Sheep Goats · Heat Stress

Heat Stress in Sheep and Goats: Practical Veterinary Considerations

Sheep and goats can adapt to hot environments, but high heat load still changes measurable physiology, behavior, feed intake and water balance. Studies in sheep have documented increases in respiratory rate, rectal temperature and heart rate with changes in drinking, feeding and resting behavior. Controlled work in dairy ewes found lower feed intake alongside substantially higher respiration, temperature and water consumption. Merino sheep exposed to high heat also increased respiration and water intake while feed intake and body weight declined. Direct goat studies likewise report higher rectal and skin temperature and respiratory rate in hotter conditions, while controlled dairy-goat research has shown large increases in respiratory rate and water intake with reduced feed intake. The KEMPEX Scientific Library article explains practical monitoring, environmental management, water access and clinical warning signs. Breed, production stage, humidity, nutrition and concurrent disease can modify the response. The article cites the original sheep and goat PubMed records and does not present a universal treatment or supplement protocol.