Surface Temperatures and Radiant Heat Loss from White-Tailed Deer

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Abstract
Measurements of surface temperatures and radiant heat loss from the trunks of 2 penned white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns were made remotely with a portable radiometer during the winter. Surface temperatures were 6-8 degrees C higher than air temperatures. No difference was observed between the 2 deer in the surface temperature air temperature relationships. The difference between air temperature and the surface temperature of the deer increased as air temperature decreased. Measurements of thermal radiation under clear skies at night showed a greater quantity of heat energy emanating from cedar cover than from upland hardwood cover or the clear sky in an open field. The radiant heat from the animal can be integrated with that from the different cover types if the radiaton profile of the animal is known. The profile for white-tailed deer has not been determined, but may be estimated. Physiological evidence is cited which indicates the importance of radiant heat when the energy balance of an organism is being considered.

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