Effects of Summer Climatic Conditions on Body Temperature in Beef Cows

Authors

Darci A. McGee, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Richard J. Rasby, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Merlyn K. Nielsen, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry L. Mader, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2008

Comments

Published in 2008 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Tympanic and vaginal temperature logging devices were used to collect internal body temperature in three trials using mature nonpregnant beef cows. A model was developed to predict daily patterns for internal body temperature of a cow as a function of ambient temperature. Panting scores were recorded and differed across days as cows experienced changes in ambient temperature and humidity. Vaginal and tympanic temperatures were positively correlated, thus tympanic temperature may be used to predict internal body temperature of cows.