ABSTRACT
Most sheep are confined at night in nearly predator-proof enclosures. Sheep quickly adjust to the night confinement. More labor is required daily to move sheep in and out but certain advantages are offered, including the easier administration of health care. Sheep with advanced symptoms of heat stress will "hump up" in the back, break behind the shoulders, and are reluctant to stand and move. After prolonged standing, the backlegs will tremble uncontrollably and in a short time the sheep will fall to the ground. The main challenge to increasing sheep numbers in a humid environment is identification of suitable breeding animals. Regardless of geographic location, the genetic makeup of the animals must be compatible with the environment to ensure maximum production. One positive advantage of raising sheep in a hot-humid environment is that the challenge readily identifies the genetically strong and weak. No sheep diseases are unique to the hot and humid regions.
