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• Hypothermia is a critical welfare issue in early days of newborn piglets. • The average rectal temperature (RT) increased significantly as the neonatal piglets get older. • In the early days of life, ambient temperature influences the RT of neonates. • The neonatal piglet's daytime RT follows rhythmicity. Homeothermic mammals can assert equilibrium in heat production and heat exchange with the ambient environment to maintain their body temperature through modification of physiology and behavior. However, the newborn piglets do not possess a well-developed thermoregulatory center resulting in a welfare issue, that is, piglet mortality due to hypothermia. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the early life welfare crisis of thermal adaptability of neonatal piglets. For this purpose, 127 newborn piglets were selected immediately after their birth. Rectal temperature (RT), which represents the core temperature of the neonate piglets, was recorded for three consecutive days from the second day of the birth. The first-day recording was avoided to minimize the disturbance of the farrowing mother. The RT was recorded for three days (second, third, and fourth day) at 0600, 0800, 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 hours of the day. Concurrently, the ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded. The average RT increased significantly (P < 0.01) as the neonatal piglets became older. The cosinor analysis demonstrated significant (P < 0.01) rhythmicity in RT of daytime on all three days. Furthermore, the gradual reduction of acrophase value indicated the gradual gaining of thermal control of neonates. The daytime RT of neonates was positively (P < 0.01) correlated with the ambient temperature (r2 = 0.301). The results indicated that the RT of neonatal piglets in the early days of life was modified as per the ambient temperature and their thermoregulatory system gradually developed as age increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of isoflurane anesthesia on thermoregulation and peripheral heat loss in dorsally recumbent horses. Prospective, clinical study. Seven adult horses (2.6 ± 1.5 years old, 455 ± 70.2 kg). Horses underwent elective surgical procedures in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia (GA) maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Rectal (T R), intranasal (T N) and fetlock surface temperatures (T F) were measured every 10 minutes for the first 80 minutes following induction of GA. Room temperature (T RO) was monitored during the study. Statistical analysis to determine differences between temperature measurement sites and techniques (T R , T N and T F), and differences over time were completed using a mixed-effects model with Tukey's multiple comparison or Dunnett's multiple comparison testing where appropriate. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Following induction of anesthesia, T F was significantly increased compared with baseline (0 minutes) from 40 to 80 minutes (p < 0.01). No significant differences were detected in T R and T N at any time point compared with baseline (p > 0.05). T F was significantly lower than T N (p < 0.02) at all time points and T R from times 0 to 70 minutes (p < 0.04). There were no significant differences between T R and T N at any time (p > 0.05). In horses undergoing isoflurane GA, T F increased, indicating peripheral heat loss likely because of vasodilation, whereas T R showed a clinically relevant decrease over time. These findings are suggestive of body heat redistribution during GA in horses in dorsal recumbency. Thermographic imaging of the peripheral limbs in combination with T R and T N monitoring allowed for recognition of peripheral heat redistribution in anesthetized horses. Anesthetized horses experience peripheral heat loss through their extremities as a result of vasodilation. Mitigating peripheral heat loss may improve thermoregulation and reduce hypothermic complications in anesthetized horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Containment cages are one of the main causes of chronic stress and reduced welfare during swine production as well as in hot environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate behavioral changes and physiological parameters in the presence or absence of cages in farrowing facilities and to determine the benefits of cage removal on the welfare of pigs during summer in a tropical climate. Twenty-six sows and 290 piglets were divided into two groups: individual open stalls and cage stalls, from birth to weaning at 21 days of age. To obtain behavioral data, the animals were evaluated every 10 minutes, for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon, three non-consecutive times a week, for 21 days for each sow and litter. Rectal, dorsal, and ventral surface temperatures, as well as the respiration rate, were obtained three non-consecutive times per week from all sows and a sample of piglets in the morning and afternoon. Saliva samples for cortisol determination were collected only from the sows and performed at 7-day intervals in the morning and afternoon. Sows kept in cages showed greater agonistic, stereotypical, and feeding behaviors, and less exploratory behavior. In piglets, exploratory and playful behaviors were highly expressed in open stalls. Suckling behavior was observed more frequently in cage stalls and in the afternoon. Positive behaviors were higher in open stalls for both sows and piglets. The average rectal, dorsal, and ventral surface temperatures of the sows were higher in open stalls and lower in piglets, and air temperatures were lower. Higher concentrations of cortisol were found in cage stalls and in the afternoon. In conclusion, open stalls are better than cage stalls in improving animal welfare, contributing to the presence of positive behavior even during summer. • Piglets in open stalls showed more exploratory and playful behavior. • Exploratory behavior was a frequent activity in open stalls for both piglets and sows. • After idling, feeding was the most frequent behavior in cage stalls for sows. • Positive interactions between the mother and piglets were permitted in open stalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Head score can be reliable and effective for farmers to assess IUGR in piglets. • Piglet birth weight is linked to head score. • Body weight gain is unrelated with body morphology score for IUGR. • Management has an effect of practical relevance for mortality in neonatal piglets. Increased litter sizes of modern sows have led to the birth of underweight and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets. This study aimed to predict the viability of neonatal piglets with low body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) in day 1 and day 5 after birth. It also sought to determine if physical properties and alternative evaluation methods for IUGR could serve as reliable parameters for identifying piglets with low BWG. The physical characteristics of 108 piglets ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were measured. Thirty evaluators provided IUGR scores using an alternative method (Cronbach's α exceeding 0.9). These were compared with those using the conventional evaluation method, and the piglets were classified into normal, mildly IUGR, and severe IUGR groups. In the results, BW on the first day after birth was highly associated with head and left eye scores obtained in the IUGR evaluation, rectal temperature, and body lengths (P < 0.05 for all). These associations remained significant until day 5 (P < 0.05), except for the left eye score. In the conventional IUGR evaluation, head score, body mass index on days 1 and 5, and body lengths (excluding crown-to-rump and eye lengths) were higher in normal piglets than those of IUGR piglets (P < 0.05). Regarding BWG, using 0 g as the standard, piglets with negative BWG showed higher head scores than those with positive BWG (P < 0.05), while other body morphology scores for IUGR determination and physical properties were unrelated to BWG. When average weight gain (660 g) was used as the standard, piglets with BWG >660 g had longer body lengths than those with BWG <660 g (P < 0.05). However, morphology scores and piglet traits did not exhibit significant differences. In conclusion, significant variations were observed in BW, BWG, physical traits, and IUGR scores of piglets within five days after birth, highlighting the importance of proper management of low-vitality piglets to optimise their survival. Furthermore, our findings suggest that head score assessment may be a reliable, efficient method for identifying piglets with IUGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the impact of Bacillus subtilis spores and yeast cell wall (YCW) on the performance and health of dairy calves during the milk-feeding period. Thirty female Holstein calves (birth body weight [BW] of 36.7 ± 4.81 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatments: Control (CTL, no additives), T1 (Bacillus subtilis spores), and T2 (Bacillus subtilis + YCW). Animals were individually housed with free access to water and commercial pellet starter. Calves received 8 L/d of pasteurized waste milk and were weaned at 63 d of age. The treatments (T1 and T2) were mixed into milk and administered daily from 3 to 63 d of age. Dry matter (DM) intake (from liquid and starter feed), fecal score, and rectal temperature were recorded daily. Additionally, heart girth was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d of age, and BW was measured at 0 and 60 d of age. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at 0, 20, and 60 d of age for analysis of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG). There was treatment × time interaction (P = 0.04) for fecal consistency scores. Calves supplemented with Bacillus subtilis tended (χ2 test, P = 0.07) to have lower cases of diarrhea than other groups. T1 or T2 supplementations did not affect milk DM intake, starter DM intake, or total DM intake. Growth performance (BW at weaning and average daily gain) was similar between treatments. Dairy calves fed Bacillus subtilis plus YCW tended to have (P = 0.09) higher rectal temperature and had higher frequency (χ2 test, P < 0.01) of rectal temperature >39.1°C compared to the CTL and Bacillus subtilis groups. However, treatments had similar levels of serum IgG (CTL = 18.3, T1 = 16.7, and T2 = 18.6 mg/mL; P = 0.58). Our results suggest that Bacillus subtills and YCW may interact in the digestive tract of young calves as evidenced by the increased rectal temperature in T2. While the cause of this interaction remains uncertain, there was no negative effect on the animal health or growth performance. The use of Bacillus subtilis spores shows promise in improving fecal consistency scoring in dairy calves fed pasteurized waste milk during the pre-weaning phase. • Bacillus subtilis supplementation may alleviate diarrhea incidence in young calves. • There are no negative effects of additives on intake and growth in dairy calves. • Synbiotic increases the rectal temperature suggesting a different mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An artificial heating protocol was validated by climate and animal parameters. • Weight of pigs had no effect on physiological parameters during a higher heat load. • The effect of reduced stocking density on heat stress in pigs was investigated. • A lower stocking density decreased the rise in rectal temperature during heat load. • A lower stocking density tended to result in a better daily gain across the trial. As climate change intensifies, heat stress mitigation for pigs becomes more important. Trials involving induced heat waves are useful to test several measures (e.g. reduced stocking density) at a faster rate, but only when accurately evaluated and validated. In the present study, we investigated the suitability of an artificial heating protocol at different pig weights (experiment 1). The impact of different stocking densities on fattening pigs during an artificial heat wave (experiment 2) was also investigated. Experiment 1: Forty 20-week-old pigs weighing 96.5 ± 7.3 kg (W 100) and forty 17-week-old pigs weighing 72.7 ± 9.9 kg (W 70) were housed in two compartments. An artificial heat wave (heat load) was induced for 3 days. During 3-day periods before, during and after the heat load, physiological parameters (respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (T rectal), skin temperature (T skin) and behavior) were measured and average daily feed intake was observed. Ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index (THI) were monitored. Experiment 2: A total of 150 fattening pigs were randomly divided into three treatment groups: SD 1.3 (1.3 m2/pig), SD 1.0 (1.0 m2/pig) and SD 0.8 (0.8 m2/pig). All pens had a total pen surface of 4.88 m2, corresponding with 4, 5 and 6 fattening pigs in the SD 1.3 , SD 1.0 and SD 0.8 groups, respectively. The heat load was induced for 7 days on week 21. Respiration rate and T rectal were observed as in experiment 1. Average daily gain and average daily feed intake were also noted. During the heat load, THI reached ≥ 75 (78.4 (experiment 1) and 78.6 (experiment 2)), even when relative humidity decreased to ± 45%. Every physiological parameter showed significant increases during the heat load. The prolonged heating protocol in experiment 2 also provoked significant decreases in average daily feed intake (15%) and average daily gain (19%) for all groups. Weight within the studied range of 70–100 kg did not have a significant impact on any of the parameters. However, T skin was affected by both weight and heat load (P < 0.05), where T skin from W 100 was always lower in comparison to W 70. In addition, we found that 0.8 m2/pig doubled the increase of T rectal during the heat load, namely SD 0.8 (0.22 °C) compared to SD 1.0 (0.12 °C) (P = 0.033) and SD 1.3 (0.13 °C) (P = 0.053). This suggests that pigs housed at higher densities are less able to regulate their internal heat production. However, RR and performances were not significantly affected by heat load in this experimental set-up. A stocking density of 1.0 m2/animal may be sufficient to mitigate some negative effects of heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although dark coat color in dogs has been theorized as a risk factor for heat injury, there is little evidence in the scientific literature to support that position. We utilized 16 non-conditioned Labradors (8 black and 8 yellow) in a three-phase test to examine effects of coat color on thermal status of the dog. Rectal, gastrointestinal (GI), and surface temperature using infrared thermography measured at the eye and abdomen, were measured along with respiration rate measured in breaths per minute (bpm), collected at three time points. Phase 1 (Baseline) – 30 minutes of crate rest in a climate-controlled room; Phase 2 (Walking in Sunlight) - 30-minute walk in an outdoor environment on a sunny day; and Phase 3 (Cooling) – 15 minutes of crate rest in climate-controlled room to determine post-exposure recovery temperatures. No effect of coat color was measured for rectal, gastrointestinal, surface temperature, or respiration rate (P > 0.05) in dogs following their 30-minute walk in sunlight. All temperatures measured increased similarly (rectal 1.86°C and 1.80°C; GI 1.92°C and 1.95°C; eye 2.8°C and 1.92°C; abdomen 2.91°C and 2.39°C) in black and yellow dogs respectively, following 30 in Sunlight (P > 0.05). Additionally, temperatures decreased in a similar fashion for both coat colors (rectal 0.84°C and 0.88°C; GI 1.48°C and 1.32°C; eye 1.49°C and 1.70°C; abdominal 1.75°C and 1.5°C) in black and yellow dogs respectively (P > 0.05) during Cooling. Respiration rate increased similarly for both coat colors, (147.2 bpm and 143.7 bpm for black and yellow respectively) when Baseline values were compared to Sunlight values and decreased similarly (28.8 bpm black; 60.2 bpm yellow after Cooling phase (P > 0.05). These novel data reveal a surprising lack of effect for black vs. yellow coat color on body temperature as measured by standard rectal thermometer, gastrointestinal thermistor, or infrared thermography in a population of Labrador retrievers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic selection for improved climatic resilience is paramount to increase the long-term sustainability of high-producing dairy cattle, especially in face of climate change. Various physiological indicators, such as rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate score (RR), and drooling score (DS), can be used to genetically identify animals with more effective coping mechanisms in response to heat stress events. In this study, we investigated genetic parameters for RT, RR (score from 1–3), and DS (score from 1–3). Furthermore, we assessed the genetic relationship among these indicators and other economically important traits for the dairy cattle industry. After data editing, 59,265 (RT), 30,290 (RR), and 30,421 (DS) records from 13,592 lactating Holstein cows were used for the analyses. Variance components were estimated based on a multiple-trait repeatability animal model. The heritability ± standard error estimate for RT, RR, and DS was 0.06 ± 0.01, 0.04 ± 0.01, and 0.02 ± 0.01, respectively, whereas their repeatability was 0.19, 0.14, and 0.14, respectively. Moderate genetic correlations of RR with RT and DS (0.26 ± 0.11 and 0.25 ± 0.16) and nonsignificant correlation between RT and DS (−0.11 ± 0.14) were observed. Furthermore, the approximate genetic correlations between RT, RR, and DS with 12 production, 29 conformation, 5 fertility and reproduction, 5 health, and 9 longevity-indicator traits were assessed. In general, the approximate genetic correlations calculated were low to moderate. In summary, 3 physiological indicators of heat stress response were measured in a large number of animals and shown to be lowly heritable. There is a value in developing a selection index including all the 3 indicators to improve heat tolerance in dairy cattle. All the unfavorable genetic relationships observed between heat tolerance and other economically important traits can be accounted for in a selection index to enable improved climatic resilience while also maintaining or increasing productivity in Holstein cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral and physiological processes have an innate 24-h cycle driven by the circadian master clock, which uses clock genes to generate rhythmicity and distribute temporal signals. Elucidating the blood gene expression in relation to the better known circadian rhythms in horses may contribute to improve the knowledge on the peripheral circadian rhythm control in this species. To do that, seven clinically healthy Italian saddle female horses were housed in individual boxes under natural photoperiod and environmental conditions. In each horse, locomotor activity was recorded continuously; blood samples and rectal temperature were recorded every 4 hours over a 48-hour period. To investigate the peripheral clock in horses, quantitative real-time RT polymerase chain reaction assays were designed to detected clock gene levels (Per 1, Per 2, and Cry 1) from blood samples. Blood cortisol serum level was also measured. Our results showed a daily expression of Per 1, Per 2, and Cry 1 in peripheral blood, associated with the daily rhythm of locomotor activity, rectal temperature and cortisol. In particular, a similar acrophase was observed for locomotor activity and Per 1; and for rectal temperature and Per 2. Rectal temperature and Per 2 also showed the same percentage of robustness of rhythm. We suggest the existence of a linkage between the peripheral clock genes Per 1 and Per 2 with locomotor activity and rectal temperature, although more studies are necessary to establish the exact mechanism of the peripheral clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in vivo editing of 5-HT 1A receptors gene was established. • Hypothermia induced by a 5-HT 1A agonist was attenuated in gene-edited mice. • Neuronal 5-HT 1A receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus regulates body temperature. Serotonin (5-HT) in the central nervous system regulates a variety of biological functions, from the basic homeostatic control to higher brain functions, by acting on fourteen known receptor subtypes. However, it is still usually unclear which receptor subtype is responsible for a specific function due to the lack of highly selective ligands for most of these receptors. Although 5-HT receptor knockout mice are useful, the brain-wide distribution of various receptors makes it difficult to dissect receptor functions in specific and brain regions and cell types. Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in vivo genome editing technology may overcome this problem. In this study, we constructed a viral vector expressing a single guide (sg)RNA targeting Htr1a (sgHtr1a) and Cre recombinase under the control of a neuron-specific promoter. Injection of the viral vector into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of Cre-dependent Cas9 knock-in mice induced Cre-dependent Cas9 expression mainly in DRN serotonin and GABA neurons. Mismatch cleavage assay and Sanger sequencing showed insertion or deletion formation at the target site. 5-HT 1A receptor agonist-induced hypothermia was attenuated and antidepressant effect of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was enhanced by microinjection of the viral vector expressing sgHtr1a into the DRN of Cre-dependent Cas9 knock-in mice. These results suggest that this in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated 5-HT receptor gene knockout strategy provides a reliable and low-cost method for elucidating 5-HT receptor functions in specific cell types and brain regions. Further, we demonstrate that the neuronal 5-HT 1A receptor in the DRN regulates body temperature and antidepressant effect of SSRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Possibility of measuring eyeball temperature post mortem. • Intelligible formula for calculating the post mortem interval. • Improved method of time of death estimation in the early post mortem period. The paper presents a continuation of the studies on time of death (TOD) estimation based on post-mortem temperature measurements in the human eyeball. In the current study, single (in 20 patients) or double (within a 1-hour interval in 10 patients) eyeball and rectal temperature measurements were taken in patients who died in the University Hospital Intensive Therapy Unit. The actual TOD in each patient was exactly known and the body temperature was recorded shortly after (between 50 min and 3 h 30 min). The temperature was measured using pin probes connected to a high precision electronic thermometer. The measured eye temperatures ranged from 27.4 to 33.7°C. The ambient temperature in all cases was stable (22 °C), which corresponded to the usual room temperature. Post mortem interval (PMI) was calculated using a formula based on Newton's law of cooling, previously successfully applied in comprehensive studies on pigs and recent studies on human bodies. Thanks to knowledge of the exact TOD and the stable ambient temperature, the current study on 30 new cases allowed the method to be improved by adjusting the mean value of the cooling constant and the initial eye temperature in comparison to recent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of the time elapsed since death is of paramount importance in the field of forensic sciences and criminal investigation, owing, among other factors, to the possible legal repercussions. Over the past few years various formulae have been developed to calculate this interval using a combination of different statistical methods and the concentrations of substances found in the vitreous humor. Corrective factors, such as ambient temperature, cause of death or age, which can modify the concentration of these substances and therefore the estimation of the postmortem interval, have been incorporated into models. In this paper five simple and reliable models to estimate PMI based the on the analysis of potassium, hypoxanthine and urea in the vitreous humor are presented. Corrective factors, such as body weight, rectal temperature and ambient temperature, which can influence the estimation of this interval have been incorporated into the formulae. Finally, the R2 and the mean squared error have been calculated for each model in order to select the best of the five. A free software program which calculates the PMI from the model and parameters used is available from the authors. It provides quick and reliable results as well as the error committed and R2 for each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract People are exposed to heat regularly due to their jobs or daily habits in cold winter, but few studies have reported whether parallel heat and cold exposure and diminish cold acclimation. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alternating exposure to cold and heat on cold tolerance in eight young males. A daily acclimation program to cold and heat, which consisted of 2-h sitting at 10 °C air in the morning and 2-h running and rest at 30 °C air in the afternoon, was conducted for 14 consecutive days. Eight male subjects participated in a cold tolerance test (10 °C [ ± 0.3], 40%RH[ ± 3]) before (PRE) and after (POST) completing the alternating exposure program. During the cold tolerance test, subjects remained sitting upright on a chair for 60 min. Rectal temperature (T re) was lower in POST than in PRE during the 60-min cold tolerance test (P = 0.027). During the cold tolerance test, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures in POST were lower than those in PRE (P = 0.006, P = 0.005, and P = 0.004). No significant differences in skin temperatures between PRE and POST were found for the cold tolerance test. There were no significant differences in energy expenditure during cold exposure between PRE and POST. Subjects felt less cold in POST than in PRE (P = 0.013) whereas there was no significant difference in overall thermal comfort between PRE and POST. These results suggest that cold adaptation can still occur in the presence of heat stress. Highlights • Effects of alternating exposure to cold and heat on cold tolerance were evaluated. • Physiological and subjective responses under the cold exposure were maintained or improved even after the alternating exposure program. • The possibility of improvement in cold tolerance under cold and heat exposure in daily lives was found out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Efficiency is not the only goal in animal production. Nowadays, consumers are very concerned about animal welfare and can decide their preferences based on this aspect. The present study evaluated the effect of variation in the amount of total dietary fiber (TDF) in sow diets, provided from 74 to 102 days of gestation, on the physiological and behavioral responses of the sows. Thirty-three sows were used in a randomized experimental design. The amounts of TDF in 3 treatment diets were 15.6%, 22.3%, and 28.2%. To increase the amount of dietary fiber, rice grain and soybean meal were partially substituted for defatted rice bran and soybean hulls. The daily consumption of nutrients and energy was similar for all diets during the entire period of gestation, differing only in the volume of ration consumed, which was 2.10, 2.21, and 2.40 kg day−1 (days 74-90) and 2.47, 2.65, and 2.85 kg day−1 (days 91-102) for the 15.6%, 22.3%, and 28.2% TDF diets, respectively. During gestation, the increase in TDF influenced the behavioral responses of the sows, resulting in a significant difference in total stereotypies, trough licking, and floor snout rubbing. Those behaviors indicate a reduction in stress and an improvement in animal welfare. The respiratory rates and rectal temperature were affected only by the different times of observation during the day. In conclusion, increasing the amount of TDF leads to a decrease in stereotyped behaviors, primarily after feeding, indicating that this type of diet may be used as a strategy to improve sows welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heat acclimatization may help personnel who travel to areas with a hot climate (WBGT > 27 °C), making them operationally more efficient and performant through improvements in physiological and psychological parameters. Their work-related physical activities may aid active heat acclimatization. However, it is unknown whether adding physical training to improve adaptation is effective, particularly if there is sufficient time for full acclimatization, classically reached after 15 days. Thirty French soldiers (Training group, T) performed a progressive and moderate (from three to five 8-min running sets at 50–60% of their speed at VO 2max with 4-min periods of active recovery in between) aerobic training program upon arriving at their base in United Arab Emirates (~40 °C and 20% RH). A control group (30 soldiers; No Training, NT) continued to perform only their usual outdoor military activities (~5 h d−1). A field heat stress test (HST: three 8-min running sets at 50% of the speed at VO 2max) was performed before (D0), during (D10), and after (D15) the heat acclimatization period to assess physiological and psychological changes. An 8-km trial in battledress was then performed at D17. Although physiological modifications were mostly similar (p < 0.001 for all) for both groups (rectal temperature at the end of the HST: −0.58 ± 0.51 vs −0.53 ± 0.40 °C, HR at the end of the HST: −21 ± 12 vs −19 ± 9 bpm, and sweat osmolality: −47 ± 30 vs −26 ± 32 mOsmol.l−1 between D15 and D0 for T and NT groups, respectively), thermal discomfort (−31 ± 4 vs −11 ± 5 mm between D15 and D0, p = 0.001) and rates of perceived exertion (−3.0 ± 0.4 vs –1.4 ± 0.3 D15 and D0, p = 0.001) were much lower in the T than NT group during the HST. HST-induced modifications in facial temperature only decreased in the T group (−1.08 ± 0.28 between D15 and D0, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a difference in perceived thermal discomfort during the 8-km trial (40 ± 20 vs 55 ± 22 mm for the T and NT groups, respectively, p = 0.010). Thus, a 15-day, low-volume training regimen during a mission in a hot and dry environment has a modest impact on physiological adaptation but strongly decreases the perceived strain of exertion and climate potentially via greater reductions in facial temperature, even during a classical operational physical task in a military context. Highlights • Training during heat acclimatization strongly reduced thermal discomfort. • Improvements in the perception of heat/exertion were uncoupled from physiological markers. • These improvements may be linked to a decrease in facial temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heat stress is an issue of rising concern across the globe. Recently, we found that mRNA expression of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), an orexigenic neuropeptide, was increased in the heat-exposed chick brain when food intake was reduced. The aim of the current study was to examine mRNA expression of GnIH and of the glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hypothalamus as well as the plasma corticosterone (CORT) and metabolites in 14-d-old chicks exposed to a high ambient temperature (HT; 40 ± 1 °C for 1 or 5 h) or a control thermoneutral temperature (CT; 30 ± 1 °C), either with free access to food or fasted. Heat stress caused a voluntary reduction of food intake and reduced plasma triacylglycerol concentration, but increased rectal temperature and plasma CORT and glucose concentrations (P < 0.05). Heat stress also increased (P < 0.05) the expression of diencephalic GnIH mRNA in chicks when they reduced food intake voluntarily, but did not do so under fasting conditions. Although the expression of GR mRNA was not altered as a result of heat stress, its expression was decreased (P < 0.05) in fasted chicks at 5 h in comparison with fed chicks. In addition, the rectal temperature of fasted chicks was lower than that of fed chicks under both CT and HT. In conclusion, voluntary reduction of food intake caused an increase in brain GnIH mRNA expression, plasma CORT, and body temperature in chicks under heat stress. Interestingly, brain GnIH mRNA expression was not induced by heat stress in fasted chicks and was not accompanied by a decrease in rectal temperature. These results suggest that the increased expression of brain GnIH mRNA in chicks under heat stress could be a consequence of a mechanism mediated by the voluntary reduction of food intake, but that it is not a consequence of fasting. Highlights • Reduction in voluntary food intake increased brain GnIH mRNA in heat-exposed chicks. • Fasting lowered rectal temperature under CT and HT in chicks. • Fasted chicks showed lower glucorticoid receptor mRNA expression under heat stress. • Heat stress was attenuated by fasting in chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early lactating dairy cows, are predisposed for calving-related diseases. Early prediction of “at risk” animals increases the likelihood of a successful recovery. In this regard, test-days milk data and body condition score (BCS) at calving have been evaluated as potential indicators of cows at-risk, but results were inconclusive. We hypothesised that a combined use of easily accessible data (BCS at calving, net BCS change over the first 2 weeks of lactation, rectal temperature (RT) and first 2 weeks test-days milk data) could improve the prognostic value. A total of 117 multiparous Holstein cows were selected according to their BCS at calving and divided into two experimental groups: a high BCS (HBCS; BCS ≥ 4.0) and a normal BCS group (NBCS from 3.25 to 3.5). The following data were collected and evaluated for each cow: milk yield and composition at the first two milk test-days (week 1 and 2 postpartum), BCS at calving and at the first two milk test-days and RT measured daily from day 1 (parturition) to 14 postpartum. Cows were furthermore monitored for subclinical mastitis (SCM), metritis and endometritis in the postpartum period, and diseases diagnosed using standardized definitions. The predicting value of variables were evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. None of the determined variables provided accuracy individually in prediction of post-partum diseases. Only the mean value of rectal temperature at week 2 (RT2) showed an area under the curve (AUC) higher than 0.60 (AUC = 0.67; P < 0.05); however, with a sensitivity of 0.59 and specificity of 0.81, it cannot be considered a strong predicting marker for endometritis. A combination of markers, which included BCS at calving, net BCS change during first 2 weeks of lactation, milk fat, milk protein, milk fat to protein ratio (FPR) and RT, provided the best accuracy in prediction of SCM and uterine infections. The prediction strength of the combined mode was substantially higher compared to using each of the parameters alone. In conclusion, the combination of easily accessible observational data collected over the first 14 d of lactation, improves the prediction of SCM, metritis and endometritis compared to the prognostic value of the individual markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core temperature is used in several situations, including studies on biological rhythms and circadian markers of physical performance. Measuring the inner eye canthus (Tco) temperature is a method proposed to identify core temperature, but it has shown little concordance in physical exercise situations and has not yet been used in studies with measurements taken throughout the day. The objective of this study was to compare the measurements and daily behavior of Tco obtained by infrared thermography with rectal temperature (Tre) during a prolonged waking protocol. Eleven male individuals participated in the study, who remained in the laboratory for at least 38 h using an actigraph to determine the wakefulness time and were monitored during the entire period. The Tre and Tco measurements were performed every 3 h. The ANOVA was used for repeated measurements followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc test to find the limits of concordance/proximity, while the Bland and Altman method and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient were used to establish the reliability between the pairs. The significance level adopted was p < 0.05. The results demonstrate significant differences, low levels of concordance and unsatisfactory reliability levels between Tco and Tre at all 13 analyzed moments, in addition to not showing measurement reliability when all data are used together with the 143 temperature measurements. Daily behavior analysis shows moments with similar behavior with an increase in Tco and Tre, but at other times the behavior was the opposite, with a decrease in one measurement and an increase in the other. Based on the results presented, it is not recommended to use the inner eye canthus temperature as a substitute for rectal temperature for measuring core temperature at different times of the day or in sleep-deprived individuals. • Inner eye canthus temperature can be measured by infrared thermography. • Inner eye canthus temperature to estimate core temperature has been proposed for years. • Inner eye canthus temperature values they are lower than the rectal temperature. • Inner eye canthus temperature not agree with rectal temperature in various times of day. • Inner eye canthus temperature not agree with rectal temperature in prolonged wakefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal environment is important in unit production because the perception of thermal stress can reduce fertility, and productive performance, therefore its management is necessary. The use of non-invasive methods, such as infrared thermography and real-time ultrasonography, are widely used to evaluate indicators in animal production, without the need to slaughter the animals. Thus, we aimed to assess the effect of the thermal environment on the physiological parameters and carcass characteristics of Dorper sheep with positive and negative residual feed intake (RFI) using infrared thermography and real-time ultrasonography techniques. Twenty uncastrated male Dorper sheep (17.8 ± 2.4 kg) were confined for 40 days for RFI classification. Sheep were separated into positive RFI (n = 10) and negative RFI (n = 10). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 2 thermal environments (full sun or shade) and two feed efficiency groups (positive RFI or negative RFI), with 5 replications. The sheep remained in confinement for 60 days. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the experiment and the carcasses dissected for tissue separation. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR) were measured at two times (14:00 h and 18:00 h) for periods of 5 days. The RR was determined by indirect auscultation of heart sounds at the level of the laryngotracheal region. The RT was measured introduced a digital clinical thermometer into the animal's rectum. Surface temperature (ST) was obtained using a thermographic infrared camera, collecting the temperatures of the eyeball and skin surface in the regions of the head, ribs, rump, flank and shin. Sheep confined in full sun showed higher RR (P = 0.0001), ST ribs (P = 0.0020), ST rumb (P = 0.0055), ST flank (P = 0.0001) and heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) (P = 0.0010). For sheep confined in full sun, a strong correlation was observed between the RR and the mean ST (MST; r = 0.6826; P = 0.0236) and between the final loin eye area (LEAf) with the real LEA (LEAr) (r = 0.9263; P = 0.0001) and slaughter body weight (SBW) (r = 0.7532; P = 0.0325). For negative RFI sheep, a positive correlation was observed between the RR and the ST rump (r = 0.7343; P = 0.0025) and ST ribs (r = 0.6560; P = 0.0178) and the MST (r = 0.7435; P = 0.0001), between the MST and the LEAr (r = 0.6837; P = 0.0025) and the final LEA (r = 0.6771; P = 0.0144), and between the final LEA and LEAr (r = 0.9942; P = 0.0001), BW (r = 0.8415; P = 0.0277) and MST (r = 0.6771; P = 0.0045). Positive RFI sheep confined to shade showed a high correlation between final LEA and LEAr (r = 0.9372; P = 0.0001). The use of shading in confined Dorper sheep, regardless of the RFI classification, reduces the effects of heat stress on physiological parameters. • Ultrasonography is a tool for body composition assessment in sheep. • Environment can influence the physiological and carcass parameters of sheep. • Shading reduces the effects of heat stress on physiological parameters of sheep. • Shading enables high correlation between final and real loin eye area of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has primarily focused on human thermoregulatory responses at high altitudes, but investigations involving extremely high-temperature and hypobaric compound environments are currently lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, this study aimed to enhance the prediction of human heat sensation for pilot reserves while operating in extremely hot cabins with decompression. To achieve this, an improved Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) model was developed by incorporating the influence of air pressure on metabolic rate. The model's validity was assessed through experiments conducted at different altitudes (0m, 5000m, and 8000m) and varying environmental conditions (26°C and 45 °C, 10% RH and 40% RH) within an environmental simulation cabin. During these experiments, local skin temperature, core temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation were measured. The findings revealed distinct variations in the skin temperature of the hand and foot segments across different experimental stages, and significant correlations were observed between heart rate, core temperature, and local skin temperatures. Furthermore, regression models were established to explore the relationship between heart rate and local skin temperatures. By comparing simulated and experimental core and local skin temperatures, the enhanced PHS model was successfully validated. The conclusions drawn from this study provide valuable insights for predicting thermal physiological indices accurately and conveniently in hot-dry and hypobaric environments. • Heart rate (HR), local skin temperature and rectal temperature were measured in atmospheric and hypobaric environments. • Effects and correlations between HR, rectal and skin temperatures at different altitudes were explored. • Regression model of HR, rectal and skin surface temperatures at different altitudes in the hot-dry condition were built. • The PHS model was developed as a complement to predict thermal responses measured in experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boran (n=15) and Nguni (n=15) cows were used in a study to determine the effect of breed, age and coat colour on the concentration of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90AB1), physiological rectal and skin temperature, and markers of health. The cows were exposed to summer heat stress and Boran cows had higher significant (P<0.05) skin temperature (35.1±0.42 °C) as compared to the Nguni cows (36.0±0.38 °C). Nguni cows had higher body thermal gradients than the Boran cows. Boran cows had thicker skin (P<0.05) and longer hairs (24.3±2.26 mm) than their Nguni counterparts (20.2±2.00 mm). The HSP90AB1 concentration was increased in Boran cows, although breed had no significant (P>0.05) influence. Significantly (P<0.05) high urea and total cholesterol was recorded in Boran cows. Coat colour had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the weight and rectal temperature of the study animals. Coat colour and age had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the concentration of HSP90AB1, although older cows (≥9 years) had higher concentrations (5.4±1.29 ng/ml). Age had a significant (P<0.05) effect on packed cell volume, neutrophil/lymphocyte, urea, total protein and gamma-glutamyl transferase whereas cows with ≥9 years had more concentrations than young ones. Age significantly (P<0.05) influenced hair length, skin temperature and the thermal gradients. Breed was positively correlated (P<0.001) to coat colour, age, body condition score, weight and temperature humidity index while negatively correlated to urea and total cholesterol. It was concluded that Nguni cows were more adaptable to hot environments than the Boran cows as the latter were unable to balance thermal load between their bodies and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high neonatal mortality rate in puppies, pertinent criteria for health evaluation of the newborns are not defined. This study was thus designed to measure and to characterize factors of variation of six health parameters in dog neonates, and to evaluate their value as predictors of neonatal mortality. A total of 347 purebred puppies under identical conditions of housing and management were examined within the first 8 h after birth and then at Day 1. The first health evaluation included Apgar score, weight, blood glucose, lactate and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration, rectal temperature and urine specific gravity (SG). The second evaluation at Day 1 included the same parameters, excluding Apgar score and weight. The mortality rate over the first 24 h and over 21 days of age was recorded. The early predictors of neonatal mortality in the dog were determined with generalized linear mixed models and receiver operating characteristic curves analyses. An Apgar score at or below 6 evaluated within the first 8 h after birth was found associated with a higher risk of death during the first 24 h. A reduced glucose concentration (≤92 mg/dl) at Day 1 was found to be associated with higher mortality between 1 and 21 days of age. Low-birth-weight puppies were characterized by both low viability (low Apgar score) and low blood glucose concentration, and thus were found indirectly at higher risk of neonatal mortality. This study promotes two low cost easy-to-use tests for health evaluation in puppies, i.e. Apgar scoring and blood glucose assay. Further investigation is necessary to establish if the strong relationship between blood glucose and neonatal survival reflects high energy requirements or other benefits from colostrum intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we demonstrated that brain neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression was increased in heat exposed chicks. However, the functions of brain NPY during heat stress are unknown. This study was conducted to investigate whether centrally administered NPY affects food intake, rectal temperature, monoamines, stress hormones and plasma metabolites in chicks under high ambient temperatures (HT). Five or six-day-old chicks were centrally injected with 0, 188 or 375 pmol of NPY and exposed to either HT (35 ± 1 °C) or a control thermoneutral temperature (CT; 30 ± 1 °C) for 3 h whilst fed or fasted. NPY increased food intake under both CT and HT. NPY reduced rectal temperature 1 and 2 h after central administration under CT, but not under HT. Interestingly, NPY decreased brain serotonin and norepinephrine concentrations in fed chicks, but increased concentrations of brain dopamine and its metabolites in fasted and fed chicks, respectively. Plasma epinephrine was decreased by NPY in fed chicks, but plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine were increased significantly by NPY in fasted-heat exposed chicks. Furthermore, NPY significantly reduced plasma corticosterone concentrations in fasted chicks. Plasma glucose and triacylglycerol were increased by NPY in fed chicks, but triacylglycerol declined in fasted NPY-injected chicks. In conclusion, brain NPY may attenuate the reduction of food intake during heat stress and the increased brain NPY might be a potential regulator of the monoamines and corticosterone to modulate stress response in heat-exposed chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most established method for temperature based death time estimation is based on an empirical double exponential model. New physically based approaches using numerical simulation techniques are subject of current research. A major advantage of such models is the possibility to incorporate non-standard boundary conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the substrate on the cooling rate of a body in the early postmortem phase. A finite element model was used for parameter variation in terms of different substrate materials. Simulation results showed a considerable influence of substrate material on the postmortem cooling rate of a body. From a thermodynamical point of view, comparability between measurements on a steel trolley and real cooling scenarios with common substrates like normal floors, asphalt or soil remains questionable. It could be shown that not only the type of substrate but also its composition can have a considerable influence on the postmortem body cooling rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pre-cooling and fluid replacement with either crushed ice or cold water. Methods On 2 separate occasions, in a counterbalanced order, 9 recreationally-trained males ingested 1.25 g/kg (80–100 g) of either crushed ice (0.5°C) or cold water (4°C) every 5 min for 30 min before exercise. They also ingested 2.0 g/kg (130–160 g) of the same treatment drink at 15 min, 30 min, and 45 min after the commencement of cycling to exhaustion at 60%VO 2max until voluntary exhaustion in a hot environment (35°C and 30% relative humidity). Results The cycling time to exhaustion in the crushed ice trial (50.0 ± 12.2 min) was longer than the cold water trial (42.2 ± 10.1 min; p  = 0.02). Although the rectal temperature fell by 0.37°C ± 0.03°C ( p  = 0.01) at the end of the resting period after the crushed ice ingestion, the rates of rise in rectal temperature during the exercise period were not significantly different between these 2 conditions (crushed ice: 0.23°C ± 0.07°C, 5 min; cold water: 0.22°C ± 0.07°C, 5 min; p  = 0.94). Conclusion Crushed ice ingestion before and during exercise in a hot environment may be a preferred and effective approach for minimizing thermal strain, and for improving endurance performance as compared with cold water ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is temperature sensitive, which is highly relevant for post mortem examinations. Therefore, the determination of the exact temperature of the investigated body site, e.g. the brain, is crucial. However, direct temperature measurements are invasive and inconvenient. Thus, in view of post mortem MR imaging of the brain, this study aims at investigating the relation between the brain and the forehead temperature for modelling the brain temperature based on the non-invasive forehead temperature. In addition, the brain temperature will be compared to the rectal temperature. Brain temperature profiles measured in the longitudinal fissure between the brain hemispheres, as well as rectal and forehead temperature profiles of 16 deceased were acquired continuously. Linear mixed, linear, quadratic and cubic models were fitted to the relation between the longitudinal fissure and the forehead and between the longitudinal fissure and the rectal temperature, respectively. Highest adjusted R2 values were found between the longitudinal fissure and the forehead temperature, as well as between the longitudinal fissure and the rectal temperature using a linear mixed model including the sex, environmental temperature and humidity as fixed effects. The results indicate that the forehead, as well as the rectal temperature, can be used to model the brain temperature measured in the longitudinal fissure. Comparable fit results were observed for the longitudinal fissure-forehead temperature relation and for the longitudinal fissure-rectal temperature relation. Combined with the fact that the forehead temperature overcomes the problem of measurement invasiveness, the results suggest using the forehead temperature for modelling the brain temperature in the longitudinal fissure. • Longitudinal fissure temperature (T) measurement is invasive. • Long. fissure T. required for temperature correction of post mortem MRI of the brain. • Long. fissure T. can be modelled based on forehead/rectal T. with a linear mixed model. • Long. fissure T. can be modelled by sex, forehead T., environmental T. and humidity. • Long. fissure T. can be modelled by the rectal T., environmental T. and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical examination is essential to make a differential diagnosis list, and body temperature measurement is an indispensable part of the clinical examination. Throughout the estrus cycle, body temperature may fluctuate high enough to affect the clinical examination results. Aim of this study, whether there were any differences between the different estrus periods, body parts (rectal, intravaginal and corneal), and methods (contact thermography and infrared thermography) in regard to temperature in bitches. The animal material of this study consisted of 61 healthy, non-pregnant, non-sportive bitches (2.78 ± 0.22 mean years of age; mean weight 23.81 ± 1.61kg) of different breeds. Corneal temperature measurement results were found the least constant and significant differences were observed between different estrus periods except in the anestrus period. Rectal temperature (RT) measurement results were the most constant. However, in ANOVA analysis, significant differences were observed between the different estrus periods, and the difference between the anestrus and diestrus periods was very close to 0.5 °C. Although, in the Bland-Altman plot analysis, the agreement was observed only between rectal and intravaginal temperature (p: 0.572, r2: 0.70), the limits of agreement were not clinically acceptable. In conclusion, neither corneal temperature measurement with infrared technology nor intravaginal temperature measurement should not be an alternative to RT measurement, and RT measurement results should evaluate carefully considering the estrus period. • Only the rectal measurement method is safe in clinical examination in estrus cycle. • Rectal and intravaginal measurement methods have agreement on the Bland Altman plot. • The corneal temperature measurement method is the least consistent one. • Intravaginal and corneal measurement results are the highest and lowest, respectively. • Proestrus and diestrus periods are the hottest and coldest periods, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether young children's thermoregulation during heat exposure varies with age and body size. A total of 34 young children (aged 6 months–8 years)–18 boys and 16 girls–participated in the study. They were divided into five groups according to age (<1 year, 1 year, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and 8 years). The participants sat for 30 min in a 27°C, 50% rh room, then moved to a 35°C, 70% rh room and remained seated for at least 30 min. They then returned to the first 27°C room and remained stationary for 30 min. Rectal temperature (Tre) and skin temperature (Tsk) were continuously recorded, and the amount of whole-body sweat rate (SR) was measured. Local SR of the back and upper arm were collected with filter paper to calculate local sweating volume, and Na + concentration was measured later. The smaller the age, the significantly greater the increase in Tre. There was no significant difference in the amount of whole-body SR and the increase in Tsk during the heating among the five groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in whole-body SR per increase in Tre during heating between the five groups, but a significant difference was found in back local SR per increase in Tre with age. Difference in local SR between upper arm and back was observed at age 2 years and above, and difference in Na+ concentrations in sweat was observed at age 8 years. The development of thermoregulatory responses with growth was observed. The results indicate that the thermoregulatory response is disadvantaged by immature mechanisms and small body size in younger children. • 34 Young children (aged 6 month to 8 years) took part in the heat exposure experiment. • No significant difference was found in whole-body SR and Tsk among the five groups. • The smaller the age, the significantly greater the increase in Tre. • Difference in local SR between upper arm and back was observed at age 2 years and above. • Local difference in Na+ concentrations in sweat was observed at age 8 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of packing (load carrying) on rectal and body surface temperatures and their circadian rhythmicity in donkeys during the hot-dry season. Twenty pack donkeys of both sexes (15 males and 5 non-pregnant females), aged 2–3 years, with average weight of 93 ± 2.7 kg and divided into two groups randomly, served as experimental subjects. Group 1 donkeys (packing + trekking) were subjected to packing in addition to trekking, while group 2 (trekking only) did not carry any load. All the donkeys were trekked, covering a distance of 20 km. The procedure was repeated three times within the week, one day apart. During the experiment, dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature-humidity index (THI), wind speed and topsoil temperature were recorded; and rectal temperature (RT) and body surface temperature (BST) were measured before and immediately after packing. Starting from 16 h after the last packing, circadian rhythms of RT and BST were recorded at 3-h intervals for 27-h period. The RT and BST were measured by digital thermometer and non-contact infrared thermometer, respectively. The DBT and RH, especially after packing (35.83 ± 0.2 °C and 20.00 ± 0.0%, respectively), were outside the thermoneutral zone for donkeys. The RT value (38.63 ± 0.1 °C) in packing + trekking donkeys recorded immediately (15 min) after packing was higher (P < 0.05) than the value obtained in trekking only donkeys (37.27 ± 0.1 °C). The overall mean RT recorded during the continuous 27-h period of measurement, starting from 16 h after the last packing procedure was higher (P < 0.05) in packing + trekking donkeys (36.93 ± 0.2 °C) compared with trekking only donkeys (36.29 ± 0.3 °C). The BSTs recorded in both groups were higher (P < 0.05) immediately after packing when compared with pre-packing values, but insignificant 16-h post-packing. The RT and BST values were generally higher in the photophase and lower during the scotophase in both groups of donkeys during the continuous recordings. The eye temperature was the closest to the RT, followed by scapular temperature, while the coronary band temperature was the farthest. The mesor of RT in packing + trekking donkeys (37.06 ± 0.2 °C) was significantly higher than in donkeys that were trekked only (36.46 ± 0.1 °C). The amplitude of RT in trekking only donkeys (1.20 ± 0.1 °C) was wider (P < 0.05) than that obtained in packing + trekking donkeys (0.80 ± 0.1 °C). The acrophase and bathyphase occurred later in packing + trekking donkeys (18:10 ± 0.3 h and 6:10 ± 0.3 h, respectively), compared to the trekking only donkeys (16:50 ± 0.2 h and 4:50 ± 0.2 h, respectively). In conclusion, exposure to thermally stressful prevailing environmental conditions during packing increased the body temperature responses, especially in packing + trekking donkeys. Packing significantly influenced the circadian rhythms of body temperatures in working donkeys, as evidenced by differences in circadian rhythm parameters in packing + trekking group, compared with trekking only donkeys during the hot-dry season. • The RT value in packing + trekking donkeys was higher compared with trekking only donkeys during the hot-dry season. • The RT value recorded at circadian readings was higher in packing + trekking donkeys compared with trekking only donkeys. • The eye temperature was the closest to RT, while the coronary band temperature was the farthest. • The circadian rhythm parameters were significantly influenced in packing + trekking donkeys during the hot-dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat flux systems are increasingly used to assess core body temperature. However, validation of multiple systems is scarce. Therefore, an experiment was performed in which three commercially available heat flux systems (3 M, Medisim and Core) were compared to rectal temperature (T re). Five females and four males performed exercise in a climate chamber set at 18 °C/50% relative humidity until exhaustion. Exercise duration was 36.3 ± 5.6 min (mean ± standard deviation). T re in rest was 37.2 ± 0.3 °C. Medisim's-values were lower than T re (36.9 ± 0.4 °C, p < 0.05); 3 M (37.2 ± 0.1 °C) and Core's (37.4 ± 0.3 °C) did not differ from T re. Maximal temperatures after exercise were 38.4 ± 0.2 °C (T re), 38.0 ± 0.4 °C (3 M), 38.8 ± 0.3 °C (Medisim) and 38.6 ± 0.3 °C (Core); Medisim was significantly higher than T re (p < 0.05). The temperature profiles of the heat flux systems during exercise differed to varying degree from the rectal profiles; the Medisim system showed a faster increase during exercise than T re (0.48 ± 0.25 °C in 20 min, p < 0.05), the Core system tended to show a systematic overestimation during the entire exercise period and the 3 M system showed large errors at the end of exercise, likely due to sweat entering the sensor. Therefore, the interpretation of heat flux sensor values as core body temperature estimates should be done with care; more research is required to elucidate the physiological significance of the generated temperature values. • Heat flux sensors used to assess body core temperature are error prone. • The 3 M system, intended for clinal use, fails during exercise due to protruding sweat. • The Medisim system underestimates low and overestimates high body core temperatures. • The Core systems is easy to use, but tends to overestimate body core temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of seasonal changes and susceptibility to thermal stress on body mass index (BMI), cardinal physiological variables (respiratory rate; RR, pulse rate; PR and rectal temperature; RT) and circulating thyroid hormone profiles (T 3 and T 4 ) was studied in Red Sokoto (n = 60) and Sahel (n = 60) goats during the cold-dry (CDS), hot-dry (HDS) and rainy (RAS) seasons. Using the RR, goats were grouped into cold stress susceptible (CSS) and cold stress tolerant (CST) phenotypes in the season with lower temperature humidity index (CDS) or heat stress susceptible (HSS) and heat stress tolerant (HST) phenotypes in the seasons with higher THI (HDS and RAS). Results revealed that the PR and RT were lower (P < 0.05), while circulating thyroid hormones and BMI were higher (P < 0.05) in Red Sokoto compared with Sahel goats. The RR, PR, RT and T 3 :T 4 were significantly lower, while circulating T 3 was higher during the CDS as compared with the HDS. Higher population of the goats were susceptible to cold and heat stress. Discriminant analysis showed higher misclassification of goats into HSS and HST phenotypes as compared with classification into CSS and CST phenotypes. The CSS phenotypes had significantly lower RT, but higher PR than the CST phenotypes. The HSS phenotypes had lower (P < 0.05) T 3 than the HST phenotypes. Total variation in susceptibility to thermal stress was mainly explained by the RT, T 3 and PR. In conclusion, unlike RT, PR and T 3 , BMI seems to have less influence on the susceptibility of kids to thermal stress. In addition, this study demonstrates the role of the thermogenic effect of T 3 in the susceptibility and tolerance of kids to thermal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the effects of hydration and hand cooling on lowering body temperature after exercise in the heat.Design: Randomized cross-over design.Methods: Nine recreationally active male participants (mean±SD; age, 24±4; height, 177.3±9.9cm; body mass, 76.7±11.6kg; body fat, 14.7±5.8%) completed a bout of treadmill exercise in a hot environment. After completion of exercise, participants were assigned to the following trials for post-exercise cooling: (1) hydrated with passive rest (HY), (2) hydrated with hand cooling on both hands (HY+2HC), (3) dehydrated with passive rest (DY), and (4) dehydrated with hand cooling on both hands (DY+2HC). Within subject differences were assessed using a three-way (Hydration×Condition×Time) repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc analysis if significant interactions were found.Results: Irrespective of hydration status, hand cooling on both hands resulted in significantly greater reductions in TREC than passive cooling at minute 20 (0.27°C [0.05, 0.49], ES=2.08, p=0.017) (Fig. 1). The reduction in TREC at minute 18 trended towards statistical significance (0.21°C [.003, .42], ES=1.59, p=0.053). Hydration status alone and when differentiated among modes of cooling showed no differences on changes of TREC or heart rate across all conditions during post exercise recovery (p>0.05).Conclusions: Hand cooling on both hands reduced TREC more than passive cooling, however, the cooling rates observed render hand cooling a poor option for cooling. Greater reductions in TREC after exercise or between bouts of exercise may enhance recovery and subsequent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of measuring body temperature in sheep using a noncontact infrared thermometer on the inguinal area and the eye cornea in comparison with a rectal digital thermometer. The trial for the first comparison was conducted in the milking parlor in 52 ewes in full lactation and 15 dry ewes and for the second one in 51 ewes. The body temperature measured with the noncontact infrared thermometer in the inguinal area, although significantly lower, was strongly linearly correlated with that of the rectal digital one in both ewes in full lactation and dry ewes. In lactating ewes, besides the high precision, the highest accuracy was also recorded and the plotted differences were within clinically insignificant levels. The corneal temperatures were highly correlated but were significantly lower compared to the rectal ones. Due to these differences the cut-off point of 37.9 °C was estimated to be adopted for the detection of the hyperthermic animals when noncontact infrared thermometers are applied to the eye cornea for the measurement of body temperature. In conclusion the inguinal area of the dry ewes and the eye cornea cannot be recommended as appropriate sites for body temperature measurement because the temperatures recorded are biased by external factors. The noncontact infrared thermometer evaluated is sufficiently accurate for the measurement of body temperature in sheep only when applied in the inguinal area of sheep in full lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated agreement between eye maximum pixel temperature (using thermography) and rectal temperature (TR) in racehorses, comparing the results with salivary cortisol concentration and heart rate (HR), both at rest and after exercise. Nineteen horses, undergoing training for racing in their first racing season, were studied. Eye maximum pixel temperature, TR, salivary cortisol concentration, and HR were measured before training (BT), within 5 minutes of the end of the training session (T+5), and 2 hours after training (T+120). Eye maximum pixel temperature, TR, salivary cortisol concentration, and HR were all significantly elevated at T+5 compared to BT (all P < .001). At T+120, only eye maximum pixel temperature remained significantly elevated compared to BT ( P < .05). Bland-Altman analysis indicated a poor agreement between eye maximum pixel temperature and TR. We noted no significant correlations among any of the measurements at any time point, with the exception of eye maximum pixel temperature and TR at BT ( r = 0.55, P = .01). In racehorses, eye maximum pixel temperature is a poor estimate of core temperature due to limited agreement with TR. Furthermore, eye maximum pixel temperature is not correlated with accepted measures of stress such as salivary cortisol concentration and HR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the physiological and thermoregulatory responses of individuals exercising in the heat (US military red flag conditions, wet-bulb globe temperature 31.5-32.2ºC) while consuming varied volumes of ambient temperature water and ice slurry.Methods: Participants (N = 12) walked on a treadmill for 3 hours at approximately 40% peak aerobic capacity in a hot environment while consuming ambient temperature (35.5°C) water (W), ice slurry (0°C, two-thirds shaved ice and one-third water) at a ratio of 2 g·kg(-1) body mass every 10 minutes (FS), and reduced volume ice slurry as described at a rate of 1 g·kg(-1) body mass every 10 minutes (HS). Trials were completed at least 14 days apart, in a randomized, repeated measures design.Results: Percent body weight loss was higher during the HS trial (1.8 ± 0.01%) compared with FS (0.5 ± 0.01%; P < .001) and W (0.6 ± 0.01%; P < .001). Mean rectal temperature at 3 hours was lower during FS (37.8 ± 0.7°C) compared with HS (38.1 ± 0.8°C) and W (38.2 ± 0.8°C) (P = .04 vs HS, and P = .005 vs W, main effect for trial). No differences were found in rectal temperature between HS and W. Heart rate was lower at the end of the third hour during FS (141 ± 10 beats/min) compared with HS (157 ± 19 beats/min) and W (154 ± 18 beats/min) (P = .001 and P = .007, respectively, time × trial interaction). There were no differences in heart rate between HS and W.Conclusions: The temperature of consumed fluids may be as important as the volume for the management of thermoregulation and other physiological responses for extended work in hot environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoregulatory processes are induced not only by exposure to cold or heat but also by a variety of physiological situations including age, fasting and food intake that result in changes in body temperature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differences in serum mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), rumen temperature (T RUMEN ) and rectal temperature (T RECTAL ) values between adult and kids goats. Ten adult male Maltese goats aged 3–5 years old (Group A) and 30 male kids, raised for meat, were enrolled in this study. The kids were equally divided into 3 groups according to their age: Group B included kids aged 3 months, Group C included kids aged 4 months and Group D included kids aged 5 months. Blood samples and measurements of T RUMEN and T RECTAL were obtained from each animal. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate the effect of age on the studied parameters. Statistically significant higher serum UCP1 levels (P<0.001) were found in Group A as compared to Groups B, C and D. Higher T RUMEN values (P<0.001) were found in Group A than in Groups B, C and D, and in Group B than in Groups C and D. Group A showed lower T RECTAL values (P<0.001) than Groups B, C and D. The Pearson's Correlation test was applied to assess significant relationship among studied parameters showing a statistically significant negative correlation between the values of T RECTAL and serum UCP1 in all studied Groups (P<0.001). These results indicate that goats have good control of body temperature suggesting that further details about the thermogenic capacity and the function of UCP1 in kids and adult goats are worth exploring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effect of intravenous infusion of amino acids on the prevention of hypothermia during anaesthesia in dogs. Study design Randomized experimental trial. Animals Seven healthy Beagle dogs. Methods Four concentrations of amino acids were prepared with a 10% amino acid solution and an acetated Ringer's solution, and dogs were infused with each of the solutions at 1 week intervals. Dogs were infused with amino acid solution at 12 mL kg−1 hour−1 for 60 minutes before and for 60 minutes after induction of anaesthesia. Acetated Ringer's solution was infused at the same rate for the remaining 60 minutes of anaesthesia. The infusion treatments were: 1) A0, nutrient-free acetated Ringer's solution; 2) A6, 0.6 g kg−1 hour−1; 3) A9, 0.9 g kg−1 hour−1; and 4) A12, 1.2 g kg−1 hour−1. Rectal temperature ( RT), heart rate ( HR), mean arterial pressure ( MAP), blood insulin, glucose, urea nitrogen ( BUN) and creatinine concentrations, and time to extubation were measured. Results Before anaesthesia, RT was not affected by amino acid infusion. RT decreased progressively during anaesthesia and the absolute values of RT from 30 to 120 minutes were significantly higher in A12 than in A0 ( p < 0.05). Reductions in HR and MAP during anaesthesia were attenuated by amino acid infusion in a dose-dependent manner. Plasma insulin concentration was significantly higher in A12 than in A0 during amino acid infusion and the increase in insulin concentration was greater during than before anaesthesia. BUN increased during amino acid infusion in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Time until extubation was shorter in A12 than in A0. Conclusions and clinical relevance Amino acids infused at 1.2 g kg−1 hour−1 in dogs attenuated the decrease in RT, HR, and MAP during anaesthesia, and induced a significant increase in plasma insulin concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In determining the time of death in infants based on rectal temperature, the same methods used in adults are generally used. However, whether the methods for adults are suitable for infants is unclear. In this study, we examined the following 3 methods in 20 infant death cases: computer simulation of rectal temperature based on the infinite cylinder model (Ohno’s method), computer-based double exponential approximation based on Marshall and Hoare’s double exponential model with Henssge’s parameter determination (Henssge’s method), and computer-based collinear approximation based on extrapolation of the rectal temperature curve (collinear approximation). The interval between the last time the infant was seen alive and the time that he/she was found dead was defined as the death time interval and compared with the estimated time of death. In Ohno’s method, 7 cases were within the death time interval, and the average deviation in the other 12 cases was approximately 80 min. The results of both Henssge’s method and collinear approximation were apparently inferior to the results of Ohno’s method. The corrective factor was set within the range of 0.7–1.3 in Henssge’s method, and a modified program was newly developed to make it possible to change the corrective factors. Modification A, in which the upper limit of the corrective factor range was set as the maximum value in each body weight, produced the best results: 8 cases were within the death time interval, and the average deviation in the other 12 cases was approximately 80 min. There was a possibility that the influence of thermal isolation on the actual infants was stronger than that previously shown by Henssge. We conclude that Ohno’s method and Modification A are useful for death time estimation in infants. However, it is important to accept the estimated time of death with certain latitude considering other circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The core body temperature is an important measure to evaluate heat stress in cattle. • Changes in body temperature in response to heat stress differ according to animal genetics. • Climate and THI are associated with physiological responses to heat stress. Heat stress affects livestock productivity and is often determined by an increase in the core body temperature (CBT). To evaluate the latter, both vaginal and rectal temperatures can be used. The aims of this study were (1) to perform a meta-analysis in order to evaluate the impact of heat stress in comparison to thermoneutral conditions on CBT in Bos taurus and Bos taurus indicus cattle, and (2) to evaluate the effects of genetic group, sex, productive purpose, climate zone, and temperature-humidity index (THI class) heat stress on the vaginal and rectal temperatures of cattle. Eighty-nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in CBT between the heat stress (HS) and thermoneutral (TN) environments was used as a measure of effect size, considering a 95% confidence interval (CI). Cochran's Q test and I² statistic indicated high variability among studies; thus, a random effects model was used. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were performed to investigate the source of heterogeneity. Genetic group, sex, productive purpose, climate zone, and THI class were included as covariates. The SMD in CBT between the HS and TN environments was 7.45 °C (95%CI: 5.89;9.02 °C, P = 0.0001), indicating a physiological response to the heat stress condition. The SMD in CBT was 3.92 °C higher in Bos taurus than Bos taurus indicus animals (P < 0.05). Animals in climate zone D (warm temperate zone) showed a lower SMD in CBT than those in climate zone B (arid zone) (SMD = 4.04 ºC vs 12.38 ºC). The THI class affected the SMD in CBT (P < 0.05). The genetic group, climate zone, THI class and interaction between genetic group and climate zone explained 29.89% of the heterogeneity observed among studies. In conclusion, heat stress exposure affects the vaginal and rectal temperatures of cattle. The CBT measured by rectal and vaginal temperatures can be used to detect heat stress-induced changes in CBT. Bos taurus and Bos taurus indicus animals seem to respond differently to heat stress in terms of CBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates whether rectal temperature of pigs, prior to slaughter, can give an indication of the risk of developing pork with PSE characteristics. A total of 1203 pigs were examined, measuring the rectal temperature just before stunning, of which 794 rectal temperatures were measured immediately after stunning. pH 30LT ( M. Longissimus thoracis ) and temperature of the ham (Temp 30Ham ) were collected from about 530 carcasses, 30 min after sticking. The results present a significant positive linear correlation between rectal temperature just before and after slaughter, and Temp 30Ham . Moreover, pH 30LT is negatively correlated with rectal temperature and Temp 30Ham . Finally, a linear mixed model for pH 30LT was established with the rectal temperature of the pigs just before stunning and the lairage time. This model defines that measuring rectal temperature of pigs just before slaughter allows discovery of pork with PSE traits, taking into account pre-slaughter conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of road transport, excluding the effect of cages, on rectal temperature (RT), glucose, lactate, packed cell volume (PCV) and total proteins (TP) in rabbits. The animals were divided into three groups of 10 subjects: Group A was transported into plastic transport crates by road for 2 h over a distance about 160 km with an average speed of 80 km/h, Group B was untransported and placed into plastic transport crates and Group C was untransported and placed into battery-style cages. RT, glucose, lactate, PCV and TP were measured before ( T 0) and after the road transport ( T 2) as well as after 6 ( T 6) and 24 h ( T 24) rest time in Groups A–C. The GLM (General linear model) Repeated Measures procedure, followed by Duncan multiple post-hoc comparison test, showed statistically significant differences among the Groups A–C ( P <0.0001) and a significant effect of sampling time ( P <0.0001) on RT, glucose, lactate and PCV in Group A. The results suggest that in rabbits, the changes of rectal temperature, together with the secondary stress markers, play an important role in providing complementary information for the assessment of transportation stress suggesting that these modifications are useful not only for monitoring stressful conditions but also for evaluating health and animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal sensing microchips were practical for monitoring body temperature in foals. • The implantation site of the microchip caused no adverse reactions. • Body temperature readings by the microchips varied depending on the body sites. • Climate conditions did not influence the body temperature readings. • The pectoral muscle was the best body site to implant the microchip. Continuous accurate attainment of the body temperature of foals is important to detect early stages of severe heat stress or fever due to a systemic illness. Among a number of methods to measure body temperature, measuring rectal temperature with a digital thermometer is most frequently used due to being relatively fast and simple method. It is also comparatively accurate and correlates well with the core body temperature. However, this method requires restraining the foal for a few seconds to obtain the temperature, and it can be dangerous for the handling person. Percutaneous thermal sensing microchips (PTSM s) are a means of monitoring the body temperature of horses, which offers a non-invasive, hygienic, quick, and accurate way to measure body temperature and provide an identification number for each individual, once it is implanted. This study tested the hypothesis that PTSM has a strong relationship with a conventional body temperature measurement, i.e., measuring rectal temperature with a digital thermometer of foals during summer seasons. Thirty-two foals in three consecutive foaling seasons (2018, 2019, and 2020 season) were implanted a PTSM into the right pectoral muscle, the right splenius muscle, the right gluteal muscle, and the nuchal ligament as early as two weeks after birth. The four PTSM temperatures, rectal temperature, and climate conditions (air temperature, relative humidity, and wet-bulb globe temperature) were obtained simultaneously during the three summer seasons and paired for comparison analysis. Among the PTSM temperatures, the pectoral muscle had the highest correlation and the least differences with rectal temperature. Using PTSM was safe, easy, and reliable for attaining body temperature in foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In clinical practice, an important aspect of animal health status evaluation is the body temperature recording obtained using different methods. Within them, the non-contact and non-invasive infrared thermometer can provide an accurate estimation of body temperature improving the quality of care and medical decision. To evaluate the use of the monitoring of auricular temperature to improve the quality of care and medical decision. To evaluate the use of the monitoring of auricular temperature as indices of body temperature, as well as rectal temperature in eleven clinically healthy mixed bred cats, eleven Rottweiler dogs, and eleven Italian saddle horses temperature values were obtained by means of an infrared thermometer in the left and right ears and by means of a digital thermometer in the rectum. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a statistically higher rectal temperature value than the temperature recorded in the left and right ears (P<0.001). In all species, no differences between the right and left ear were recorded (p>0.05). Cats and dogs showed a statistically higher auricular (p<0.001) and rectal (p<0.01) temperature compared to horses. No differences were observed between cats and dogs (p>0.05). Auricular and rectal temperature agreement was shown by the Bland-Altman test. Between the two methods, the average difference was 1.6 °C for cats, 1.4 °C for dogs, and 3.3 °C for horses. In dogs, rectal and auricular temperature showed a positive correlation (r2=0.78). In conclusion, only in healthy dogs maintained in controlled conditions the monitoring of auricular temperature reflects the clinical practice gold standard of core body temperature measurement represented by rectal temperature. The lower value of about 1.5 °C must be taken into consideration when this technique is used. • Interest in using infrared thermometry in veterinary to obtain body temperature has grown. • The accuracy of auricular temperature to establish core body temperature was evaluate in cats, dogs and horses. • The accuracy and precision of rectal temperature measurements in cats and horses exceed auricular temperature. • In dogs, auricular temperature can be used to accurately estimate core body temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to assess the effect of saline water consumption on physiological responses of indigenous Nguni goats. Thirty six clinically healthy non-lactating female Nguni goats ranging between 16 and 31 kg body weight were assigned to each of three treatments (0, 5.5 and 11 g total dissolved salts per litre (g TDS/L)). Each treatment had 12 goats that were individually penned. Rectal temperatures (RT), pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were measured once a week for a total of 56 days. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI), average daily gain (ADG) and physiological parameters were monitored. Average daily water intake was lowest (P < 0.05) for goats which received 11 g TDS/L compared 5.5 g TDS/L salt in drinking water. Goats on 5.5 g TDS/L salt in drinking water had lower (P < 0.05) ADFI (780.24 vs 678 g/d) compared to 11 g TDS/L salt content. Average daily gain was lower (P < 0.05) in goats which received 5.5 and 11 g TDS/L compared to the control (57.6, 48.3 vs 17 g/d). Pulse rate was fastest (P < 0.05) for goats on 11 g TDS/L compared to the other treatments. These results indicate that depressed ADWI, ADFI, ADG and increased PR are physiological responses of indigenous Nguni goats to drinking saline water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether milk temperature (MT) measured by automatic milking system (AMS) is a reliable indicator of body temperature of dairy cows and whether cows with fever could be detected. Data loggers (Minilog 8, Vemco Ltd., Halifax, NS, Canada) measuring body temperature were inserted for 7 ± 1 d into the vaginal cavity of 31 dairy cows and programmed to take 1 reading/min. Milk temperature was recorded at each milking event by the AMS, and values from the vaginal loggers were paired with the corresponding MT. The correlation (r) between vaginal temperature (VT) and MT was 0.52. Vaginal temperature was higher (39.1 ± 0.4°C) than MT (38.6 ± 0.7°C) with a mean difference of 0.5 ± 0.6°C. The ability of MT to identify cows with fever was assessed using 2 approaches. In the first approach, VT could indicate fever at any time of the day, whereas MT could display fever only during the milking events of a given day. Different definitions of fever based on thresholds of VT and duration exceeding these thresholds were constructed. Different thresholds of MT were tested to distinguish between cows with and without fever. The combination of 39.0°C as a threshold for MT and 39.5°C for at least 2 h/d as a threshold for VT resulted in the highest combination of sensitivity (0.65) and specificity (0.65). In the second approach, we evaluated whether MT could identify cows with fever at a given milking event. A threshold of MT >38.7°C delivered the best combination of sensitivity (0.77) and specificity (0.66) when fever was defined as VT ≥39.5°C. Therefore, MT measured by AMS can be indicative of fever in dairy cows to a limited extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays an important role in response to stress, and exerts a physiological effect via its receptor, CRH receptor type-1 (CRH-R1) and CRH receptor type-2 (CRH-R2) with high affinity to CRH-R1 in mammals. Urocortin-3 (UCN-3), a CRH family peptide, is an endogenous ligand for CRH-R2 in mammals. The physiological roles of UCN-3 and CRH-R2 have been investigated in mammals, although their roles still need to be clarified in chicks (Gallus gallus). Few studies have been performed comparing the physiological responses of CRH and UCN-3 in chicks. Therefore the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of UCN-3 on food intake, rectal temperature, crop-emptying rate and behaviors in chicks, and to compare these physiological responses with the effects resulting from CRH injection. The ICV injection of 20 and 80pmol UCN-3 decreased food intake, increased rectal temperature and decreased crop-emptying rate and the results were similar to those achieved with CRH. The injection of both UCN-3 and CRH increased spontaneous activity but the behavioral patterns were different: CRH increased the number of vocalizations while UCN-3 increased the number of jumps, wing-flaps and scratching behaviors. These results suggest that UCN-3 regulates food intake, body temperature, and gastric emptying via the CRH-R2 in the brain of chicks, and these effects were similar to those induced by CRH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Infrared thermography of 3 eye regions (lateral canthus, central cornea, medial canthus) was obtained. • Higher cortisol values, rectal, entire eye and medial canthus temperatures are found after shearing in sheep. • Rectal temperature was positively correlated with medial canthus both before and after shearing. • Positive correlation between cortisol, rectal and medial canthus is found after shearing in sheep. • Eye infrared thermography usefulness as an immediate and non-invasive physiological tool to assess stress response in sheep is proposed. During shearing, animals' welfare is adversely affected and acute stress occurs. Once animal perceives a threat, it develops behavioral, autonomic, endocrine or immune responses to maintain homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of eye temperature assessment by infrared thermography (IRT) to evaluate acute stress response in sheep undergoing a shearing procedure. From each animal, blood sampling, rectal and eye temperature assessment were performed before shearing (T PRE), 5 (T POST5) and 60 (T POST60) minutes after the end of shearing procedure. On blood samples the serum cortisol concentrations were evaluated. Rectal temperature (T RECTAL) was measured using a digital thermometer. Thermographic acquisitions of eye temperature were performed from the eye total area (T EYE) and from three regions of interest (lateral canthus, T ROI-1 ; central cornea, T ROI-2 ; medial canthus, T ROI-3). One-way analysis of variance showed a significant increase of serum cortisol concentration, T RECTAL , T EYE and T ROI-3 (p < 0.001). Serum cortisol was positively correlated with T RECTAL and T ROI-3 at T POST5 and T POST60. T RECTAL resulted positively correlated with T ROI-3 at T PRE , T POST5 and T POST60. Agreement between T RECTAL and each eye temperature considered (T EYE , T ROI-1 , T ROI-2 , T ROI-3) has been shown by Bland–Altman plots at each time point of monitoring period. The findings obtained in the current survey suggest that the medial canthus is the most suitable region for eye temperature measurement to asses stress response in animals. Moreover, this study highlighted the usefulness of IRT as an immediate and non-invasive physiological measure to assess stress response in sheep. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]