Abstract

Four clinically vital parameters (respiratory rate, pulse rate, heart rate and rectal temperature) were evaluated in 54 apparently healthy West African Dwarf goats both in the morning and evening. The mean (and range) of the values obtained for all goats were: respiratory rate, 25±1.9 (15-30) breaths per minute; pulse rate, 86±6.7 (70-102) pulsations per minute; heart rate, 90±6.7 (72-106) beats per minute and rectal temperature, 39.3±0.30C (38.0-41.00C). The sex of goats did not significantly (p>0.05) affect any of the four parameters studied. However, all the vital parameters were significantly (p

Key words: Goat, respiratory rate, pulse rate, heart rate, rectal temperature, West African Dwarf