Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:07
Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
Published on: November 6, 2015
A harness and computer system to facilitate automated body temperature data collection in heat-stressed broilers
B L Liljequist1, B M Jacobson, T P Keeley
1Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695.
Poultry Science
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Automated core body temperature (Tc) monitoring in broiler chickens is crucial. Handling probes can artificially elevate Tc, but a continuous monitoring system avoids this issue, ensuring accurate heat stress data.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Physiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Accurate core body temperature (Tc) monitoring is essential for studying thermoregulation in broiler chickens.
- Previous studies noted potential Tc elevation due to manual probe replacement during heat stress experiments.
- A need exists for a reliable, automated system to minimize handling artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a low-cost, automated system for continuous core body temperature (Tc) monitoring in broiler chickens.
- To investigate the impact of manual temperature probe handling on Tc readings in heat-stressed birds.
- To demonstrate the utility of the automated system in obtaining unbiased thermoregulatory data.
Main Methods:
- Development of an automated data collection system linking thermistor probes to a computer.
- Design of a specialized harness for secure probe placement in broiler chickens.
- Experimental design involving three treatments: handled only (HAN), probe removed/replaced (RPL), and nonhandled controls (CON) under thermoregulatory challenge.
Main Results:
- The automated system enabled nearly continuous Tc readings.
- Handling (HAN and RPL) significantly elevated Tc in challenged birds within minutes, lasting up to 45 minutes.
- Control (CON) birds showed a smaller, shorter Tc increase compared to handled groups.
- The automated system successfully avoided probe-related Tc superelevation.
Conclusions:
- Manual manipulation of cloacal temperature probes can artificially elevate core body temperature in hyperthermic birds.
- An automated, fixed-probe monitoring system is a practical solution to prevent handling artifacts.
- This technology enhances the accuracy of Tc data for heat stress research in poultry.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...