Physiological response of West African dwarf does of varying coat colouration to average daily temperature and relative humidity

Due to a combination of factors such as exposure to solar radiation alongside overexploitation of tree resources, Africa is badly struck by climate change. The use of modern technologies on farms is minimal, and economies of countries in this region are agriculture-dependent. This necessitated conduct of an experiment that sought to better understand how a certain goat breed (West African Dwarf) responded to varying weather conditions. The Goat Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan was the experimental location. Thirty West African Dwarf does were grouped into six treatments in a completely randomised design based on varying coat colours viz: all Black, all Brown, all White, White/Black, White/Brown and Brown/Black. The study was carried out during the low temperature humidity index (THI) – June, July, August. Parameters determined include Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, Rectal Temperature. Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity were also measured, while THI was estimated. All parameters were determined twice daily. Data obtained from the study were subjected to ANOVA at α0.05. It was observed that average daily Pulse Rate was significantly lower in White does (53.65±2.28) than those of other colours, except for White/Brown (54.65±2.47). Rectal temperature was significantly lower in White does (38.65±1.04) than those of other colours. Respiratory rate was significantly lower in Brown/Black does (52.10±2.60) than White/Black (54.96±2.73) and Black does (54.70±5.04). Coat colour, could influence animals' survival. This study demonstrated that WAD does with lighter coat colors were better adapted to a humid tropical environment.