Relationship between vaginal and tympanic membrane temperature in beef heifers

Abstract

Vaginal and tympanic membrane temperatures were simultaneously monitored in nine beef heifers. Data not associated with ear infections were characterized by respective vaginal and tympanic membrane temperatures of 38.81 and 38.58 °C. A close relationship between the two temperatures was indicated by a correlation of 0.77 and residual standard deviation of 0.29 °C. Key words: Cattle, radiotelemetry, thermoregulation, tympanic membrane, vagina