Influence of temperature humidity index on skin temperature of west African dwarf goats raised in Nigeria
Keywords:
Ambient temperature;Humidity;Season;Skin temperature;THI;Thermal comfort levelAbstract
The influence oftemperature humidity index (THI) on skin temperature of West African Dwarf(WAD) goats was evaluated. Based on the recordings of farm ambient temperatureand relative humidity, the study was conducted during rainy and dry seasons.Data obtained for temperature and relative humidity were used to develop anindex for measuring thermal comfort level for the goats. Thigh, ear and necktemperatures of the animals were measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)was used to compare variations in the skin temperature of the animals asinfluenced by ambient temperature and relative humidity. Duncan’s MultipleRange test was used to separate the means where significance was indicated. Thesummary statistics for climatic variations were also calculated within eachseason. The skin temperature of the goats was significantly (p<0.001;p<0.05) affected by THI. Exposure of the animals to high ambient temperatureand relative humidity resulted in significant increase in skin temperaturesites at the neck, ear and thigh of the animals. The goats employ surface areasas a means to dissipate heat load away from their body.
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Copyright (c) 2013 M. A. Popoola, A. A. Saka, T. A. Olaniyi, M. O. Yahaya, G. L. Adebisi
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