This review aimed to present the current status of the studies about the role of physiological, hematological, biochemical and hormonal variables on the blood of goats raised in adverse environments. Scientific work in recent years has allowed for the evaluation of how goats of distinct breeds react to edaphoclimatic effects to maintain homeothermy according to adaptability to the environment. The exposure of goats to heat stress causes changes in the physiological functions with impact on production and productivity of the animals. There is evidence that the central nervous system is sensitive to temperature changes, and some cells are agiler in the cold than in heat. In conclusion, we say that regardless of the breed, the raising environment and its climatic variables can trigger physiological, biochemical, hematological and hormonal alterations that result in a reduction of the heat production for maintenance of homeothermy. All these changes have a substantial impact on production and productivity.

To assess the influence of genotype and diets with different energy levels on the lipid profile of sheep meat, 54 lambs were used (18 animals from each genotype: Morada Nova, Santa Inez and ½Dorper + ½Santa Inez crossbred), distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 × 2 factorial arragement (three genotypes and two diets). The animals were submitted to two diets, 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM and 3.0 Mcal ME/kg DM, receiving feed and water to reach the desired average live weight of 30 kg, when they were slaughtered. Total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids and fatty acids profile of the Longissimus muscle were assessed. Diet and genotype did not influence the total lipids, cholesterol and phospholipids contents. The diet with the highest energy value presented higher values for the concentration of C12:0, C14:0, C18:0, C19:0, C22:0 acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in relation to that with the lowest energy value. However, for the concentrations of C15:0 acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the highest values were recorded for diet with the lowest energy value. Genotype and diet influenced significantly the MUFA concentration, in which ½Dorper + ½Santa Inez crossbred genotype and diet with 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM showed the highest values. Genotype influenced the saturated fatty acids (SFA) concentration, with ½Dorper + ½Santa Inez crossbred obtaining the lowest mean, behavior similar to that observed for PUFA concentrations. Desirable fatty acids (DFA), atherogenicity index as well as PUFA:SFA, MUFA:SFA, (C18:0 + C18:1):C16:0 ratios were influenced by diet and genotype. ½Dorper + ½Santa Inez crossbred and diet with 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM obtained the best results.