Abstract
BackgroundDespite its variety of potential applications, the wide implementation of infrared technology in cattle production faces technical, environmental and biological challenges similar to other indicators of metabolic state. Nine trials, divided into three classes (technological, environmental and biological factors) were conducted to illustrate the influence of these factors on body surface temperature assessed through infrared imaging.ResultsEvaluation of technological factors indicated the following: measurements of body temperatures were strongly repeatable when taken within 10 s; appropriateness of differing infrared camera technologies was influenced by distance to the target; and results were consistent when analysis of thermographs was compared between judges. Evaluation of environmental factors illustrated that wind and debris caused decreases in body surface temperatures without affecting metabolic rate; additionally, body surface temperature increased due to sunlight but returned to baseline values within minutes of shade exposure. Examination/investigation/exploration of animal factors demonstrated that exercise caused an increase in body surface temperature and metabolic rate. Administration of sedative and anti-sedative caused changes on body surface temperature and metabolic rate, and during late pregnancy a foetal thermal imprint was visible through abdominal infrared imaging.ConclusionThe above factors should be considered in order to standardize operational procedures for taking thermographs, thereby optimizing the use of such technology in cattle operations.
Highlights
Despite its variety of potential applications, the wide implementation of infrared technology in cattle production faces technical, environmental and biological challenges similar to other indicators of metabolic state
Its history began in 1800, when Sir William Herschel discovered heat rays that went beyond the scope of the visible red colour in the electromagnetic spectrum [1]. This discovery culminated in the development of several infrared radiation based applications, including infrared imaging
As with other highly sensitive measures, radiant heat loss poses challenges related to adequacy of equipment, as well as environmental and biological factors that can alter thermograph readings
Summary
Despite its variety of potential applications, the wide implementation of infrared technology in cattle production faces technical, environmental and biological challenges similar to other indicators of metabolic state. Its history began in 1800, when Sir William Herschel discovered heat rays that went beyond the scope of the visible red colour in the electromagnetic spectrum [1]. This discovery culminated in the development of several infrared radiation based applications, including infrared imaging. Environmental factors include debris covering the animal which blocks the normal infrared radiation emissions from the body surface. Weather conditions such as sunlight exposure and air movement [20] can skew infrared analyses by interfering with the radiation emitted by the animal’s body surface. A few examples of biological effects on metabolic rate, and body temperature, include physical activity [21], physiological states such as pregnancy [22], and pharmacodynamics [23]
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