Seasonal Variations in the Histometric Characteristics of the Reproductive Organs of Pubertal West African Dwarf Bucks in their Native Tropical Environment

Goats along with sheep have been reported to have the widest ecological distribution of any domestic livestock (Salem et al., 1982) and seem to be better adapted to hot environments than both sheep and cattle (Coop, 1982; ValezNauer et al., 1982). Bianca & Kunz (1978) reported that goats were more susceptible to heat stress than sheep and cattle as measured by a rise in body temperature outward signs of stress and reduction in performance. Other workers also confirmed increases in body temperature in goats with increasing environmental temperature (Hetzel et al., 1988; Egbunike & Bitto, 1980).