Sheep shearing impact on garutian sheep physiological responses

Abstract

This study aims to determine the sheep' physiological response as a result of shearing by evaluating heat tolerance coefficient. The observed measurements of heat tolerance coefficient were rectal temperature and respiratory rate. The results of this experimental method showed that the average rectal temperature of all Garut sheep groups ranged from 38.6 °C-39.0°C, while the average respiratory rate of both sheep groups was 35.1 breaths per minute to 45.1 breaths per minute. Most of the Garut sheep groups during the study have 2.5 to 3.0 heat tolerance coefficient in which the recommended normal animal heat tolerance coefficient is 2. To sum up, the observed heat tolerance of the Garut sheep in both treatments is above the recommended value. Furthermore, there was a significantly lower difference in heat tolerance coefficient in shear-shaved sheep (2.5) compared to the unshaven ones (3).