Comparison of daily rhythm of rectal and auricular temperatures in horses kept under a natural photoperiod and constant darkness

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of auricular temperature (AT) recording in the determination of body temperature as well as rectal temperature (RT). For this purpose we compared RT and AT in five clinically healthy horses. Data collections were performed every 3 h over 2 different 2...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of thermal biology 2011-05, Vol.36 (4), p.245-249
Main Authors: Piccione, G., Giannetto, C., Marafioti, S., Casella, S., Assenza, A., Fazio, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis of variance
Auricular temperature
Biology
Body temperature
Circadian rhythm
Collection
Darkness
Horse
Horses
Monitoring
Recording
Rectal temperature
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Summary:The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of auricular temperature (AT) recording in the determination of body temperature as well as rectal temperature (RT). For this purpose we compared RT and AT in five clinically healthy horses. Data collections were performed every 3 h over 2 different 24 h photoperiods, 13/11 light/dark cycle and constant darkness. Repeated measures multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied to determine a statistical significant effect of time of day, side of temperature collection and photoperiods on AT and RT. Our finding showed a significant effect of time of day on the temperature values recorded and an influence of side of temperature collection. RT values were higher of about 4 °C than the AT values, and the pattern of the two temperatures was not comparable. A daily rhythmicity of rectal temperature was observed. Auricular temperature no showed daily rhythmicity in both periods of monitoring. On the basis of these findings AT does not reflect body temperature as well as RT in horse.
ISSN:0306-4565
1879-0992
DOI:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2011.03.006