The use of percutaneous thermal sensing microchips for non-invasive measurement of body temperature in foals during summer seasons in a subtropical region.

This research investigates the efficiency and effectiveness of using percutaneous thermal sensing microchips (PTSM) for non-invasive measurement of body temperature in foals, particularly during summer seasons, in a subtropical region.

Objectives and Hypothesis

• The main objective of this study stemmed from the need for accurate, non-invasive, hygienic, quick, and identify-able methods for measuring a foal’s body temperature, particularly to detect early stages of severe heat stress or systemic illnesses that might cause a fever.
• The researchers hypothesized that there’s a strong relationship between conventional body temperature measurements (rectal temperature with a digital thermometer) and the measurements obtained using PTSM.

Methodology

• The researchers implanted the PTSM into the foals’ right pectoral muscle, the right splenius muscle, the right gluteal muscle, and the nuchal ligament as early as two weeks after birth.
• They used thirty-two foals spanning three consecutive foaling seasons (2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons) as subjects for the study.
• Simultaneous measurements of four PTSM temperatures, rectal temperature, and various climate conditions such as air temperature, relative humidity, and wet-bulb globe temperature were taken throughout the three summer seasons and paired for comparison analysis.

Findings

• The highest correlation and least differences with rectal temperature were recorded from PTSM implanted in the pectoral muscle.
• Overall, the use of PTSM was deemed safe, easy, and reliable in measuring body temperature of foals.
• Therefore, the results seem to validate the research hypothesis that there is an appreciable relationship between the body temperatures measured using PTSM and conventional methods (rectal temperature).

Implications and Applications

• The findings offer not just a safer and quicker approach for obtaining foals’ body temperatures, but also a strategic advantage for identification purposes as the microchips can assign an identity number for each individual foal.
• Moreover, given the efficiency of PTSM, the handling process becomes less hazardous for the horse handlers.
• This could potentially change the current methods being used, particularly in conditions such as the subtropical summer seasons where the foals endure extreme heat, potentially leading to severe heat stress.