The climate is a determining factor for the success of the productive activity, thus for greater efficiency on the farm, the animals x environment interaction should be considered because they show different responses to the peculiarities of the climate of each region. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort of the Santa Inês, Dorper and undefined breed - SRD sheep, created under open sky conditions. The research was conducted at the Campus III of the University of the State of Bahia in Juazeiro, during the period November 15, 2009 to February 14, 2010. The animals were divided into four groups according to coat color: white, light brown, dark brown and black. For measurements of microclimatic conditions faced by sheep, an automatic meteorological station was installed in the experimental area, with its sensors positioned at the mean height of the animal, 50 cm above the surface. The results showed that due to high radiant heat load, resulting in a high incidence of solar radiation and high temperatures, the animals regardless of breed and coat color experienced, mainly in the afternoon, high thermal stress and discomfort.
high temperature; solar radiation; adverse weather conditions
