Physiological parameters and heat tolerance index of sindi breed bovine in the semi-arid of Paraiba

This experiment was carried out in the Health and Technology Center (CSTR) of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) in Paraiba. Twelve female of the Sindi breed with 18 months of age were utilized, with the objective to determine the physiological parameters and Heat Tolerance Index (HTI). The physiological parameters were observed weekly, in the morning and in the afternoon, during 3 months in each season (rainy and dry season). In the experimental period, the maximum temperatures were 32,2 degrees C and 38,2 degrees C, the minimum temperatures were 24 degrees C and 26 degrees C and the Black Globe-Humidity Index (BGHI) in the shade was 88,8 and 88,7, for the rainy and dry season, respectively. There was significant effect of the season on the physiological parameters (Rectal temperature, Respiratory Frequency and Cardiac Frequency) and on the hematological parameters. However, these parameters are considered normal to this specie. About the heat tolerance, the animals presented a index of 9,83, which is considered high. It was concluded that this breed is well adapted to the conditions of the Semi-arid region in Brazil.