Metereological factors on reproductive activity of goats in dry season of semi-arid region of Pernambuco

The heat stress conditions with reference to meteorological and individual factors were investigated, and the influence of this condition on the reproductive activity of undefined breed of goats (SPRD), calved during the dry period. In all, 24 animals were used, divided into four treatments: control group, consisting of goats that had access only to the pasture and palm in nature and 3 groups through supplementation with concentrated isoproteic 20% crude protein (CP), varying the total digestible nutrients (TDN) content of 65, 75 and 85%. Data were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. The meteorological factors were observed by index of temperature of black globe and humidity (ITGU) and the physiological through respiratory (RF) and cardiac frequencies (CF); cutaneous (CT) and rectal temperatures (RT) and analysed in factorial scheme. Statistical differences were found in the respiratory and cardiac frequencies, showed an interaction between the month and times of observation. The uterine involution, did not show differences between treatments (p > 0.05). The return to estrus tended to be faster in groups 85 and 75% than in other groups. There was no negative influence of mild heat stress, indicated by climatic factors (ITGU) and the individual factors on the reproductive activity of goats SPRD.