Influence of ambient temperatures on the heat production of pregnant ewes

1964 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 982 ◽  
Author(s):  
N McCGraham

Two Merino ewes were kept on constant diets throughout pregnancy and, after shearing, were exposed to a series of ambient temperatures between 10 and 35°C on several occasions before lambing and once afterwards. Their heat production and urinary nitrogen output were determined at each temperature, and some blood constituents were also measured. Metabolizable energy intakes were 1300 and 1900 kcal/day. The estimated critical temperatures (minimal heat production) of the sheep ranged from 28 to 35°C, being lower at the higher level of feeding and also during pregnancy. A general relationship between thermoneutral heat production per sq. metre and the critical temperature of shorn sheep was derived; the heat increments of gestation and feeding merely increase thermoneutral heat production and so decrease the critical temperature. The heat increment of gestation was 80 and 90 kcal/24 hr/kg lamb at the high and low feeding levels respectively. Fat oxidation (as indicated by the respiratory quotient) and heat production increased up to twofold at subcritical temperatures. At 10°C there was no heat increment due to pregnancy or feeding; blood glucose was increased by 6–9 mg/100 ml in one sheep, and plasma free fatty acid content was highest at 10° in both sheep (0.9 m-equiv./l.). Heat production also tended to be elevated at the highest temperature. The change was greatest (8%) during pregnancy and at the higher level of feeding. Urinary nitrogen increased at the same time only when the sheep were not pregnant. Improved nitrogen economy during gestation was also apparent at other temperatures.

1989 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-334
Author(s):  
E. Sanz ◽  
V. Ortiz ◽  
C. de Blas ◽  
M. J. Fraga

Five hundred and fifty sucking New Zealand rabbits of three ages (1, 10 and 20 days) were used to measure metabolizable energy intake and heat production at five ambient temperatures varying between 12 and 36°C according to age. Critical temperatures and rate of heat production below them, decreased with age (32, 28 and 24°C; 20·8, 10·8 and 9·2 kJ/kg0·07 per day and °C at 1, 10 and 20 days of age respectively) as a result of the increase in thermal insulation. Energy retention also decreased below critical temperature at a similar rate to the increase of heat production, because rabbits could not increase their milk intake to meet their higher energy requirements.


1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 1474-1485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G Jensen ◽  
Peter J Pekins ◽  
James B Holter

For northern white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns, the energetic cost of thermoregulation (HcE) during severe winters can result in substantial catabolism of body-tissue reserves. The heat increment of feeding (HiE) has the potential to offset thermoregulatory energy expenditure that would otherwise require the catabolism of these reserves. During winters 1996 and 1997, we conducted 18 fasting and 18 on-feed heat-production trials using indirect respiration calorimetry in a metabolic chamber. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to estimate the lower critical temperatures (Tlc) and determine the fasting metabolic rate (FMR) and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Resulting models were used to calculate HiE, HcE, and percent substitution of HiE for HcE. For fawns fed a natural browse diet, estimated FMR and RMR were 352 and 490 kJ·kg body mass (BM)-0.75·d-1, respectively; this 40% increase in thermoneutral heat production reduced Tlc from -0.8 to -11.2°C between the fasted and fed states, respectively, and reduced HcE by 59% for fed fawns. For fawns fed a concentrate diet, estimated FMR and RMR were 377 and 573 kJ·kg BM-0.75·d-1, respectively. Level of browse intake had a significant effect on RMR andTlc. RMR was 12% higher for fawns on a high versus a low level of intake, and estimated Tlc was -15.6 and -5.8°C, respectively. Our data indicate that the energetic cost of thermoregulation is probably a minor portion of the energy budget of a healthy fawn consuming natural forage.


1964 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
N McCGraham

At intervals throughout gestation, the energy, carbon, and nitrogen exchanges of four Merino ewes were determined with the aid of closed-circuit indirect calorimetry. Six similar but non-pregnant animals were studied at the same time. The food consisted of equal parts of lucerne and wheaten hay; half the sheep in each group were given a constant 600 g/day and half 900 g/day, and the non-pregnant ewes were fasted on one occasion. Free fatty acids, glucose, and ketones in the blood were also determined during the final stages of pregnancy. Balance measurements were continued during lactation, the ewes being given 1200 g food/day for the first month and 900 g for the second. The digestibility of the food was not affected by pregnancy or lactation, but urinary nitrogen loss decreased as pregnancy advanced and was least during lactation. Although a constant amount of food was eaten, the heat production of each pregnant animal increased throughout gestation. The heat increment of pregnancy at term was 90 kca1/24 hr/kg foetal tissue. The most direct measurements of oxygen uptake by the foetus in utero indicate much lower levels of heat production per kilogram of tissue; it is concluded that these are underestimates. The metabolic rate was unusually high immediately before parturition, and in two cases decreased to near non-pregnant levels 24 hr after lambing. The total energy retention of the ewes became smaller as pregnancy advanced, and in two cases was negative at term. Metabolizable energy was used for reproduction with a gross efficiency of 15–22% and a net efficiency of 13%. The metabolizable energy used per kilogram of foetus was approximately 10% of the maintenance requirement of the ewe herself. Daily energy utilization by the conceptus at term probably accounted for 70% of the glucogenic substances available from the food. There was no evidence of increased gluconeogenesis from protein by the pregnant ewe. The nutrition of the ewe during gestation affected lactation mainly in the first week or two. The data indicate that nitrogen intake rather than energy intake limited milk production. Irrespective of the amount of energy in the milk, the heat increment due to feeding was 20% smaller for lactating than for dry fatteningewes. It is suggested that efficient use of acetate by the mammary gland permits more efficient lipogenesis by other tissues.


1969 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. F. Shannon ◽  
W. O. Brown

SUMMARYExperiments to determine the net availabilities of the metabolizable energy (NAME) of a cereal-based diet and a maize-oil diet for maintenance and lipogenesis and the effect of environmental temperature on the NAME of the cereal-based diet are described. Four 1- to 2-year-old Light Sussex cockerels were used.The relationship between ME intake and energy retention was linear for each diet. The NAME'S of the cereal-based diet given at 22° and 28 °C (70.6 ± 1.83 % and 73.6 ± 3.54%, respectively) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the NAME of the maize-oil diet (84.1 ± 1.85%). It is concluded that the beneficial effect of maize oil on the efficiency of energy utilization is due to a reduced heat increment rather than a reduction in the basal component of the heat production. The higher efficiency from the maize-oil diet led to an increase in the energy retained as fat.The mean fasting heat production at 28 °C was 15 % lower than at 22 °C (43.2 ± 1.45 and 51.2 ± 1.09 kcal/kg/day, respectively). The NAME of the cereal-based diet was not significantly different when the birds were kept at 22° or 28 °C. The lower metabolic rate at 28 °C was reflected in a lower maintenance requirement and in an increase in the deposition of body fat.


1992 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Schrama ◽  
A. Arieli ◽  
M. J. W. Heetkamp ◽  
M. W. A. Verstegen

AbstractSeven groups of five or six Holstein-Friesian male calves were transported to an experimental farm at 2 to 3 days of age. At 6 days of age, heat production (HP) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake were measured for an 8-day period. During this period, calves were exposed to various ambient temperatures: 6, 9, 12 and 15°C. Ambient temperature was constant within days, but changed between days. Calves were fed below (four groups) or near (three groups) the maintenance requirements (290 or 460 kJ ME per kg M0·75 per day).From 6 to 14 days of age the lower critical temperature (Tc) was 12·5°C and HP increased by 8·4 kJ/kg M0·75 per day per °Cfall in ambient temperature below Tc. Both Tc and increase in HP below Tc were not affected by feeding level. Rectal temperature was lower at low ambient temperatures. The decrease in rectal temperature with ambient temperature was greatest at the low feeding level.During the experimental period, calves were not in a steady-state regarding energy metabolism. Heat production decreased with time. This decrease was affected by feeding level and ambient temperature. After arrival, the influence of both ambient temperature and feeding level on the energy metabolism of young calves increased with time.


1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Bruce ◽  
J. J. Clark

ABSTRACT1. A deterministic model for thermoneutral heat production of growing pigs on barley-based diets has been developed and validated. The model variables are live weight (20 to 100 kg) and metabolizable energy intake (not less than maintenance). The root-mean-square error for 62 data is 049 MJ/day (3·2%).2. A deterministic model for heat production of growing pigs below their critical temperature has been developed and validated. The model variables are: air temperature, air velocity, floor type, live weight (20 to 100 kg), and group size. The root-mean-square error for 78 data is 0·77 MJ/day (5·6%).3. The two heat production models are combined to give a model for the lower critical temperature for growing pigs.4. These models may be used to quantify and compare the effects on energy balance of different combinations of nutrition and environment. They should help to clarify the issues when practical decisions in pig production are made and should also help in the design of nutritional and physiological experiments.


1974 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. W. Holmes

SUMMARY1. The experiment was designed to compare the protein and energy metabolism of pigs growing at 25°c or 34°C. The pigs were given two levels of feeding while growing between 25 and 75 kg live weight.2. The high temperature was associated with increases in rectal temperature of 1·2 to 20°C. Both pigs on the higher level of feeding at 34°C became lame in their hind legs.3. The high temperature was also associated with increases in heat production and in urinary nitrogen and energy losses for pigs fed at the higher level of feeding only; however fasting heat production was not affected significantly by temperature. The high temperature had no effect on the apparent digestibility of the diet.4. It was calculated from data for pigs at both levels of feeding kept at 25°C, that efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy (ME) above maintenance was 71%, and the maintenance requirement for ME was 100 kcal/kg0·75 day. Energy retention was reduced at 34°C in pigs fed on the higher level of feeding.


1991 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khub Singh ◽  
N. K. Bhattacharyya

ABSTRACTResting heat production (H), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (Tr) were measured at different controlled temperatures (Tt) in Hariana (Bos indicus) and its F, crosses with Jersey (JH), Brown Swiss (BH) and Holstein Friesian (FH) (Bos taurus) breeds and the values obtained were used to assess their relative thermosensitivity.The lowest Tt at which H significantly decreased from that at 17°c was 32°c for Hariana, JH and BH and 27°c for FH after exposure for 8 days. The corresponding values after exposure for 18 days were 37°c for Hariana and 32°c for all the three crossbred groups. Differences between the genetic groups were also significant. The lowest Tt at which metabolizable energy (ME) decreased significantly in comparison with those at 17CC was 32°c in all the genetic groups. The differences in ME intake between genetic groups were significant only at 32°c Tt. The lowest Tt at which RR significantly increased from those at 17°c were 32°c in Hariana, 27°c in JH, BH and FH for both 5 to 7 and 15 to 17 days of exposure. The corresponding Tt for increase in Tr was 37°c in Hariana, 32°c in JH and 27°c in BH and FH at both 5 to 7 and 15 to 17 days of exposure.The ambient temperature at which H would have significantly decreased and RR and Tr increased from the respective values at 17CC Tt were calculated curvilinearly for different genetic groups. There were differences in these values of calculated ambient temperatures between genetic groups and between exposure durations in respect of H, RR, and Tr, indicating differences in thermosensitivity.


1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. NICOL ◽  
B. A. YOUNG

The metabolic heat production of steers was measured at ambient temperatures of +10, −8 and −20 °C following their consumption of 15-kg turnip bulbs (Brassica napus) with a temperature of 27, 2 or −8 °C, or 10-kg turnips with a temperature of 2 °C followed by 1 kg hay. Metabolic heat production was elevated 13–80% after eating the cold and frozen turnips when steers were exposed to −8 °C and 35–80% when exposed to −20 °C. Sheep fed 20, 35, 55, 80 and 110 g pelleted ration per kg−0.75 d−1, accompanied by a ruminal infusion of water at 38 or 2 °C at a volume required to simulate a 10% dry matter feed had their metabolic heat production measured at +10 and −20 °C. Heat production was significantly increased at −20 °C for only the 2 °C infusion although with the 38 °C infusion at the lower feed intake levels, metabolic heat production was higher by up to 37% at an ambient temperature of −20 °C than at +10 °C. The lower critical temperature of the steers after ingestion of the turnips was estimated to be −4.5, −2.4, +3.2 and +13.9 °C forthe27, 2 + hay, 2 and −8 °C turnips, respectively. The lower critical temperature of sheep was raised by 1, 11, 31, 25 and > 22 °C by the ruminal infusion of water at 2 °C compared to water at 38 °C in sheep fed 20, 35, 55, 80 and 110 g feed kg−0.75 d−1, respectively. Key words: Cold, temperature, heat production, cattle, sheep


1974 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. W. Holmes ◽  
N. R. McLean

SUMMARY1. The heat production of four sows, approximately 17 months old at the start of the experiment, was measured at five ambient temperatures from 23° to 6°C. Food intake was controlled at different levels for different sows; one sow conceived during the experiment.2. Heat production increased consistently as temperature decreased from 23° to 6°C; the relative effect on heat production of exposure to low temperatures was greater the lower the level of feeding.3. Estimated values for whole body conductance decreased as ambient temperature decreased to minimum values of 73 to 77 kcal/m2. day. °C for three sows and 87 kcal/m2. day.°C for the fourth sow, which had a considerably thinner backfat than the others.4. Estimated values for lower critical temperature varied from 10° to 20°C, with the lower values associated generally with the higher levels of feeding; nevertheless heat production was consistently lower at 23°C than at 18°C.5. Differences in level of feeding were generally associated with differences in live weight, and it was difficult to obtain reliable estimates of metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance and of net efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy above maintenance; however analysis on the basis of live weight0·75 produced values of 92 kcal/kg0·75 per day at 23°C and 106 kcal/kg0·75 per day at 18°C for maintenance and between 67 and 75% for the efficiency of utilization above maintenance.


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