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Circadian and Ultradian Temperature Rhythms of Lactating Dairy Cows

Milk Secretion and Mastitis Laboratory, Animal Science Institute, BARC, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705

ABSTRACT

Thermistors were implanted in the right front quarter of udder and peritoneal cavity of six lactating Holstein cows to investigate whether udder temperature is regulated independently of deep body temperature. Sequential measurements of udder, body, chamber, and outdoor temperatures were every 1.4 min (1024 readings/probe per 24 h) by digital computer. Cows were housed (except for short exercise periods) in a chamber at 16.7 ± .3°C, lights on 0730 to 1630 and 2100 to 0200 h. Temperature was monitored continuously for 5 days in three cows in early lactation and in three cows in late lactation. Udder temperature was closely correlated with body temperature (body and udder temperatures were 38.8 ± .1°C). Five of six cows showed two patterns of temperature variation: a 24-h pattern with two troughs each day — minimum at 0930 to 1100 h, increase 1.0°C by 1200 to 1300 h, decline 1°C from 2000 to 2200 h, second minimum by 2100 to 2200 h, and constant elevation from 2300 to 0800 h (peak to trough, 1.23 ± .09°C); and superimposed upon the 24-h rhythm was an ultradian rhythm with an approximate 90 min period (peak to trough, .5 ± .03°C). Rhythmicity of udder and body temperatures should be considered in research on the chronobiology of milk secretion and mastitis.