THERMAL COMFORT EVALUATON FOR SHEEP IN EXHIBITION DURING SANTARÉM AGRICULTURAL FAIR

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The exhibition of sheep in agricultural fair has increased considerably in recent years, mainly due to the advancement of management techniques, nutrition and genetic improvement. The present study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort zone in Santa Inês breed sheep and Dorper through measurements of temperature, relative humidity and physiological responses.  The job lasted two days with seven females of both races with an average age of seven months. The experiment was in completely randomized experimental design in factorial scheme 12x2. Bioclimatic variables collection using the dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, temperature and humidity, and the physiological responses were respiratory rate, often shallow (head, torso and back). Under adverse environmental conditions at the site of the experiment, the sheep were subjected to moderate stress, showing their physiological parameters above the normal range, on average, mainly in the afternoon, standing outside of your area of termoneutralidade. The Santa Inês breed was presented the lowest elevation of the surface temperature, consequently, pointed and increased tolerance to the environmental stress.KEYWORDS: Bioclimatology, Environment, Stress.