Annual rhythms of some physiological parameters in Ovis aries and Capra hircus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the annual variation of some physiological parameters (total lipid, NEFA, phospholipids, triglycerides, creatinine, -idrossibutirrate, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, urea, uric acid, glucose, rectal temperature and heart rate) in five female goats and five female sheep housed under natural photoperiod and natural ambient temperature in a 12m2 sound proof box equipped with 50100cm opening window, that allowed natural ventilation. ANOVA was used to determine significant differences (p values0.05 were considered statistically significant). A trigonometric statistical model was applied to describe the periodic phenomenon analytically, by individuating the main rhythmic parameters according to the single cosinor procedure. Serum total lipid, NEFA, phospholipids, triglycerides, rectal temperature and heart rate, both in sheep and goats, showed an annual rhythm with acrophases in autumn. The results show that sheep and goats present similar annual patterns, probably influenced by various environmental factors.