Influence of temperature humidity index on skin temperature of West African Dwarf goats raised in Nigeria

The influence of temperature humidity index (THI) on skin temperature of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats was evaluated. Based on the recordings of farm ambient temperature and relative humidity, the study was conducted during rainy and dry seasons. Data obtained for temperature and relative humidity were used to develop an index for measuring thermal comfort level for the goats. Thigh, ear and neck temperatures of the animals were measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare variations in the skin temperature of the animals as influenced by ambient temperature and relative humidity. Duncan’s Multiple Range test was used to separate the means where significance was indicated. The summary statistics for climatic variations were also calculated within each season. The skin temperature of the goats was significantly (p<0.001; p<0.05) affected by THI. Exposure of the animals to high ambient temperature and relative humidity resulted in significant increase in skin temperature sites at the neck, ear and thigh of the animals. The goats employ surface areas as a means to dissipate heat load away from their body.

Keywords:

Ambient temperature , , Humidity , Season , , Skin temperature , , THI , , Thermal comfort level