The Brazilian semi-arid environment influences the physiological responses of goats

In this review, we compile information about the physiologic responses of goats to north-eastern Brazil’s semiarid environment and suggest some strategies to avoid the thermal discomfort of these small ruminants. Due to recent weather changes, the number of studies seeking to improve animal welfare has intensified to minimize the economic losses on animal production in the tropics. Among the climatic variables, the high room temperature, air humidity, and direct solar radiation are the main causes of physiological discomfort in animals that decrease their productivity. Therefore, it is very important to study the components that interact in the thermoregulation process, the consequences of disequilibrium in this process, and ways to ease these effects, aiming to provide thermal comfort to and seek the animal welfare of the animals. Therefore, it is essential to know the interaction between animals and the environment and the adaptability of the species and breeds that are exploited to make decisions about farming systems and management strategies to maximize productivity.