Evaluate Emotional State Based on Temperature Readings

Abstract

Abstract Infrared thermography (IRT) allows visualization of temperature changes within the body system of animals due to emotional changes in a fearful situation such as facing an unknown person in their flight distance. Infrared thermography is becoming popular in the research of animal emotions as an objective measure. Stress stimulants activate the autonomic nervous system to secrete adrenaline, which causes the blood vessels to tighten and increase blood flow throughout the body. Infrared thermography quantifies the heat radiation emitted from the body’s surface, which fluctuates depending on the flow of blood below the skin. It has been discovered through a number of studies that IRT of the eyes of lactating dairy cows can more accurately predict their emotional responses than the commonly used rectal temperature and/or other behavioural measures. The IRT of eyes showed the potential to predict negative emotional responses in association with laterality testing, flight speed, waiting time, and other behaviours such as sniffing. The IRT of the eye was a repeatable measure, while rectal temperature was not. Information © The Author 2023