Effects of Climate on Body Temperature and Respiration-rate of Buffaloes and Friesian Cattle

Abstract

OBSERVATIONS were made on rectal temperature and respiration-rate of five groups of animals all kept in open sheds on the University Farm, Alexandria. Group I consisted of two buffalo cows and group II consisted of two Friesian cows, and all were in the same early stage of first lactation. The other three groups included two male calves each, from buffaloes, Friesians and native cattle. Readings of rectal temperature and respiration-rate were taken three times daily at 8.30, 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on quietly standing animals on two days weekly for seven weeks from July 23 until September 9, 1955. Air temperature was recorded at the same intervals and ranged between 37.2° and 38.9° C.