Assessment of Variability in Physiological Traits of Sokoto Red and Sahelian White Goats Reared in Semi-Arid Environment of Sokoto

This study assessed the variability in physiological traits and adaptability indices of Sokoto Red and Sahelian White goats reared in the semi-arid environment of Sokoto, Nigeria. Eighty goats were selected randomly each consisting of forty Sokoto Red and forty Sahelian White. The study was carried out for a period of one month. Physiological traits of Sokoto Red of pulse rate had 71.80 beats/mean and respiratory rate of 18.78 breaths/min with rectal temperature of 38.72⁰C, While Sahelian White had pulse rate of 70.10 beats/min and respiratory rate of 17.73 breaths/min with rectal temperature of 38.31⁰C, which were also evaluated alongside adaptability indices such as the Iberia and Benezra indices with Sokoto Red goats demonstrated superior adaptability, evidenced by low Iberia Index values 96.08 and high Benezra coefficient of adaptability values 1.83 compared to Sahelian White goats. These findings highlight their enhanced thermoregulation and resilience to heat stress. Correlation analysis underscored the strong interrelationship between physiological traits and adaptability indices, particularly in Sokoto Red goats between pulse rate and rectal temperature (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001) while in Sahelian white there was a very strong correlation of (r = 0.96, p = 0.0000). In conclusion the semi-arid environment of Sokoto during the late rainy season exerts heat stress on livestock, with Sahelian White goats demonstrating lower physiological traits and greater heat tolerance compared to the more adaptable Sokoto Red goats, though both breeds remained within normal physiological ranges. I recommend implementation of heat mitigation strategies, such as providing shade, water, and optimized feeding schedules, alongside prioritizing Sokoto Red goats in breeding programs to enhance resilience and adaptability to heat stress in semi-arid region.