Reproductive Characteristics and Oxidative Stress Markers in Female Cavies (Cavia Porcellus) Exposed to High Ambient Temperature

Heat stress is a physiological condition where animals cannot longer regulate their internal temperature and this means that animals are not able to regulate their heat homeostasis passively [1]. It mainly occurs when animals are exposed to high ambient temperatures, high direct and indirect solar radiation [2]. Heat stress is one of the most important stressors especially in hot regions of the world. In many mammals such as cow [3], rabbit [4] and sheep [5], high environmental stress contributes to biological functions. Guinea pigs have little functional sweet gland [6] and lack the ability to manufacture their own vitamin C [7] that acts as antioxidant in the body in oxidative stress situation. These conditions expose them to heat stress which is considered as an important factor influencing their fertility, reproductive and physiological traits [8]. Negative effects of prolonged exposition of male cavies to heat stress have been demonstrated to impair sperm characteristics, increase the oxidative stress markers [8].