Thermo-Physiological Responses and Some Growth Parameters in Kids During the First 45 Days under Mediterranean Climate Conditions in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitor thermo-physiological responses and growth parameters of kids during the first 45 days to obtain more information of the kid's homeostatic response and growth performance in this period. In total 20 male and female Saanen kids were used in the trial with a mean birth weight of 3.27 +/- 0.28 and 2.97 +/- 0.21 kg, respectively. Rectal Temperatures (RT), Hearth Rate (HR) and Respiration Rate (RR) were recorded two times a day; at 08:00 and 16:00, throughout the trial period. Also, Body Length (BL), Width Through Hip Joints (WTHJ) and Height at Withers (HW) were recorded. Significant effect of postnatal age has been revealed on thermo-physiological parameters. Statistically significant regressions were determined for respiration and heart rate in female kids, while only respiration rate and rectal temperature were revealed for male kids (p<0.05). Positive correlations between heart rate and respiration rate have been determined.