Clinical validation of an infrared thermometer in periparturient sows

摘要

Individual monitoring and care of sows around farrowing is important for welfare and productivity in a farrowing operation. Body temperature can be a useful indicator of health status in sows.' Infrared thermometers (IR) work by collecting and quantifying infrared radiation at the body surface.2 Infrared thermometers offer a quick, touchlcss alternative to taking rectal temperatures (RT) and reduces animal handling and labor for the producer. The InstaTemp MD~(TM) thermometer is validated for use inhumans, however has not been previously validated in swine.