Assessment of body and scrotal thermoregulation and semen quality of hair sheep rams throughout the year in a tropical environment

Abstract The present study was carried out to assess the capacity of Morada Nova (MON) and Santa Ines (SIN) hair sheep breeds to maintain homeothermy and its relation with semen quality in a tropical climate. Sixteen rams (MON = 7 and SIN = 9) were assessed for 12 months. During summer and spring, the Temperature-Humidity Index values surpassed the level indicative of thermal stress, and sweating, respiratory and heart rates increased (P