ZEGY.htm

NR ZEGY

AU Lowe,T.E.; Cook,C.J.; Ingram,J.R.; Harris,P.J.

TI Changes in ear-pinna temperature as a useful measure of stress in sheep (Ovis aries)

QU Animal Welfare 2005; 14: 35-42

PT journal article

AB Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, with associated increases in heart rate and the redistribution of blood in preparation for 'fight or flight', is an integral part of the 'defence reaction'. In sheep, the defence reaction involves vasoconstriction in the ear-pinna. If decreases in ear-pinna temperature (T-p) can be used to indicate vasoconstriction, then it may be possible to use changes in T-p as a measure of the defence reaction. Ewe lambs were exposed to stressors including mustering into pens, moving between pens, isolation from conspecifics, and prolonged periods of exercise. Measurements of heart rate (HR), T-p, vaginal temperature (T), and salivary cortisol and urinary catecholomine concentrations were used to assess stress responses. A repeatable pattern of changes in HR, T-p and T-y was observed in response to stressors. Short-term disturbances resulted in increased HR, reduced T-p, and increased T-v. More sustained disturbances - for example, prolonged periods of exercise - resulted in a sustained elevation in HR, a sustained decrease in T-p, and a sustained elevation in T, The highest levels of cortisol and catecholamines were associated with the treatments that resulted in the longest periods of decreased T-p. We infer that changes in T-p occur largely in response to changes in sympathetic nervous activity, and that the potential exists to measure elements of stress responses by monitoring T-p in freely behaving animals. This is a minimally invasive measure that allows the monitoring of modest numbers of animals over prolonged periods with minimal handling.

SP englisch

PO UK

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