Effect of Feed and Water Intake on Rumen and Body Temperatures of Sheep under Subtropical Conditions

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Abstract
Rumen temperature was found to be generally higher and more varied than the rectal temperature with a range of 10.0° F. vs. 4.0° F., respectively. Rumen and rectal temperatures during the fasting period each differed significantly (P<.01) from the corresponding temperatures during the ad libitum feeding. Rumen and rectal temperatures were lower during the last 24 hours of a 48-hour fasting period than during either of the ad libitum feedings. Ingestion of water at a temperature of 77.0° F. had an immediate effect upon the rumen temperature, lowering it up to 10.0° F. within minutes after drinking. The change in rectal temperature after drinking up to 6 lb. of water in each case amounted to less than 1.5° F. Rumen temperature was found to require approximately 2 hours to attain a plateau following this ingestion of water. This work shows that except during fasting or immediately after water consumption, rumen temperature of sheep is higher than rectal temperature. The results of this study suggest that the rumen may contribute an important part of the total heat load of the animal. Copyright © . .