Heat tolerance of zebu and Friesianzebu crosses in the Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria

Authors

  • V. Buvanendran National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1096, Zaria, Nigeria
  • A.M. Adamu National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1096, Zaria, Nigeria
  • B.Y. Abubakar National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, PMB 1096, Zaria, Nigeria

Keywords:

Zebu, Heat tolerance, Respiration rate, Sweating rate, Rectal temperature

Abstract

Physiological measurements of two indigenous zebu breeds of cattle, Bunaji (BU) and Sokoto Gudali (SG) and the half-crosses of Friesian-White Fulani (CB) were taken after exposure under field conditions. Observations were made over a period of four months, two of which were during the cool season and two during the hot season. Rectal temperature (RT) did not differ between breeds but respiration rate (RR) and sweating rate (SR) were higher in the CB. Haematocrit (HT) and plasma protean (PP) did not differ significantly between breeds. The repeatability of RR was moderately high, both within and between seasons. RR is therefore a more reliable physiological measure of response to climatic stress. The CB is less adapted than the zebu.

Downloads

How to Cite

Buvanendran, V., Adamu, A., & Abubakar, B. (1992). Heat tolerance of zebu and Friesianzebu crosses in the Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Tropical Agriculture, 69(4). Retrieved from https://journals.sta.uwi.edu/ojs/index.php/ta/article/view/4859

Issue

Volume 69 Number 4

Section

Research Papers