Author:
Berry R. J.,Kennedy A. D.,Scott S. L.,Kyle B. L.,Schaefer A. L.
Abstract
The daily and within-day variation in udder temperature was monitored in dairy cows (n = 10) using infrared thermography (IRT). The initial assessment and prediction of udder surface temperature variation would hopefully form the basis for future development of an early detection method for mastitis. Our initial objective was to determine the magnitude and pattern of udder temperature variation. To accomplish this, we measured daily fluctuations in udder temperature and the influence of environmental factors upon these values in non-mastitic cows. Udder temperature rose significantly after an exercise period (P < 0.05). Within-day monitoring of udder temperature demonstrated there was a distinct circadian rhythm. Lag regression analysis showed that previous daily udder temperatures together with environmental temperature parameters could successfully predict current udder temperature with a high degree of accuracy. The variation between predicted and actual udder temperature was within the detectable range for an inflammatory response. Infrared thermography shows promise in its application if coupled with environmental temperature monitoring as an early detection method for mastitis. Key words: Thermography, dairy cattle, environment, temperature
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Food Animals
Cited by
133 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献