VAN SANT, Matthew J; BAKKEN, George S; Indiana State University; Indiana State University: Estimating the body temperatures of mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) in a wind tunnel with infrared thermography

Thermoregulatory studies often require continuous monitoring of core body temperature (T_b) during the study. Traditional methods, such as implanted transmitters and cloacal or implanted thermocouples have undesireable side effects. Surgery requires a recovery period before experimentation, which may be incompatible with some studies. After recovery, surgically implanted probes may cause chronic inflammation and discomfort. Cloacal thermocouples are irritating and disrupt natural movement and behavior. Irritation, inflammation, and discomfort often increase both T_b and metabolic rate. We tested the use of infrared thermography as a non-contact means of tracking changes in T_b of 3-4 day old mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) exposed to air temperatures from 5&deg to 35&degC and wind speeds of 0.4 to 2.4 m/s. We measured the surface temperature of a shaved spot (<1 cm²) located directly over the brain using a FLIR PM575 thermal imager, and compared this value to the cloacal temperature measured with an indwelling thermocouple. The results of this study will be discussed in light of the use of infrared thermography to estimate core body temperature.