Interpretação técnica de índices de conforto térmico e das respostas fisiológicas de ovinos nativos em ambiente controlado

The evaluation of thermal comfort and physiological responses in sheep is an important tool for understanding the adaptive mechanisms of different genetic groups under environmental conditions. This technical article presents an applied interpretation of thermal comfort indices and physiological responses observed in native sheep maintained in a controlled environment. Environmental and physiological parameters associated with animal exposure to different thermal conditions were analyzed, considering indicators such as air temperature, relative humidity, black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI), rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and body surface temperature. The technical interpretation of the results indicates that increases in environmental temperature promote changes in physiological responses, particularly respiratory frequency and body surface temperature, reflecting thermoregulatory mechanisms. Despite the environmental variations observed, the evaluated genetic groups were able to maintain physiological parameters within the normal range for the species, indicating important adaptive characteristics. The technical interpretation of these results contributes to understanding the thermal adaptability of native sheep and reinforces the importance of using bioclimatic indicators in the evaluation of thermal comfort in animal production systems.