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

ABSTRACT

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