Goats are significant to the livelihood of small family farm in Nigeria and have been utilized for their rich milk, meat and even fibre for ages. Tropical country such as Nigeria is characterised by constant high temperatures all year round and is likely to affect all aspects of animal productivity including reproduction and growth due to heat stress. There is need to examine the relative adaptability of the major goat breeds in Nigeria including West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto and Sahel goats to heat stress. This is for proper application of good management practices which can enhance their productivity. In addition, understanding some physiological parameters like pulse rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature could be used to monitor heat stress in goats. The combine effects of these parameters could be used to determine their adaptability in a particular environment. Knowing the adaptive strength of a breed will help to raise and manage such breed in an environment where they are best adapted. Good management practices especially towards preventing adverse effects of heat stress will enhance the productivity in Nigerian goat breeds.

Autorentext

Mrs Egbowon had her Bachelor and Masters degrees in Animal Science. She had a Commonwealth Scholarship in 2007 for her PhD in the United Kingdom. She is currently a staff in the department of Animal Physiology University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. She is married to Ebunoluwa with four kids, Daniel, Deborah, David and Demetrius.