Changes in the physiological, hematological and parasitological parameters of Dorper sheep in relation to residual feed intake and confinement environment

The selection of animals with greater feed efficiency has unknown parasitological and physiological parameters when confined in full sun or shade. Thus, we aimed to assess the effect of residual feed intake (RFI) and the confinement environment on the hematological, parasitological and physiological parameters in male Dorper sheep (n = 60; 30 with positive RFI and 30 with negative RFI) distributed in 2 confinement environments (full sun and shade), in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, with 15 animals for treatment. Animals kept in the shade showed an increase (P < 0.05) of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and albumin. Animals kept in full sun showed higherOocysts gamma glutamyltransferase, direct bilirubin, transaminase aspartate and respiratory rate (P<0.05). There was a higher incidence of Eimeria spp oocysts in RFI negative animals (P<0.05). Positive RFI animals increased respiratory rate (P<0.05). The RFI did not influence the blood parameters of Dorper sheep, however, it had an effect on respiratory rate and presence of Eimeria spp. oocysts. Thermal environment promoted changes in blood parameters and the physiological parameters of Dorper sheep.