Environmental temperature and the energy metabolism and heat emission of steers

Abstract

1. The energy metabolism and heat emission of two steers was determined at the maintenance level of nutrition in an environment of – 5, 5, 15, 25 and 35° C. and at a submaintenance level of nutrition in environments of – 5 and 19° C.2. Shivering was observed at temperatures of – 5 and + 5° C. in both animals. Respiratory distress occurred at 35° C. being more severe in one animal than in the other. The animals stood for longer periods at the extreme temperatures.3. The digestibility of food increased slightly as environmental temperature increased. Losses of energy as methane and in urine did not change in response to environmental temperature.