Effect of estrous cycle phase on vulvar, orbital area and muzzle surface temperatures as determined using digital infrared thermography in buffalo

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate variations in the orbital area, muzzle and vulva surface temperatures and progesterone (P4) concentrations during follicular and luteal phases in Murrah buffalo and whether these temperatures are influenced by the weather patterns. Forty cows were submitted to P4-based hormonal protocol. After P4 device withdrawal transrectal ultrasonography and infrared digital thermography were performed daily until day 16 and on days 20, 24, 28 and 32 to follow the ovulation as well as the vulva, orbital area and muzzle temperatures. In addition, the weather variables were evaluated, as well as rectal temperature (RT) and P4 and cortisol concentration. Vulva, muzzle and orbital area temperatures correlated positively with RT and with weather data. Greater temperatures of the vulva, orbital area and muzzle were detected during the period of estrus. The vulvar surface temperature (VST) was not influenced to a great extent by weather factors during the morning, so this period was chosen to evaluate the influence of the phase of the estrous cycle on VST. The VST was less during days 16, 20, 24 and 28 (diestrus) and P4 concentration was inversely proportional to the VST. Muzzle, orbital area and RT, however, were not of the same pattern. Negative correlations were observed between VST and P4 concentrations. It is concluded that VST undergoes changes during the reproductive phases, correlating with P4 concentration. The weather factors influence the temperatures of the body surface areas, and the morning is the most desirable time to perform the thermographies.

Clinical Applications and Factors Involved in Validating Thermal Windows Used in Infrared Thermography in Cattle and River Buffalo to Assess Health and Productivity

“…Studies of the river buffalo have reported a similar response, according to findings by Ruediger et al [ 78 ], who evaluated temperature oscillations in the vulva and progesterone concentrations in 40 Murrah buffaloes in a synchronization protocol with progesterone. They observed that the temperature of the vulva increased during estrus and maintained an inversely proportional correlation to progesterone levels (r 2 = 0.70); that is to say that progesterone levels increased to the degree that the temperature of the urogenital region ( regio urogenitalis ), especially the vulva, decreased.…”

“…Studies of the river buffalo have reported a similar response, according to findings by Ruediger et al [78], who evaluated temperature oscillations in the vulva and progesterone concentrations in 40 Murrah buffaloes in a synchronization protocol with progesterone.…”

Scrotal thermography to assess the seminal quality in Nelore and Girolando bulls

“…Although Nelore bulls presented lower volume of ejaculate, it had higher sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm vigor, lower incidence of sperm defects and greater TTR resistance than Girolando bulls (Table 5). Ruediger et al (2018) observed that body surface temperatures measured with the thermograph can be used to identify heat stress due to the positive correlation of these points with rectal temperature and plasma cortisol levels. Weschenfelder et al (2013) found that imaging the eye surface allows the detection of temperature changes associated with physiological conditions.…”

Evaluation of the Best Region for Measuring Eye Temperature in Dairy Cows Exposed to Heat Stress

“…Therefore, it is interesting to know whether the temperature readings of different ROIs of the eye are repeatable across a heat stress event. As for the validity of ET in revealing heat stress in dairy cows, lots of studies have demonstrated a mild to strong correlation of ET with RR and CBT ( 10 , 16 , 17 ). Bleul et al ( 17 ) reported that the maximum temperature of the entire eye, rather than the medial canthus (MC), had the highest correlation coefficient with the rectal temperature in 30 cows.…”