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Theriogenology2009; 72(3); 372-377; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.03.005

Assessment of pregnancy in the late-gestation mare using digital infrared thermography.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate use of digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) to determine whether surface temperature gradient differences exist between pregnant and nonpregnant mares as a noncontact method to determine pregnancy status. On the day measurements were collected, each pregnant mare (n=10; beginning at 292.4+/-1.4 d of gestation) was paired with a nonpregnant mare (n=17). Ambient temperature, DITI measurements (left and right flank, wither temperatures [i.e., animal surface control] and background temperature), and rectal temperatures were obtained every 7 d for 5 wk before parturition and for 3 wk after parturition. There were no differences (P>0.10) in temperature of the left and right side within groups; therefore, data were pooled. Pregnant mares had a higher (P<0.01) flank temperature than that of nonpregnant mares (36.0+/-0.2 degrees C vs. 34.2+/-0.2 degrees C, respectively). Moreover, the difference (2.4 degrees C) in flank temperatures between the pregnant and nonpregnant mares was greater when the ambient temperature was <19 degrees C. Flank and wither temperatures were positively correlated (R=0.72; P<0.01) and were positively correlated with ambient temperature (R=0.48 and 0.64, respectively; P<0.01). However, wither temperatures (skin control site) did not differ (P>0.10) between pregnant and nonpregnant mares. In conclusion, late-gestation mares had higher flank temperatures than those of nonpregnant mares, regardless of environmental conditions, however discriminating abilities were greater when ambient temperature was lower. We inferred that DITI may have value in confirming mid- to late-gestation pregnancies in some species by noncontact means, as observed in the mare.
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Publication Date: 2009-05-30 PubMed ID: 19482351DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.03.005Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • Non-P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The researchers in this study aimed to probe the potential use of Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) in establishing surface temperature gradient variations between pregnant and nonpregnant mares, thus introducing a non-invasive approach to ascertain pregnancy status. The core finding revealed higher flank temperatures in pregnant mares as compared to nonpregnant ones, regardless of environmental conditions.

Methods

  • The process of the research involved a number of pregnant mares (10 to be exact) matched with nonpregnant mares (17 in total).
  • These pairings were observed starting from 292.4 +/- 1.4 days of gestation.
  • Data collection was conducted every week for 5 weeks before giving birth and for 3 weeks after birth.
  • Collected measurements included ambient temperature, DITI readings from left and right flank, wither temperatures (the animal’s surface control), and rectal temperatures.

Data Analysis

  • An analysis of temperature readings on both sides yielded no significant differences within groups, leading to data pooling.
  • Statistical results showed that pregnant mares had higher flank temperatures than nonpregnant ones (36.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C vs. 34.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C, respectively).
  • The temperature difference between pregnant and nonpregnant mares was even more pronounced when the ambient temperature was below 19 degrees C.

Conclusion

  • The conclusion of this study signaled towards the efficacy of DITI in the potential confirmation of mid to late gestation pregnancy in certain species.
  • Temperature correlation was observed between flank and wither temperatures and fluctuation in these temperatures were found to be positively correlated with the ambient temperature.
  • Regardless of ambient conditions, flank temperatures in late-gestation mares were observed to be higher than those in nonpregnant mares. Such a differentiation was more apparent when the ambient temperature was lower.
  • The wither temperatures however did not show any significant variation between the two groups, indicating that pregnancy may have a defining impact on flank temperature but not necessarily on other body site temperatures.

Cite This Article

APA
Bowers S, Gandy S, Anderson B, Ryan P, Willard S. (2009). Assessment of pregnancy in the late-gestation mare using digital infrared thermography. Theriogenology, 72(3), 372-377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.03.005

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 72
Issue: 3
Pages: 372-377

Researcher Affiliations

Bowers, S
  • Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
Gandy, S
    Anderson, B
      Ryan, P
        Willard, S

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Environment
          • Female
          • Gestational Age
          • Horses / physiology
          • Infrared Rays
          • Models, Biological
          • Pregnancy
          • Pregnancy Tests / methods
          • Pregnancy Tests / veterinary
          • Pregnancy, Animal
          • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
          • Thermography / methods
          • Thermography / veterinary

          Citations

          This article has been cited 19 times.
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