Nature 177, 900 (12 May 1956); doi:10.1038/177900b0

Effects of Climate on Body Temperature and Respiration-rate of Buffaloes and Friesian Cattle

K. A. ALIM & I. A. AHMED

Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Alexandria. Nov. 26.

OBSERVATIONS were made on rectal temperature and respiration-rate of five groups of animals all kept in open sheds on the University Farm, Alexandria. Group I consisted of two buffalo cows and group II consisted of two Friesian cows, and all were in the same early stage of first lactation. The other three groups included two male calves each, from buffaloes, Friesians and native cattle. Readings of rectal temperature and respiration-rate were taken three times daily at 8.30, 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on quietly standing animals on two days weekly for seven weeks from July 23 until September 9, 1955. Air temperature was recorded at the same intervals and ranged between 37.2° and 38.9° C.