This research was carried out to determine the effect of thermal ambient and feed supplementation levels on physiological parameters of Moxotó goats in confinement in the northeastern semi-arid. Sixteen males were used, which were fed with two diets composed of forage cactus, 'maniçoba' (Manihot glaziowii) hay and two supplementation levels (0.5 and 1.5% of live weight) with 18% of crude protein. A completely randomized design was used in sub-plots with two treatments and eight replicates. Inside the housing the ambient comfort parameters were high starting from 11 am, but during the afternoon period they were characterized as thermally uncomfortable. However, Moxotó goats had their rectal temperature maintained inside the normal limits with an increase of heart beat. An increase of respiratory frequency occurred as a form of heat dissipation to maintain homoeothermical conditions. A larger percentage of supplementation increased the rectal temperature.
feeding; bioclimatology; environmental factors; thermal stress
