Rumen temperature is a reliable proxy of core body temperature in sheep (Ovis aries)
Kristine Vesterdorf
A * , David T. Beatty B , Anne Barnes C and Shane K. Maloney A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
B Meat and Livestock Australia, North Sydney, NSW, Australia.
C School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.
Animal Production Science 62(17) 1671-1682 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN21490
Submitted: 23 September 2021 Accepted: 3 June 2022 Published: 8 July 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)
Abstract
Context: In ruminant animals, such as sheep, the maintenance of a stable core body temperature is achieved through the controlled process of thermoregulation. The live export of sheep from Australia can expose sheep to heat stress, especially when vessels near, or cross, the equator, that can impact on animal welfare by causing hyperthermia.
Aim: The use of thermologgers located in the rumen of sheep could provide a direct, real-time method to monitor the thermal status of sheep during live export without the need to handle animals during shipping. We determined the relationship between core temperature and rumen temperature during changes in various factors that impact on an animal’s heat balance.
Methods: Sixteen wethers were implanted with thermologgers in the rumen to measure rumen temperature and in the abdominal cavity to measure core temperature. The sheep were exposed to environmental conditions similar to those experienced by sheep on live export vessels. The environment was assessed using the wet-bulb temperature. In the first trial, eight Merinos were shorn while the remaining eight retained their fleece. In the second trial all sheep were shorn, and eight sheep were offered a chaff diet and eight a pelletised diet while the wet bulb temperature increased. The rumen and core temperatures were compared.
Key results: We show that when core temperature increased during exposure to heat load, so did rumen temperature and, despite relatively large changes in overall body temperature, the difference between these temperatures remained stable. The daily average relationship between rumen and core temperatures was 0.5 ± 0.1°C and that difference was not affected by water ingestion, length of fleece, diet composition, or exposure to hot and humid conditions similar to those reported on live export vessels.
Conclusion and implications: By subtraction of 0.5°C from the measured rumen temperature in live export sheep, the use of rumen thermologgers would provide a reliable measure of core temperature and hence an indication of the thermal status of the sheep throughout the export journey.
Keywords: animal welfare, biologging, heat stress, live sheep export, nutrition, rumen temperature, thermoregulation, wool.
References
Adam D, Johnston SD, Beard L, Nicholson V, Lisle A, Gaughan J, Larkin R, Theilemann P, McKinnon A, Ellis W (2016) Surgical implantation of temperature-sensitive transmitters and data-loggers to record body temperature in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Veterinary Journal 94, 42–47.| Surgical implantation of temperature-sensitive transmitters and data-loggers to record body temperature in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26781067PubMed |
AlZahal O, AlZahal H, Steele MA, Van Schaik M, Kyriazakis I, Duffield TF, McBride BW (2011) The use of a radiotelemetric ruminal bolus to detect body temperature changes in lactating dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 94, 3568–3574.
| The use of a radiotelemetric ruminal bolus to detect body temperature changes in lactating dairy cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21700044PubMed |
Barenbrug AWT (1974) ‘Psychrometry and psychrometric charts.’ 3rd edn. (Chamber of Mines of South Africa: Johannesburg, South Africa)
Baumgard LH, Rhoads RP (2013) Effects of heat stress on postabsorptive metabolism and energetics. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences 1, 311–337.
| Effects of heat stress on postabsorptive metabolism and energetics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25387022PubMed |
Beatty DT, Barnes A, Taylor E, Pethick D, McCarthy M, Maloney SK (2006) Physiological responses of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle to prolonged, continuous heat and humidity. Journal of Animal Science 84, 972–985.
| Physiological responses of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle to prolonged, continuous heat and humidity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16543576PubMed |
Beatty DT, Barnes A, Taplin R, McCarthy M, Maloney SK (2007) Electrolyte supplementation of live export cattle to the Middle East. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, 119–124.
| Electrolyte supplementation of live export cattle to the Middle East.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Beatty DT, Barnes A, Fleming PA, Taylor E, Maloney SK (2008a) The effect of fleece on core and rumen temperature in sheep. Journal of Thermal Biology 33, 437–443.
| The effect of fleece on core and rumen temperature in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Beatty DT, Barnes A, Taylor E, Maloney SK (2008b) Do changes in feed intake or ambient temperature cause changes in cattle rumen temperature relative to core temperature? Journal of Thermal Biology 33, 12–19.
| Do changes in feed intake or ambient temperature cause changes in cattle rumen temperature relative to core temperature?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bernabucci U, Lacetera N, Danieli PP, Bani P, Nardone A, Ronchi B (2009) Influence of different periods of exposure to hot environment on rumen function and diet digestibility in sheep. International Journal of Biometeorology 53, 387–395.
| Influence of different periods of exposure to hot environment on rumen function and diet digestibility in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19370363PubMed |
Bianca W (1964) Thermoregulatory responses of the dehydrated ox to drinking cold and warm water in a warm environment. Research in Veterinary Science 5, 75–80.
| Thermoregulatory responses of the dehydrated ox to drinking cold and warm water in a warm environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bonfante E, Palmonari A, Mammi L, Canestrari G, Fustini M, Formigoni A (2016) Effects of a completely pelleted diet on growth performance in Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 99, 9724–9731.
| Effects of a completely pelleted diet on growth performance in Holstein heifers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27692717PubMed |
Byrne C, Lim CL (2007) The ingestible telemetric body core temperature sensor: a review of validity and exercise applications. British Journal of Sports Medicine 41, 126–133.
| The ingestible telemetric body core temperature sensor: a review of validity and exercise applications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17178778PubMed |
Cantor MC, Costa JHC, Bewley JM (2018) Impact of observed and controlled water intake on reticulorumen temperature in lactating dairy cattle. Animals 8, 194
| Impact of observed and controlled water intake on reticulorumen temperature in lactating dairy cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Castro-Costa A, Salama AAK, Moll X, Aguilo J, Caja G (2015) Using wireless rumen sensors for evaluating the effects of diet and ambient temperature in nonlactating dairy goats. Journal of Dairy Science 98, 4646–4658.
| Using wireless rumen sensors for evaluating the effects of diet and ambient temperature in nonlactating dairy goats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25958285PubMed |
Cooper-Prado MJ, Long NM, Wright EC, Goad CL, Wettemann RP (2011) Relationship of ruminal temperature with parturition and estrus of beef cows. Journal of Animal Science 89, 1020–1027.
| Relationship of ruminal temperature with parturition and estrus of beef cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21169512PubMed |
Crock PL, Bassingthwaighte J, Hasker P, Lennard C, Ellis KJ (1992) Use of electronic ID transponders to test long term retention of intra-ruminal controlled release devices. In ‘Proceedings of the International Symposium on Controlled Release of Bioactive Materials’. vol. 19, pp. 437–440. (Controlled Release Society Inc.)
Czerkawski JW (1980) A novel estimate of the magnitude of heat produced in the rumen. British Journal of Nutrition 43, 239–243.
| A novel estimate of the magnitude of heat produced in the rumen.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 6768380PubMed |
Fuller A, Hetem RS, Meyer LCR, Maloney SK (2011) Angularis oculi vein blood flow modulates the magnitude but not the control of selective brain cooling in sheep. American Journal of Physiology Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 300, R1409–R1417.
| Angularis oculi vein blood flow modulates the magnitude but not the control of selective brain cooling in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21368272PubMed |
Gonzales-Rivas PA, Sullivan M, Cottrell JJ, Leury BJ, Gaughan JB, Dunshea FR (2018) Effect of feeding slowly fermentable grains on productive variables and amelioration of heat stress in lactating dairy cows in a sub-tropical summer. Tropical Animal Health and Production 50, 1763–1769.
| Effect of feeding slowly fermentable grains on productive variables and amelioration of heat stress in lactating dairy cows in a sub-tropical summer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hales JRS (1973) Effects of exposure to hot environments on the regional distribution of blood flow and on cardiorespiratory function in sheep. Pflügers Archiv 344, 133–148.
| Effects of exposure to hot environments on the regional distribution of blood flow and on cardiorespiratory function in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kaske M, Hatiboglu S, Engelhardt WV (1992) The influence of density and size of particles on rumination and passage from the reticulo-rumen of sheep. British Journal of Nutrition 67, 235–244.
| The influence of density and size of particles on rumination and passage from the reticulo-rumen of sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1317720PubMed |
Koltes JE, Koltes DA, Mote BE, Tucker J, Hubbell DS (2018) Automated collection of heat stress data in livestock: new technologies and opportunities. Translational Animal Science 2, 319–323.
| Automated collection of heat stress data in livestock: new technologies and opportunities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32704715PubMed |
Lee DHK (1950) Studies of heat regulation in the sheep, with special reference to the merino. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 1, 200–216.
| Studies of heat regulation in the sheep, with special reference to the merino.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lees AM, Lees JC, Lisle AT, Sullivan ML, Gaughan JB (2018) Effect of heat stress on rumen temperature of three breeds of cattle. International Journal of Biometeorology 62, 207–215.
| Effect of heat stress on rumen temperature of three breeds of cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28918576PubMed |
Lees AM, Sejian V, Lees JC, Sullivan ML, Lisle AT, Gaughan JB (2019) Evaluating rumen temperature as an estimate of core body temperature in Angus feedlot cattle during summer. International Journal of Biometeorology 63, 939–947.
| Evaluating rumen temperature as an estimate of core body temperature in Angus feedlot cattle during summer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30868342PubMed |
Lees AM, Sullivan ML, Olm JCW, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Gaughan JB (2020) The influence of heat load on Merino sheep. 2. Body temperature, wool surface temperature and respiratory dynamics. Animal Production Science 60, 1932–1939.
| The influence of heat load on Merino sheep. 2. Body temperature, wool surface temperature and respiratory dynamics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lim CL, Byrne C, Lee JKW (2008) Human thermoregulation and measurement of body temperature in exercise and clinical settings. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore 37, 347–353.
Maloney SK, Fuller A, Mitchell G, Mitchell D (2001) Rectal temperature measurement results in artifactual evidence of selective brain cooling. American Journal of Physiology Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 281, R108–R114.
| Rectal temperature measurement results in artifactual evidence of selective brain cooling.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11404284PubMed |
Maloney SK, Meyer LCR, Blache D, Fuller A (2013) Energy intake and the circadian rhythm of core body temperature in sheep. Physiological Reports 1, e00118
| Energy intake and the circadian rhythm of core body temperature in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24303185PubMed |
Maloney SK, Marsh MK, McLeod SR, Fuller A (2017) Heterothermy is associated with reduced fitness in wild rabbits. Biology Letters 13, 20170521
| Heterothermy is associated with reduced fitness in wild rabbits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29212751PubMed |
Maloney SK, Goh G, Fuller A, Vesterdorf K, Blache D (2019) Amplitude of the circadian rhythm of temperature in homeotherms. CAB Reviews 14, 1–30.
| Amplitude of the circadian rhythm of temperature in homeotherms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Marai IFM, El-Darawany AA, Fadiel A, Abdel-Hafez MAM (2007) Physiological traits as affected by heat stress in sheep – a review. Small Ruminant Research 71, 1–12.
| Physiological traits as affected by heat stress in sheep – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Marai IFM, El-Darawany AA, Fadiel A, Abdel-Hafez MAM (2008) Reproductive performance traits as affected by heat stress and its alleviation in sheep. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 8, 209–234.
Maunsell Australia (2003) ‘Development of a heat stress risk management model.’ (Meat and Livestock Australia Ltd., Australia)
Mendel VE, Raghavan GV (1964) A study in diurnal temperature patterns in sheep. Journal of Physiology 174, 206–216.
| A study in diurnal temperature patterns in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14244118PubMed |
Mitchell D, Snelling EP, Hetem RS, Maloney SK, Strauss WM, Fuller A (2018) Revisiting concepts of thermal physiology: predicting responses of mammals to climate change. Journal of Animal Ecology 87, 956–973.
| Revisiting concepts of thermal physiology: predicting responses of mammals to climate change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29479693PubMed |
National Health and Medical Research Council (2013) ‘Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.’ 8th edn. (National Health and Medical Research Council: Canberra)
Nelson W, Tong YL, Lee J-K, Halberg F (1979) Methods for cosinor-rhythmometry. Chronobiologica 6, 305–323.
Piccione G, Caola G (2003) Influence of shearing on the circadian rhythm of body temperature in the sheep. Journal of Veterinary Medicine. A, Physiology, Pathology, Clinical Medicine 50, 235–240.
| Influence of shearing on the circadian rhythm of body temperature in the sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14567509PubMed |
Robertshaw D (1968) The pattern and control of sweating in the sheep and goat. Journal of Physiology 198, 531–539.
| The pattern and control of sweating in the sheep and goat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 5685286PubMed |
Salama AAK, Caja G, Hamzaoui S, Badaoui B, Castro-Costa A, Facanha DAE, Guilhermino MM, Bozzi R (2014) Different levels of response to heat stress in dairy goats. Small Ruminant Research 121, 73–79.
| Different levels of response to heat stress in dairy goats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sherwin CM, Johnson KG (1990) Skin and abdominal temperatures recorded by data loggers attached to Merino sheep voluntarily staying out of shade. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 41, 781–790.
| Skin and abdominal temperatures recorded by data loggers attached to Merino sheep voluntarily staying out of shade.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Signer C, Ruf T, Schober F, Fluch G, Paumann T, Arnold W (2010) A versatile telemetry system for continuous measurement of heart rate, body temperature and locomotor activity in free-ranging ruminants. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 1, 75–85.
| A versatile telemetry system for continuous measurement of heart rate, body temperature and locomotor activity in free-ranging ruminants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22428081PubMed |
Silanikove N (1985) Effect of dehydration on feed intake and dry matter digestibility in desert (black Bedouin) and non-desert (Swiss saanen) goats fed on lucerne hay. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology 80, 449–452.
| Effect of dehydration on feed intake and dry matter digestibility in desert (black Bedouin) and non-desert (Swiss saanen) goats fed on lucerne hay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Silanikove N (2000) Effects of heat stress on the welfare of extensively managed domestic ruminants. Livestock Production Science 67, 1–18.
| Effects of heat stress on the welfare of extensively managed domestic ruminants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stockman CA, Barnes AL, Maloney SK, Taylor E, McCarthy M, Pethick P (2011) Effect of prolonged exposure to continuous heat and humidity similar to long haul live export voyages in Merino wethers. Animal Production Science 51, 135–143.
| Effect of prolonged exposure to continuous heat and humidity similar to long haul live export voyages in Merino wethers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Thwaites CJ (1966) Fleece length and the reactions of sheep to wet and dry heat. Nature 211, 997–998.
| Fleece length and the reactions of sheep to wet and dry heat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 5968327PubMed |
Turbill C, Ruf T, Mang T, Arnold W (2011) Regulation of heart rate and rumen temperature in red deer: effects of season and food intake. Journal of Experimental Biology 214, 963–970.
| Regulation of heart rate and rumen temperature in red deer: effects of season and food intake.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21346124PubMed |
Vesterdorf K, Blache D, Maloney SK (2011) The cranial arterio-venous temperature difference is related to respiratory evaporative heat loss in a panting species, the sheep (Ovis aries). Journal of Comparative Physiology B 181, 277–288.
| The cranial arterio-venous temperature difference is related to respiratory evaporative heat loss in a panting species, the sheep (Ovis aries).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Von Engelhardt W, Hales JR (1977) Partition of capillary blood flow in rumen, reticulum, and omasum of sheep. American Journal of Physiology 232, E53–E56.
| Partition of capillary blood flow in rumen, reticulum, and omasum of sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 835704PubMed |
