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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #103213
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A RESPIRATION RATE MONITOR FOR CATTLE

Author
item Eigenberg, Roger
item HAHN, G
item Nienaber, John
item Brown-Brandl, Tami
item GAUGHAN, JOHN - UNIV QUEENSLAND,AUSTRALIA

Submitted to: American Society of Agri Engineers Special Meetings and Conferences Papers
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/19/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Respiration rate is an indicator of thermal status of an animal. A monitor for this important physiological measure was designed, built and tested. The monitor was built with new technology components that allow a rugged sensor design and a data-logger that fit on a harness worn by the animal. This report provides construction details and test results on cattle in two environmental laboratories. The tests demonstrated the capabilities of the device and the use of respiration rate as a measure of animal response to elevated temperatures. These data are beneficial to researchers who study animal stress and well-being.

Technical Abstract: Studies were conducted investigating bioenergetic responses of growing cattle to heat challenges using respiration rate as one of the primary measures. Respiration rate was measured using monitors designed from commercially available thin-film pressure sensors and a small battery powered micro-computer. The monitors were designed, fabricated and tested to provide continuous records as a basis for evaluating stress responses associated with environmental conditions. This report provides details about the monitors and the suitability of obtained records as an indicator of stress, based on measures obtained in environmental chambers during constant and simulated heat wave conditions. Data reduction and analysis are also discussed, based on representative samples of records collected.