Data on effect of temperature humidity index and physiological adaptation of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds to environmental variations
Description
Climatic variations and global warming present significant challenges to livestock production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study investigates the genetic adaptation of three Nigerian indigenous goat breeds—Sahel (Sh), Red Sokoto (RS), and West African Dwarf (WAD)—to heat stress. Conducted at Bowen University Farm, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, the experiment involved 45 goats (6 males and 9 females per breed). The goats were divided into three treatment groups: T1 (0 hours of heat exposure), T2 (4 hours), and T3 (8 hours), simulating different durations of heat stress during grazing. Physiological indicators such as body temperature, rectal temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate were measured over 12 days. Morphological traits, including body weight, length, neck, abdominal, and chest circumferences, as well as fur diameter, were also assessed. Results revealed significant breed-specific variations in heat tolerance. WAD goats exhibited the highest heat stress responses, with elevated body and rectal temperatures, pulse, and respiratory rates, followed by the Red Sokoto and Sahel breeds. Morphologically, WAD goats had the smallest body size, whereas Red Sokoto goats were the largest. Fur diameter was inversely related to heat tolerance, with Sahel goats possessing the finest fur and better thermoregulation. These findings highlight the genetic diversity in heat stress adaptation among Nigerian goat breeds, with implications for selective breeding programs to enhance heat resilience. The study contributes to understanding how local breeds can be optimized for sustainable livestock production in increasingly warmer climates.