Effect of natural shading on some adaptive traits of hydrated and dehydrated ewes during breeding under semi-arid conditions

This study aimed at testing the relief effects of trees shadow, as a low cost accommodation, on both hydrated and dehydrated ewes during breeding in the hot months of summer. Fifty-two crossbred Barki x Merino ewes, raised in Western Coastal Desert of Egypt, were divided into two groups, one kept under trees and the other exposed to sun. Each group was divided into two sub-groups, one of them was intermittently watered every four days and the other watered daily. The adaptive responses of ewes, in terms of changes in some hematological parameters and body fluids, were examined for 2.5 months where ewes were in early embryonic stage

Seasonal rhythms of cutaneous and respiratory water losses as mechanisms for thermoregulation by desert sheep and goats

The present work was initiated to examine the seasonal rates of evaporative water loss [through skin and respiration] on 5 adult Barki rams and 5 bucks in relation to body temperature regulation. From this study it appears that sheep and goats are able to cope with diverse thermal conditions maintaining a heat balance over the whole year. The two species possess both cutaneous and pulmonary evaporative cooling mechanisms. Due to the different nature of body coat and size, sheep may have to use more physiological evaporative activities, while goats presumably depend on physical means of heat exchange for thermoregulations