Stress analysis due to semen collection using infra-red thermography in rabbits

Abstract

This research evaluated the thermal response to semen collection in rabbits using infra-red thermography in the eyeball, pinna, and nose, alongside measurements from an infra-red forehead thermometer on the pinna. In the first experiment, 20 rabbits were divided into control and stressed groups. Basal temperatures were recorded at minutes 0, 1, 5, and 10, with semen collected at minute 0 for the stressed group. The stressed group showed a temperature rise in the eyeball at minute 5 (37.80 °C vs. 37.58 °C; p = 92%), but no in the nose or pinna (p 99%) but also failed to stabilise. These findings confirm that semen collection induces stress, with the eyeball providing the fastest and most stable thermal response. Infra-red thermography is a reliable, non-invasive monitoring tool, and infra-red thermometers offer a cost-effective alternative for the pinna.

Keywords

• buck
• infra-red thermography
• welfare
• eyeball
• semen collection