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International journal of biometeorology2022; 66(8); 1601-1611; doi: 10.1007/s00484-022-02304-3

Diurnal variation in rectal and cutaneous temperatures of horses housed under different management conditions.

Abstract: Thermoregulation is an important mechanism to ensure thermal homeostasis. In horses, different housing conditions could influence this mechanism by exposing animals to different microclimates. The circadian rhythm of body temperature is well known. For this reason, we wanted to investigate the daily rhythm of cutaneous (jugular, shoulder, inner thigh and croup) temperature in comparison to rectal temperature in athletic horses kept under two different housing conditions. Ten clinically healthy Italian Saddle horses were divided into two equal groups: the first group was housed in individual boxes, and the second group was kept in paddocks. In all horses, rectal and cutaneous temperature measurements were performed every 4 h for 48 consecutive hours during different seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter), respectively, by means of digital and infrared thermometers. Ambient temperature, relative humidity and ventilation were recorded simultaneously. A general linear model (GLM) was applied to the recorded temperature values displaying a significant effect of season, time of day, site of recording and housing condition (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were found between the two days of monitoring (p = 0.49). A trigonometric statistical model (single cosinor method) was applied to investigate the circadian rhythm of rectal and cutaneous temperatures in the two different groups. Our results showed circadian rhythmicity of rectal temperature during all seasons and in both groups. Cutaneous temperature shows daily rhythmicity that was different in the various regions and was influenced by housing conditions and seasons. Application of GLM also showed a statistically significant effect of season and site of recording (p < 0.0001) on all circadian parameters and of management condition on amplitude and robustness (p < 0.0001). No statistical differences between the two days of monitoring were observed (p = 0.68). These findings are probably due to the animals' thermoregulatory mechanisms ensuring heat exchange between the body and the environment, and that was influenced by the microclimate. In particular, the microclimate influenced the thermodispersion disrupting the daily rhythmicity of some body regions, in horses kept in boxes. Only the temperate climatic conditions observed in summer guarantee the expression of the daily rhythmicity of all body surfaces in both management conditions. These results contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms of homeostasis and control of body temperature in the athletic horse kept in different housing conditions, with a chronophysiological interpretation that completes the proper management of thermal well-being in horses.
© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Society of Biometeorology.
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Publication Date: 2022-05-20 PubMed ID: 35596090DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02304-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The study explores the impact of different housing conditions on the daily rhythmicity of cutaneous (skin) and rectal temperatures in horses, and how this information can enhance our understanding of the body temperature regulation in horses.

Study Methodology

  • The study involved ten healthy Italian Saddle horses, equally divided into two groups — one housed in individual boxes and the other in paddocks.
  • Rectal and cutaneous (jugular, shoulder, inner thigh, and croup) temperature measurements were taken every four hours for two days using digital and infrared thermometers. This measurement schedule was repeated across different seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter).
  • Ambient temperature, ventilation, and humidity were also recorded.
  • A General Linear Model (GLM) was used to analyse the impact of season, time of day, recording site, and housing condition on temperature readings.
  • A trigonometric statistical model (single cosinor method) was used to investigate the circadian rhythm of rectal and cutaneous temperatures in both groups of horses.

Key Findings

  • The study revealed a significant effect on temperature variation due to the season, time of day, recording site, and housing condition.
  • Consistent circadian rhythmicity of rectal temperature was observed across all seasons and both groups.
  • The pattern of cutaneous temperature changes differed by body regions and was influenced by the housing conditions and seasons.
  • The GLM analysis pointed to a significant impact of season and site on circadian parameters. The management condition had a significant effect on amplitude (the range between the highest and the lowest temperature) and robustness (the consistency of the temperature rhythm over time).
  • The microclimate had an impact on the horses’ thermoregulatory mechanisms, disturbing the daily rhythm of temperature in some body regions of horses kept in boxes.
  • Only during summer, temperate climatic conditions guaranteed consistent rhythmicity of all body surfaces in both housing conditions.

Implications of the Study

  • The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the homeostasis mechanisms and control of body temperature in athletic horses living in different housing conditions.
  • Understanding how housing conditions and seasons affect the daily pattern of body temperatures in horses can inform better management practices to ensure their thermal well-being.
  • Further studies might explore the mechanisms underlying these differences and the possible impacts of these variations on horse health and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Giannetto C, Aragona F, Arfuso F, Piccione G, De Caro S, Fazio F. (2022). Diurnal variation in rectal and cutaneous temperatures of horses housed under different management conditions. Int J Biometeorol, 66(8), 1601-1611. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-022-02304-3

Publication

International journal of biometeorology
ISSN: 1432-1254
NlmUniqueID: 0374716
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 66
Issue: 8
Pages: 1601-1611

Researcher Affiliations

Giannetto, Claudia
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Dell'Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy. clgiannetto@unime.it.
Aragona, Francesca
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Dell'Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy.
Arfuso, Francesca
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Dell'Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy.
Piccione, Giuseppe
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Dell'Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy.
De Caro, Salvatore
  • Department of Engineering, University of Messina, C/da Di Dio (S. Agata), 98166, Messina, Italy.
Fazio, Francesco
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Dell'Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Body Temperature
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Horses
  • Seasons
  • Skin Temperature
  • Temperature

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Citations

This article has been cited 9 times.
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