Thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior of sheep subjected to water restriction and high- and low-energy diets in a semi-arid environment.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction and low- and high-energy diets on sheep's thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior. Forty sheep, non-castrated, with an average body weight of 18.85 kg (SD = 2.80 kg) and an average age of 5 months were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 diets (high- and low-energy) and 2 water offers (ad libitum and 50% water restriction), with 10 replicates. Thermoregulatory responses were evaluated in two periods (morning and afternoon). There was an interaction effect of Diet x Water supply x Periods on respiratory rate (P < 0.05). High-energy diets resulted in increased heart rate, idleness, dry matter feeding and rumination efficiency, and water intake. Low-energy diets increased feeding time, rumination time, the number of ruminal cuds, chews per day, total chewing time, neutral detergent fiber intake and rumination efficiency, number of ruminations per day, average duration of rumination, and defecation frequency. Water supply affected heart rate and idleness (P < 0.05). Sheep had higher values of heart rate and rectal and surface temperatures during the afternoon (P < 0.05). Water restriction combined with a low-energy diet and high environmental temperature leads to a reduction in the respiratory rate of Santa Inês crossbred sheep. Regardless of the dietary energy value, water restriction by 50% of the daily requirement of sheep reduces dry matter intake and increases idleness.

Blood biochemical, hormonal, and hematological responses of native sheep submitted to different environmental conditions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical, hormonal, and hematological blood responses of native sheep subjected to five temperatures (20°, 24°, 28°, 32°, and 36 °C), using 24 sheep of the following breeds: Santa Inês (SI), Morada Nova (MN), Soinga (SO) and no defined racial pattern (NDRP), kept in collective pens inside the climatic chamber. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme (5 temperatures and 4 breeds) with 6 animals of each breed at each temperature. There was interaction for urea (P < .0001), glucose (P < .0001), cholesterol (P < .0001), and magnesium (P < .0001) as a function of breed and air temperature. Urea (P = .001), glucose (P < .0001), triglycerides (P = .033), cholesterol (P = .004), and magnesium (P < .0001) showed differences according to breed. It was observed that T4 (P < .0001) and cortisol (P < .0001) showed an interaction between breed and temperature, while T4 (P = .001) and cortisol (P = .001) an effect of breed. The highest magnesium concentration was observed in MN, and the lowest was in NDRP, SO, and SI, which are statistically similar, and SI and NDRP are statistically similar. The hormones showed a significant effect (P < .0001) for temperature, where cortisol increased, and thyroid hormones decreased with increasing temperature. Temperatures of 32° and 36 °C contribute to changes in blood, hormone, and hematological biochemical responses of native sheep.

Thermal exchanges, physiological responses and productive performance of Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) subjected to different air temperatures.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal exchanges, physiological responses, productive performance and carcass yield of Guinea Fowl confined under thermoneutral conditions and under thermal stress. For the experiment, 96 animals were confined in 8 experimental boxes of 1 m2 of area, each, divided in equal numbers and placed inside two distinct climatic chambers, where the birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (air temperatures of 26 and 32 °C, respectively). For the collection of physiological responses and carcass yield 16 birds were evaluated and for the collection of data on feed and water consumption and productive responses, 48 birds per treatment were evaluated. The environmental variables (air temperature (AT), air relative humidity and wind speed), temperature and humidity index (THI), heat exchanges, physiological responses (respiratory rate, surface temperature, cloacal temperature and eyeball temperature), feed (FC) and water (WC) consumption and production responses (weight gain, feed conversion index and carcass yield) of the birds were evaluated. With the elevation of the AT, it could be noticed that the THI went from a thermal comfort condition to an emergency condition, where the birds lost part of their feathers, increased all physiological responses evaluated, and consequently, reduced by 53.5% the amount of heat dissipated in the sensible form and increased by 82.7% the heat losses in the latent form, increasing also the WC. ATs of up to 32 °C did not significantly affect the productive performance and carcass yield of the guinea fowl.

Chicken bed reuse.

Aviculture is a developed and important industry worldwide. However, it is an industry that produces solid waste such as bedding. As an attempt to reduce environmental impact and productive activity costs, beds are reused by several consecutive lots which can increase microorganism concentration and lead to unsanitary conditions. In this regard, it is essential to adopt a litter pre-treatment during the gap sanitary period between lots to avoid passing problems to the birds from the current flock to the subsequent flock and to guarantee the litter quality. Several factors must be considered to guarantee that there is minimal damage to chicken production. Therefore, this literature review aims to approach the main factors that affect the thermal comfort and chicken litter quality, as well as alternatives used as an alternative biological treatment to guarantee its reuse quality.

Morphology of coat and skin of small ruminants reared in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

The structure of the coat and integument of small ruminants reared in semi-arid regions have valuable characteristics that favor their adaptation to the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics of the coat and integument and sweating capacity of goats and sheep in the Brazilian semi-arid region, using 20 animals, 10 of each breed, 5 males and 5 females of each species, grouped in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (2 species and 2 genders) with 5 replicates. The animals were already being kept under the influence of high temperatures and levels of direct solar radiation before the day of the collections. At the time of the evaluations, ambient temperature was high, with low relative humidity. The pattern of epidermal thickness and sweat glands per body region was superior in sheep (P < 0.05), and the number of hair follicles and sweat rate were similar (P > 0.05) between the species. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the evaluated characteristics between the genders, showing that they are not influenced by hormones. The morphology of the coat and skin of these animals showed a superiority of goats compared to sheep.

Performance and carcass characteristics of Santa Inês lambs fed different protein sources

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of confined Santa Inêssheep, fed different diets, in a Semiarid environment. Twenty whole sheep with 5 ± 0.5 months of age and 27 ± 2.0 kg were used, receiving two different diets for 72 experimental days, one composed of defatted soybean meal and the other of protein-enrichedcactus meal. They were evaluated for different diets, consumption, production, carcass characteristics, morphometric measures and edible components. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two treatments and 10 replications. Performance dataand carcass characteristics were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by t test at 5% probability level using Statistical Analysis System [SAS]®(1999). Thus, the use of emulsified palm forage protein in the feeding of Santa Inês male lambs proved to be an excellent protein source when compared to the use of defatted soybean meal, since the results of performance and carcass characteristics were similar, being the use of this alternative source advised as it presents the best benefit-cost ratio.(AU)

Bioclimatic zoning for quails in the rain season in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

This work aimed to perform bioclimatic zoning based on the temperature and humidity index (THI) for quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life during the rainy season in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, in order to identify the most suitable mesoregions among the Zona da Mata, Agreste, Borborema and Sertão for the breeding of these birds and to propose mitigating measures for the thermal comfort of the animals. The monthly air temperature and relative humidity data for calculating the THI were obtained from conventional meteorological stations of the National Meteorological Institute of the Brazilian federal government from 1961 to 2015, in turn making maps with the spatial distribution of the index. The index ranged from 71 to 76 in the various mesoregions of Paraíba, with Agreste being the best mesoregion for breeding quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life, thus providing a thermal comfort zone for birds and only requiring a few corrective measures in their facilities, when necessary, followed by the Sertão, Zona da Mata and Borborema mesoregions.

Productive, physiological and behavioral sheep profiles housed on facilities with different roofs in the Amazon region

The Brazilian Amazon region is characterized by high rainfall, with high temperatures and relative humidity, where sheep are raised in extensive and semi-intensive systems and some regions. This work aimed to evaluate the climatic indices of sheepfolds in the Amazon region, the productive performance, and physiological variables of Santa Inês sheep confined in sheepfolds with fiber cement (FC) and polyvinyl chloride (PC) tiles. Twenty castrated males of Santa Inês sheep were used, with a mean age of 1.5±0.2 years old and a live weight of 23±2.1 kg. The statistical design used was a completely randomized design with two roofs (FC and PC). The temperature, relative humidity of the air, temperature index of the black globe, and thermal radiation load was above the comfort zone for sheep, being higher (P < 0.05) in the sheepfold with PVC tile than FC, which contributed to the increase in respiratory rate, as a way to maintain the animals' homeotherm. Furthermore, sheep installed in the sheepfold with FC tile showed the highest weight gain, spent more time feeding, increased feeding efficiency, dry matter and fiber intake, reducing daily water intake.

Thermal environment characterization of laying hen-housing systems

This study systematically collected data on variables that influence the thermal environment characteristics in poultry houses. Laying poultry farming is a relevant economic activity in Brazilian agriculture and has been expressively growing mainly regarding genetics and nutrition. Thermal comfort in poultry houses is needed to achieve poultry's maximum productive potential. Therefore, laying aviaries previously naturally ventilated (positive pressure) are starting to be equipped with cage batteries and designed with lateral closures, using negative pressure ventilation and in some cases associated with adiabatic cooling. However, negative pressure ventilation systems' thermal efficiency in tunnel mode and its distribution in different cage levels is still slightly known. Consequently, this system's thermal efficiency needs to be investigated to ensure adequate climate indices recommendations and avoid costs and losses due to inadequate handling and facilities.

Modulation of sexual behavior of Morada Nova ewe by the season of the year in a semiarid equatorial environment

he objective was to evaluate the effect of the season on the sexual behavior patterns adopted by Morada Nova sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. A total of 55 and 59 female sheep were used in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, attended by four males of the same breed in rotation. The females identified in oestrus were released in a pasture, together with the breeder of the day for each season, and aspects of sexual behavior were measured for an uninterrupted period of 11 hours/day. Assuming a negative binomial distribution, the behavioral frequencies were subjected to deviation analysis and compared using the chi-square. Heading in the male was observed more frequently during the rainy season (0.12) and shifts with higher temperatures; the turn of the head in relation to the man was observed more frequently during the dry season (2.49). The interactions between seasons and shifts significantly affected the following behaviors: sniffing the male, sniffing the male's urogenital region, wagging the tail, lifting the tail, and urinating. Behavioral variables were influenced by the season. Morada Nova sheep reduce their water intake and grazing time to engage more efficiently in reproductive activities, thus demonstrating an ability to adapt to the Caatinga.(AU)

Magnesium in the water of Japanese quails kept under comfort zone and under thermal stress / Magnésio na água de codornas japonesas mantidas em zona de conforto e sob estresse térmico

The objective was to evaluate the increasing levels of magnesium in the water supplied to laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), kept in climatic chambers under thermoneutral temperature and thermal stress, on their performance and morphometry of their organs. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, 2x4 factorial arrangement, 2 temperatures (24 and 32 ºC) and 4 levels of magnesium in the water (50, 150, 250 and 350 mg L-1), with six replicates and eight birds per experimental unit. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability level. The magnesium levels in the water did not affect (P > 0.05) the production performance and morphometry of the organs, with less water consumption at the magnesium level of 150 mg L-1, and birds kept at 32 °C had a reduction in feed consumption and feed conversion, but without affecting organ morphometry. Japanese quails in the production phase can consume water with magnesium levels up to 350 mg L-1 without having their production performance and morphometry of organs affected and raised in an environment with temperatures of up to 32 °C.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar os níveis crescentes de magnésio na água fornecida a codornas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) em postura, mantidas em câmaras climáticas sob temperatura termoneutra e estresse térmico, sobre o desempenho e morfometria dos órgãos das aves. As aves foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, arranjo fatorial 2x4, 2 temperaturas (24 e 32 ºC) e 4 níveis de magnésio na água (50, 150, 250 e 350 mg L-1), com seis repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental e os dados submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Os níveis de magnésio na água não afetaram (P > 0,05) o desempenho produtivo e a morfometria dos órgãos, com menor consumo de água ao nível de 150 mg L-1 de magnésio e, as aves mantidas a 32 °C tiveram uma redução no consumo de ração e conversão alimentar, mas sem afetar a morfometria dos órgãos. Codornas japonesas em fase de produção podem consumir água com níveis de magnésio de até 350 mg L-1 sem ter o desempenho produtivo e a morfometria dos órgãos afetados e criados em ambiente com temperatura de até 32 °C.(AU)

Bioclimatic spatial zoning for small ruminants in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

This study aimed to carry out bioclimatic zoning based on the historical series of climatic variables such as air temperature, maximum, minimum and relative humidity collected in six conventional meteorological stations in the state of Paraíba, Brazil and from this to determine whether or not the animals are in thermal comfort by comparing with the results obtained in scientific research in each mesoregion in the rainy and dry periods. Then based on this the comfort conditions for small ruminants in the rainy and dry seasons of the mesoregions of Paraíba were observed using data from the literature, and demonstrated in spatial distribution maps. The variables air temperatures, maximum and minimum and relative humidity varied throughout the state for the rainy season between 22 to 27, 18 to 21, 25 to 31ºC and 64 to 82%, respectively, and in dry season is 23 to 27, 28 to 35, 19 to 23ºC and 49 to 76%, respectively. However, it is concluded that raising sheep and goats is viable in all mesoregions of the state of Paraíba in both periods.(AU)

Physiological variables and egg quality from quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) that received water with increasing levels of NaCl and under different temperatures / Variáveis fisiológicas e qualidade de ovos de codorna (Coturnix coturnix japonica) que receberam água com teores crescentes de NaCl e sob diferentes temperaturas

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water salinity and ambient temperature on the physiological variables and the quality of Japanese quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in the laying phase. The quails received water with increasing levels of salinity (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1) and were kept in climatic chambers under two different temperatures (24ºC and 32ºC). The design used was completely randomised, with a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement (temperatures and salinity levels), with six replicates of eight birds each. Data were submitted for analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5%. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of water salinity levels on the physiological variables nor on the quality of the birds' eggs. At 32oC there was an increase (P < 0.05) in respiratory rate, cloacal and body surface temperature of the birds, and a slight reduction (P < 0.05) in the weight of eggs, shells, and percentage of shell. For laying quails, water with salinity levels of up to 6.0 dSm-1 can be used and the birds can be raised in an environment with temperatures up to 32ºC.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência da salinidade da água e da temperatura ambiente nas variáveis fisiológicas e na qualidade dos ovos de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) na fase de postura, recebendo água com níveis crescentes de salinidade (1,5, 3,0 , 4,5 e 6,0 dS m-1), e mantidos em câmaras climáticas sob duas temperaturas diferentes (24 e 32ºC). O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 2x4 (temperaturas e níveis de salinidade), com seis repetições de oito aves cada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Não houve influência (P > 0,05) dos níveis de salinidade da água nas variáveis fisiológicas e na qualidade dos ovos das aves. A 32ºC houve um aumento (P < 0,05) na frequência respiratória, temperatura cloacal e da superfície corporal das aves e uma pequena redução (P < 0,05) no peso dos ovos, cascas e porcentagem da casca. Para codornas em postura pode-se utilizar água com salinidade de até 6,0 dSm-1, podendo as aves ser criadas em ambiente com temperatura de até 32ºC.(AU)

Salinity-water levels on productive performance, physiological and behavioral responses of ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês crossbred sheep / Níveis de salinidade da água no desempenho produtivo, respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovelhas mestiças ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of four water salinity levels on productive performance, physiological and behavioral responses of confined sheep. Thus, 24 crossbred sheep, ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês were evaluated while receiving ration and water ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized, composed of four treatments (1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 9.0 dSm-¹) and six replicates. The water supply with salinity of up to 9.0 dSm-¹ did not affect (P > 0.05) the physiological indexes, performance, or ingestive behavior of the animals, which were able to maintain normal physiological conditions even at times when the thermal comfort indexes were above the ideal. For voluntary water consumption, it was observed that there was a significant difference between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals consuming water with a conductivity of 1.5; 3.0 dSm-¹ had lower consumption than those who received six dSm-¹. The supply of water with a salinity of up to 9.0 dSm-1 did not affect the performance or the ingestive behavior of the animals, so waters with this salinity can be a valid alternative for crossbred sheep in the semi-arid region, as long as it is used seasonally and strategically.(AU)

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a influência de quatro níveis de salinidade da água no desempenho produtivo, respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovinos confinados. Assim, foram avaliados 24 ovinos mestiços, ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês, recebendo ração e água ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por quatro tratamentos (1,5; 3,0; 6,0 e 9,0 dSm-¹) e seis repetições. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de até 9,0 dSm-1 não afetou (P > 0,05) os índices fisiológicos, desempenho ou comportamento ingestivo dos animais, que foram capazes de manter as condições fisiológicas normais mesmo nos momentos em que os índices de conforto térmico foram acima do ideal. Para o consumo voluntário de água, observou-se que houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos (P < 0,05), onde os animais consumiram água com condutividade de 1,5; 3,0 dSm-¹ tiveram consumo menor do que aqueles que receberam seis dSm-¹. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de até 9,0 dSm-¹ não afetou o desempenho ou o comportamento ingestivo dos animais, portanto águas com essa salinidade podem ser uma alternativa válida para ovinos mestiços no semi-árido, desde que é usado sazonalmente e estrategicamente.(AU)

Salinity-water levels on productive performance, physiological and behavioral responses of ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês crossbred sheep / Níveis de salinidade da água no desempenho produtivo, respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovelhas mestiças ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of four water salinity levels on productive performance, physiological and behavioral responses of confined sheep. Thus, 24 crossbred sheep, ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês were evaluated while receiving ration and water ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized, composed of four treatments (1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 9.0 dSm-¹) and six replicates. The water supply with salinity of up to 9.0 dSm-¹ did not affect (P > 0.05) the physiological indexes, performance, or ingestive behavior of the animals, which were able to maintain normal physiological conditions even at times when the thermal comfort indexes were above the ideal. For voluntary water consumption, it was observed that there was a significant difference between treatments (P < 0.05), where animals consuming water with a conductivity of 1.5; 3.0 dSm-¹ had lower consumption than those who received six dSm-¹. The supply of water with a salinity of up to 9.0 dSm-1 did not affect the performance or the ingestive behavior of the animals, so waters with this salinity can be a valid alternative for crossbred sheep in the semi-arid region, as long as it is used seasonally and strategically.

O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a influência de quatro níveis de salinidade da água no desempenho produtivo, respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovinos confinados. Assim, foram avaliados 24 ovinos mestiços, ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês, recebendo ração e água ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por quatro tratamentos (1,5; 3,0; 6,0 e 9,0 dSm-¹) e seis repetições. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de até 9,0 dSm-1 não afetou (P > 0,05) os índices fisiológicos, desempenho ou comportamento ingestivo dos animais, que foram capazes de manter as condições fisiológicas normais mesmo nos momentos em que os índices de conforto térmico foram acima do ideal. Para o consumo voluntário de água, observou-se que houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos (P < 0,05), onde os animais consumiram água com condutividade de 1,5; 3,0 dSm-¹ tiveram consumo menor do que aqueles que receberam seis dSm-¹. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de até 9,0 dSm-¹ não afetou o desempenho ou o comportamento ingestivo dos animais, portanto águas com essa salinidade podem ser uma alternativa válida para ovinos mestiços no semi-árido, desde que é usado sazonalmente e estrategicamente.

Adaptability of sheep to three salinity levels in different environments / Adaptabilidade de ovinos consumindo água com três níveis de salinidade em diferentes ambientes

The objective of this study is to evaluate physiological parameters and the adaptability of Santa Inês sheep to two climatic conditions 25ºC (within the thermal comfort zone [TCZ) and 32ºC (above the TCZ) and three salinity levels (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 dS m-1). The study was developed in a climatic chamber using 36 uncastrated male sheep. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 2 ´ 3 factorial scheme composed of two temperatures, three water salinity levels, and six repetitions. The physiological variables were not affected by the salinity levels. The rectal and skin temperature and the heart and respiratory rate were higher at 32 ºC. However, the rectal temperature was within the normal range for the species. The consumption of water with different salt concentrations did not affect the adaptive responses of the animals and could be an alternative water source for sheep in regions where water has a high salinity level. The respiratory rate of sheep exposed to 32 ºC increased to eliminate body heat, and exposure to 25 ºC provided greater thermal comfort for the animals.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as variáveis fisiológicas e a adaptabilidade de ovinos da raça Santa Inês, submetidos a duas condições climáticas, 25 ºC - dentro da zona de conforto térmico (ZCT) e 32 ºC - acima da ZCT, consumindo água com três níveis de salinidade (2,0, 4,0 e 8,0 dS m-1). O estudo foi desenvolvido em câmara climática, utilizando-se 36 ovinos machos inteiros, sendo o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 3, composto por duas temperaturas (parcelas repetidas no tempo) e três níveis de salinidade da água, com seis repetições. As variáveis fisiológicas não foram afetadas pelos níveis de sais na água e, na temperatura de 32 ºC a temperatura retal, superficial e a frequência cardíaca e respiratória foram mais elevadas, sendo que a temperatura retal manteve-se dentro da normalidade para a espécie. O consumo de água com diferentes concentrações de sais não afetou as respostas adaptativas dos animais, podendo ser uma alternativa de consumo para ovinos em regiões onde houver água com nível elevado de salinidade. Os ovinos ao serem expostos a temperaturas mais elevadas (32 ºC) utilizaram o aumento da frequência respiratória como forma de eliminação do calor corporal e a temperatura de 25 ºC forneceu maior conforto térmico para os animais.(AU)

Adaptability of sheep to three salinity levels in different environments / Adaptabilidade de ovinos consumindo água com três níveis de salinidade em diferentes ambientes

The objective of this study is to evaluate physiological parameters and the adaptability of Santa Inês sheep to two climatic conditions 25ºC (within the thermal comfort zone [TCZ) and 32ºC (above the TCZ) and three salinity levels (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 dS m-1). The study was developed in a climatic chamber using 36 uncastrated male sheep. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 2 ´ 3 factorial scheme composed of two temperatures, three water salinity levels, and six repetitions. The physiological variables were not affected by the salinity levels. The rectal and skin temperature and the heart and respiratory rate were higher at 32 ºC. However, the rectal temperature was within the normal range for the species. The consumption of water with different salt concentrations did not affect the adaptive responses of the animals and could be an alternative water source for sheep in regions where water has a high salinity level. The respiratory rate of sheep exposed to 32 ºC increased to eliminate body heat, and exposure to 25 ºC provided greater thermal comfort for the animals.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as variáveis fisiológicas e a adaptabilidade de ovinos da raça Santa Inês, submetidos a duas condições climáticas, 25 ºC - dentro da zona de conforto térmico (ZCT) e 32 ºC - acima da ZCT, consumindo água com três níveis de salinidade (2,0, 4,0 e 8,0 dS m-1). O estudo foi desenvolvido em câmara climática, utilizando-se 36 ovinos machos inteiros, sendo o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 3, composto por duas temperaturas (parcelas repetidas no tempo) e três níveis de salinidade da água, com seis repetições. As variáveis fisiológicas não foram afetadas pelos níveis de sais na água e, na temperatura de 32 ºC a temperatura retal, superficial e a frequência cardíaca e respiratória foram mais elevadas, sendo que a temperatura retal manteve-se dentro da normalidade para a espécie. O consumo de água com diferentes concentrações de sais não afetou as respostas adaptativas dos animais, podendo ser uma alternativa de consumo para ovinos em regiões onde houver água com nível elevado de salinidade. Os ovinos ao serem expostos a temperaturas mais elevadas (32 ºC) utilizaram o aumento da frequência respiratória como forma de eliminação do calor corporal e a temperatura de 25 ºC forneceu maior conforto térmico para os animais.

Influence of water salinity on the adaptability of confined sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region / Influência da salinidade da água na adaptabilidade de ovinos confinados no semiárido brasileiro

The present study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort indices inside the facilities and the influence of water salinity on the physiological responses of sheep in confinement receiving water with four levels of salinity (1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 dS m-1), consuming feed and water at will. The experimental configuration adopted was a completely randomized design (CRD), composed of 4 treatments and 6 replicates, with data submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means compared by Tukey test at 5% probability level. Air temperature, black globe temperature and humidity index and the thermal load of radiation at the hottest times of the day were above the thermal comfort zone for sheep, with low relative air humidity, factors that did not affect the rectal temperature, but caused elevation in surface temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate. Supplying water with salinity of up to 9.0 dS m-1did not affect (P>0.05) the physiological responses of sheep.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os índices de conforto térmico no interior das instalações e a influência da salinidade da água nas respostas fisiológicas de ovinos 1/2 sangue Dorper + 1/2 sangue Santa Inês confinados, recebendo água com quatro níveis de salinidade (1,5; 3,0; 6,0 e 9,0 dS m-1), consumindo ração e água a vontade. A configuração delinear experimental adotada foi o delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), composto de 4 tratamentos e 6 repetições, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A temperatura do ar, o índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade e a carga térmica de radiação, nos horários mais quentes do dia, ficaram acima da zona de conforto térmico para os ovinos, com baixa umidade relativa do ar, fatores que não afetaram a temperatura retal, porém, provocaram elevação na temperatura superficial, frequência respiratória e cardíaca. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de 1,5 até 9,0 dS m-1não afetou (P>0,05) as respostas fisiológicas dos ovinos.

Influence of water salinity on the adaptability of confined sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region / Influência da salinidade da água na adaptabilidade de ovinos confinados no semiárido brasileiro

The present study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort indices inside the facilities and the influence of water salinity on the physiological responses of sheep in confinement receiving water with four levels of salinity (1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 dS m-1), consuming feed and water at will. The experimental configuration adopted was a completely randomized design (CRD), composed of 4 treatments and 6 replicates, with data submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means compared by Tukey test at 5% probability level. Air temperature, black globe temperature and humidity index and the thermal load of radiation at the hottest times of the day were above the thermal comfort zone for sheep, with low relative air humidity, factors that did not affect the rectal temperature, but caused elevation in surface temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate. Supplying water with salinity of up to 9.0 dS m-1did not affect (P>0.05) the physiological responses of sheep.(AU)

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os índices de conforto térmico no interior das instalações e a influência da salinidade da água nas respostas fisiológicas de ovinos 1/2 sangue Dorper + 1/2 sangue Santa Inês confinados, recebendo água com quatro níveis de salinidade (1,5; 3,0; 6,0 e 9,0 dS m-1), consumindo ração e água a vontade. A configuração delinear experimental adotada foi o delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), composto de 4 tratamentos e 6 repetições, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A temperatura do ar, o índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade e a carga térmica de radiação, nos horários mais quentes do dia, ficaram acima da zona de conforto térmico para os ovinos, com baixa umidade relativa do ar, fatores que não afetaram a temperatura retal, porém, provocaram elevação na temperatura superficial, frequência respiratória e cardíaca. O fornecimento de água com salinidade de 1,5 até 9,0 dS m-1não afetou (P>0,05) as respostas fisiológicas dos ovinos.(AU)

Ethology, physiological, and ingestive responses of sheep subjected to different temperatures and salinity levels of water.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses, ethology, and ingestive behavior of female Morada Nova sheep kept in a thermoneutral environment, after thermal stress and after consuming water with different levels of salinity. Thirty-six Morada Nova females with a mean age of 10.0 ± 2.0 months and a mean weight of 25.0 ± 3.0 kg were evaluated and distributed in a climatic chamber. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial scheme of 2 (air temperature (AT)) × 3 (salinity levels (SLs)) and six replications. The sheep's physiological responses, ethology (day/night), and ingestive behavior were evaluated while they were subjected to ATs of 26.0 and 32.0 °C and SLs of 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 dS/m. With elevation in AT, the animals experienced increased (P < 0.05) rectal temperatures (RTs), respiratory rates (RFs), and surface temperatures (STs) and exhibited reduced (P < 0.05) heart rates (HRs). When consuming water with an SL of 9.0 dS/m, a HR reduction (P < 0.05) was observed. Sleep behavior increased (P < 0.05) with the increase in SL during the day. Sleeping and drinking behaviors increased (P < 0.05), and the time of inactivity was reduced (P < 0.05) during the nocturnal period with increased SLs. With increased SLs, sheep consumed more water (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) the number of regurgitated ruminal boluses per day (NRBD). Under the conditions of thermal stress (32.0 °C), sheep need to make physiological adjustments to maintain homeothermy. Water consumption of SLs up to 9.0 dS/m causes a higher state of dormancy in female Morada Nova sheep.