Increase of Body Temperature Immediately After Ovulation in Mares.
Authors: Epper Pascale, Glüge Stefan, Vidondo Beatriz, Wróbel Anna, Ott Thomas, Sieme Harald, Kaeser Rebekka, Burger Dominik
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Body Temperature Monitoring for Ovulation Detection in Mares Precise ovulation timing is essential for successful artificial insemination in mares, particularly when using frozen-thawed semen with limited viability, making noninvasive detection methods valuable additions to current management practices. Researchers monitored continuous body temperature via thoracic sensors across 70 oestrous cycles in 21 mares, concurrent with 2-hourly transrectal ultrasonography to confirm ovulation timing following deslorelin acetate administration. A statistically significant rise of 0.06°C (±0.05°C) occurred in the 6 hours post-ovulation compared to the same period the previous day (P = 0.01), with mares receiving prostaglandin for oestrus induction showing elevated temperatures up to 6 hours before ovulation (P = 0.005). Whilst these findings demonstrate a genuine physiological response to ovulation in mares—paralleling observations in humans—the temperature increase is marginal and inconsistently detectable at the individual animal level, substantially limiting practical application without technological refinement such as algorithmic smoothing or improved sensor sensitivity. Future development of automated systems integrating continuous temperature monitoring alongside traditional clinical assessment may enhance ovulation prediction, though current evidence suggests such technology would serve as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for ultrasonographic confirmation.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •While body temperature does increase after ovulation in mares, the changes are small (0.06°C average) and may be difficult to detect consistently in individual animals using current technology
- •For farms using frozen-thawed semen where precise ovulation timing is critical, continuous temperature monitoring could be a complementary noninvasive tool but should not replace traditional ultrasonographic monitoring at this stage
- •Estrus induction with PGF2α affects pre-ovulatory temperature patterns, which may need to be accounted for if developing automated ovulation detection systems
Key Findings
- •Body temperature increased by an average of 0.06°C (±0.05°C) in the 6 hours following ovulation detection compared to the same time period on the preceding day (P=0.01)
- •Mares receiving PGF2α for estrus induction showed significantly higher body temperature up to 6 hours before ovulation compared to uninduced cycles (P=0.005)
- •The temperature rise immediately after ovulation is relatively small and difficult to identify reliably in individual mares
- •Continuous automated temperature monitoring may have potential for ovulation detection in mares but requires further refinement for practical clinical application