Impact of climate on thermal rhythm in pastoral sheep

The effects of environmental conditions on temperature rhythms were investigated in ewe lambs at pasture. Two groups of 20 lambs had heart rate (HR), vaginal temperature (T-v), ear-canal temperature (T-c) and ear-pinna temperature (T-p) monitored continuously for 3 days. Climatic conditions were recorded at the same time and Temperature Humidity Index (THI) calculated. One group experienced fine clear weather for the 3 days, the other group experienced 2 days of heavy rain. During periods of fine weather, the daily rhythm for T-v and T-c was monophasic. However, heavy rain and a constant THI reduced the amplitude of the recorded temperature rhythms. Daily T-v and T-c patterns correlated strongly with THI, with a phase lag of 2 h. Peak T-v and T-c were at approximately 17:00 It each day. Mean maximum daily amplitudes were approximately 1.3 degreesC for T-v and T-c. Mean T-v was 39.3 +/- 0.1 and 39.6 +/- 0.1 for weeks 1 and 2, respectively, while mean T-c was 38.9 +/- 0.1 and 39.2 +/- 0.1. Changes in T-v and T-c were closely correlated. We conclude that climate has a major effect on body temperature rhythms. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.