INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENT ON RESPIRATION, HEART-RATE AND BODY-TEMPERATURE OF FILIAL CROSSES COMPARED TO LOCAL AWASSI SHEEP

Sheep in the study were on the American University of Beirut Agricultu ral Research and Education Center in the Beka'a Valley of Lebanon. The Beck (n = 36) had native Awassi (A) and crossbreds from imported Finn Landrace (F), Texel (T) and FT crosses. Respiration rates were higher for all animals at higher ambient temperatures. Genotype (P < 0.05) a ffected respiration rate, with Awassi having lower rates than filial c rosses (63.8 vs. 76.5 breaths/min) during all seasons. Animal sex also (P < 0.05) affected respiration rate between crosses and Awassi (71.2 vs. 49.6 breaths/min). Awassi classes differed (P < 0.05) from each o ther during the summer with young females having highest rates (90.7 b reaths/min). Shearing caused (P > 0.05) changes between the crosses an d Awassi during summer. Heart rates of the crosses were (P < 0.05) hig her than of Awassi during fall and spring seasons (116.3, 125.8 vs. 10 4.8, 117.1 beats/min, respectively). Young filial males had (P < 0.05) higher pulse rates than the same Awassi class during all seasons. Bod y temperatures of filial crosses during all seasons were (P > 0.05) hi gher than Awassi (39.41 vs. 39.31 degrees C). Rectal temperatures incr eased with higher ambient temperatures and were lower in the morning h ours. Filial crosses had higher respiration, heart rate and body tempe rature than Awassi. Age and sex of the animal, breed and season influe nced physiological parameters. Awassi were more adapted and tolerant o f prevailing conditions although the filial crosses survived these con ditions.