Comparative evaluation of stress and hematological parameters of meat goats grazing southern-pine silvopasture and open-pasture during summer

Abstract

Milder climatic conditions in silvopasture may impact the health of grazing animals differently than open pasture. However, little is known about the potential differences in stress and other health indicators among grazing animals due to the pasture system. We hypothesized that meat goats grazing in silvopasture would be less stressed and exhibit better hematological parameters than those grazing in open pasture during summer. The objective of the study was to evaluate stress and hematological parameters of Kiko does raised in silvopasture and open pasture. Twenty Kiko does (age: 2-5 years, weight: 45.9 ± SE 1.31 kg) were split into silvopasture and open pasture groups and rotationally stocked in each system from June to September 2025 for 70 days. Hair samples were collected on the first day, every four weeks, and on the last day of the study, and analyzed for cortisol to determine animal stress. Blood samples were collected on the first day, every two weeks, and on the last day of the study and analyzed for 15 hematological parameters. The silvopasture group had a 21.21% lower cortisol level (p < 0.05) than the same parameters of the open-pasture group on Day 70 of the study, despite similar results in prior observations. Does reared in silvopasture had lower neutrophil (15.94%, p < 0.01), monocyte (20%, p < 0.05), and eosinophil (31.25%, p < 0.001) vs. the open-pasture group. Results suggest that meat goats grazing in silvopasture during summer can be less stressed than in open pasture.