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Changes in ear-pinna temperature as a useful measure of stress in sheep (Ovis aries)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

TE Lowe ,
CJ Cook ,
JR Ingram  and
PJ Harris
TE Lowe*
Affiliation:
Bioengineering, HortResearch, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
CJ Cook
Affiliation:
Bioengineering, HortResearch, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
JR Ingram
Affiliation:
Bioengineering, HortResearch, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand School of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE14LP, UK
PJ Harris
Affiliation:
Bioengineering, HortResearch, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand Thales Research, Worton Drive, Worton Grange, Reading RG2 0SB, UK
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: tlowe@hortresearch.co.nz
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Abstract

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, with associated increases in heart rate and the redistribution of blood in preparation for ‘fight or flight’, is an integral part of the ‘defence reaction’. In sheep, the defence reaction involves vasoconstriction in the ear-pinna. If decreases in ear-pinna temperature (Tp) can be used to indicate vasoconstriction, then it may be possible to use changes in Tp as a measure of the defence reaction. Ewe lambs were exposed to stressors including mustering into pens, moving between pens, isolation from conspecifics, and prolonged periods of exercise. Measurements of heart rate (HR), Tp, vaginal temperature (Tv), and salivary cortisol and urinary catecholamine concentrations were used to assess stress responses. A repeatable pattern of changes in HR, Tp and Tv was observed in response to stressors. Short-term disturbances resulted in increased HR, reduced Tp, and increased Tv. More sustained disturbances — for example, prolonged periods of exercise — resulted in a sustained elevation in HR, a sustained decrease in Tp, and a sustained elevation in Tv. The highest levels of cortisol and catecholamines were associated with the treatments that resulted in the longest periods of decreased Tp. We infer that changes in Tp occur largely in response to changes in sympathetic nervous activity, and that the potential exists to measure elements of stress responses by monitoring Tp in freely behaving animals. This is a minimally invasive measure that allows the monitoring of modest numbers of animals over prolonged periods with minimal handling.

Keywords

animal welfaredefence reactionear-pinnasheepstresstemperature logger
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , February 2005 , pp. 35 - 42
Copyright
© 2005 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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