The effect of boma-housing and long-acting tranquillizers on body temperature, physical activity and food intake of blue wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus)

Abstract

We investigated the effects of long-acting tranquillizers and boma-housing on body temperature ( n = 1 0 ), physical activity ( n = 4 ) and food intake ( n = 1 0 ) in blue wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus). Core body temperature (°C) and activity (counts 5 min −1) were measured remotely and continuously by implanted data loggers. Haloperidol (20–30 mg), zuclopenthixol acetate (100 mg) and perphenazine enanthate (100 mg) were administered intramuscularly, in random order at 4-week intervals, to wildebeest in bomas. Boma-housing had minor effects on body temperature, but significantly reduced activity level ( P < 0.0 2 5 , ANOVA, n = 4 ) and altered the nychthemeral rhythm of activity. Long-acting tranquillizers did not adversely affect thermoregulation, activity or food intake in boma-housed wildebeest.