cardiac troponin I levels. Data are statistically analyzed via ANOVA. Results revealed significant (P<0.05) high values of ambient temperature and THI (44.88 ± 0.25 °C and 91.18 ± 0.27, respectively) recorded during summer. The body temperature was higher significantly (P<0.05) in the heat stressed ewes and nanny goats with wool, hair coat, white or colored skin than in the non-stressed animals. The ambient temperature °C, THI, and body temperature °C were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the heat stressed ewes and nanny goats (fertile and infertile) than the non-stressed animals. Serum cardiac troponin levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the infertile stressed than in the fertile non-stressed and stressed animals (95.97 ± 17.70 vs. 65.37 ± 14.50 and 73.43 ± 25.27 ng/mL, respectively). In conclusion, heat stress exerted a drastic effect on ewes and nanny goats' reproduction that appears in most blood parameters and cardiac troponin I levels.
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