COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE ADAPTIVE RESPONSES OF YANKASA AND SUDAN FAT-TAILED SHEEP IN THE TROPICAL HOT-DRY SEASON

Abstract

The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the variation in physiological parameters of Yankasa (n=10) and recently introduced, Sudan Fat-tailed (n=10) sheep during the peak of the hot-dry season in the Guinea Savannah climate. Results revealed that the rectal, skin, eye and hair temperatures, as well as respiratory and pulse rate were significantly higher in the afternoon as compared with the morning and evening hours in both breeds. The Sudan Fat-tailed exhibited lower (P <0.05) skin and hair temperatures in the morning, while in the afternoon hours, they had higher (P < 0.05) eye temperature and heart rate compared with Yankasa sheep. There was no significant breed difference in respiratory rate and rectal temperature. It was concluded that although both breeds of sheep showed some variation in physiological response to the heat stress during the peak of the hot- dry season, they are equally adapted to the peak of the heat stress in the Guinea Savannah climate. However, the adaptive responses of Sudan Fat-tailed to other seasons need to be evaluated.