Seasonal variation of temperatures in rabbits

Determinations of rectal temperatures were performed in a series of measurements in male and female drug-naive SPF rabbits of the Chinchilla type maintained under standard environmental conditions (temperature 19 degrees C, relative humidity 60%, light 14 h/day) in weekly tests collected over 3 1/2 years. The results indicated a seasonal variation in rectal temperature. The temperature was affected by restraint, and female animals showed significantly higher temperatures than males. Bodyweight had no effect on temperature.