A comparative thermophysiological study on water-deprived goats and camels

Abstract

This study aimed to characterise and compare the thermophysiological adaptation of goats and camels to water deprivation under hot environmental conditions. A total of five male Aardi goats (25 ± 3.2 kg BW; 10 ± 2 months old) as well as five male Majaheem camels (340 ± 16.6 kg; 22 ± 2 months old) were used in this study. This study was performed during summer season and lasted for 6 weeks. During the De-hydration period, water was withheld for 72 hours. The results revealed that core body temperature (T c) of both species had monophasic circadian rhythms with a rhythm's oscillation of 0.67°C in goats and 0.45°C in camels during the Eu-hydration period. Water deprivation accompanied with heat stress affected the circadian rhythm of Tc in both species, but the effect was delayed in camels compared to goats. In addition, camels exhibited smaller oscillation of Tc rhythm (0.98°C) than goats (1.53°C), which might indicate a better thermoregulatory system of camels. Water deprivation for 72 hours increased most of the measured haematological and biochemical parameters in both species, but camels exhibited smaller percentage changes compared to goats. These results demonstrate the greater capability of camels, compared to goats, to tolerate water deprivation under hot environmental conditions. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.