Multichannel Telemetry System for Measuring Body Temperature: Circadian Rhythms of Body Temperature, Locomotor Activity and Oviposition in Chickens

Abstract

INTRODUCTION THE use of biotelemetry systems permits the measurement of physiological information from unrestrained subjects. In addition, if the system is automated, then diurnal records may be taken in the absence of an investigator whose very presence will alter the results (Cain and Abbott, 1970; Cain and Wilson, 1971). The importance of telemetry for physiological rhythm studies has been reported by Miles (1962) and Essler and Folk (1961). Telemetry with birds has included respiration of a flying duck (Lord et al., 1962) and the diurnal heart rate pattern of a chicken (Sturkie, 1963). An implanted telemetry system has also been used to relate time of oviposition and ovulation to changes in body temperature in the chicken (Winget et al., 1965). Many applications of telemetry are described in reviews by Mackay (1968), Ko and Neumann (1967) and Slater (1963). A multichannel AM telemetry and multiplexing system for measuring body temperature circadian…