The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of mare deep body temperature fluctuations associated with parturition using biotelemetry. A radio transmitter was implanted in one flank in each of six mares. Telemetered data were received by a pair of antennae placed at right angles in a 3.3 x 6.6-m stall and stored on a computer hard disk. Hourly temperature data were recorded for the period of -168 through 168 hours post partum. A decrease of 0.76 degrees C in body temperature began at 4 hours prior to parturition (P < 0.1) then decreased rapidly between the 3 hours prior to and the time of parturition (Time 0). The lowest mean body temperature recorded was at the time of parturition (36.58 +/- 0.16 degrees C; P < 0.001). A supranormal increase in mean body temperature began one hour post partum, peaked at 38.02 +/- 0.08 degrees C and remained elevated for 48 hours post partum until gradually decreasing to the level of the prepartum mean by 106 hours.
Body temperature fluctuations in the periparturient horse mare. Publishing Authors By Initials
