Microclimatic Assessment of Etawah Crossbreed Goat in Trenggalek Regency, Indonesia: Insights from the Temperature-Humidity Index and Heat Tolerance Coefficient

Heat stress is a critical challenge for goat production in tropical environments, affecting animal welfare and productivity. Etawah Crossbreed goat, widely raised in Indonesia, require evaluation of their adaptability to local microclimatic conditions. This study assessed thermal comfort in crossbreed goat using the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and Heat Tolerance Coefficient (HTC). Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded three times daily for 30 consecutive days during the dry season. Rectal temperature, respiration rate, and heart rate were simultaneously measured to calculate HTC and assess physiological responses. The average air temperature was 28.2 ± 1.2 °C with relative humidity of 78.4 ± 3.1%. THI values were 79,6 indicating moderate heat stress. The mean HTC was 2.34 ± 0.09, reflecting moderate adaptability. Both respiration rate and heart rate increased significantly at midday when THI exceeded the comfort threshold, confirming physiological strain under heat load. Etawah crossbreed goats demonstrate adaptive capacity to tropical heat, yet prolonged exposure to elevated THI may compromise welfare and productivity. Combining THI with HTC and physiological indicators provides a practical framework for monitoring heat stress and guiding adaptive management in smallholder systems.