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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 48(7)

Development and validation of a simple technique for logging body temperature in free-ranging cattle

J. M. Lea A B , D. D. O. Niemeyer A , M. T. Reed A , A. D. Fisher A and D. M. Ferguson A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A CSIRO Livestock Industries, FD McMaster Laboratory Chiswick, Locked Bag 1, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: Jim.Lea@csiro.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(7) 741-745 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA07422
Submitted: 18 December 2007  Accepted: 27 March 2008   Published: 20 June 2008

Abstract

This series of experiments was undertaken to develop a low animal impact, inexpensive and simple method of continuous logging of body temperature in free-ranging adult cattle for periods up to 7 days. Two different types of logger (iButton and Vemco minilogger) and three different methods of attachment (surgical implant, anal girth strap and anal tail attachment) for the iButton were investigated. The technique based on the iButton temperature logger, secured to the tail head was the most effective. This technique required minimal animal handling and provided reliable and accurate measurement of temperature in freely behaving cattle.


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