Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Femi Francis, Ashutosh, Namratha Valsalan and Ramziya PK

Abstract:
Small ruminants, especially sheep and goats, possess an exceptional capacity for adjusting to challenging climatic circumstances and efficient water use, thus playing a substantial role in maintaining the economic and social status of rural agrarian economy, especially of arid and semi-arid regions. The present study was carried out to evaluate the water stress adaptation mechanisms followed by the Sirohi breed, with special emphasis on the water balance regulating hormones. The Antidiuretic, Aldosterone, and Angiotensin II concentrations in the plasma samples of the selected 10 healthy Sirohi breeds, each from the arid region and the semi-arid region were considered for the study during the summer season and the winter season. A significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in all the three hormones of interest from winter to summer. Also, a significant (p<0.05) variation was observed between the two agroclimatic zones for Antidiuretic, Aldosterone, and Angiotensin II hormone. The Sirohi goat breed consumed an average of 1.74 ±1.07 (L) and 1.68±0.76 (L) water per day in the arid zone and semi-arid zone respectively. Regardless of lower water intake, they are able to maintain their milk production in these arid and semi-arid zones. Therefore, the Sirohi breed, a well-adapted breed of hot and dry climates can be reared easily in coming decades of water scarcity while maintaining their productivity.