Abstract
In order to evaluate the adaptability of Aardi goats to arid environment, 5 Aardi bucks were deprived of water for four days during spring and summer seasons. The rise in average maximum ambient temperature from $24.8^{\circ}C$ in spring to $35.8^{\circ}C$ in summer caused a significant rise in rectal temperature ($0.3^{\circ}C$), respiratory rate (62%), serum osmolaity (8%) and serum sodium concentration (17%). While, it resulted in a significant decline in dry matter intake (50%), urine volume (74%) and fecal water excretion (60%) compared with their values in spring, but had no significant effect on the volume of drinking water. At the end of the 4-days deprivation period during spring, respiratory rate, dry matter intake and urine volume were reduced by 18, 77 and 91% relative to their average in control goats. The corresponding reduction in summer were 58, 100 and 100%. Serum osmolaity was risen by 15% in spring deprived goats and 29% in summer deprived goats. Rectal temperature rose by a mean value of $1.3^{\circ}C$ only in goats deprived of water in summer. Percent of moisture in the feces declined from 64 in control goats, to 24% in water deprived goats during spring season. The corresponding values in summer were 25 and 6%. These responses of Aardi goats deprived of water in summer indicate that they possess a water economy mechanism enable them to tolerate infrequent drinking in hot-arid environment.