Infrared thermography as a non-invasive tool for detecting fear-stress related responses in cow during a novel object test

Introduction Infrared thermography (IR) is a technique that can detect and measure infrared radiation emitted spontaneously from any surface. Using the IR imagines analysis is possible to make several considerations about different aspects of physiological or pathological condition. Eye temperature, measured using IR, has been used as a non-invasive tool for measuring stress in animals. A rapid drop in eye temperature achieved by vasoconstriction, may be a sympathetically- mediated catecholamine response, which activates the ‘fight or flight’ reaction induced by fear (Stewart et al., 2008). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the eye temperature as a means to detect fear response in cows using IRT during a novel object test. Material and methods 13 cows used for milk production were included in the study. Cows were usually kept by the breeder in tie stall. IR pictures of the eye region (area definite by medial, posterior, palpebral border of the lower eyelid and the lacrimal caruncle) were collected using an IR camera at distance of approximately 0.5 m by an expert operator. The max T within the area of interest was recorded analyzing the imagines with a proper software for each photo recorded. Imagines were collect with relaxed animals that were in ruminating posture 10 minutes before the test. When the stimulus, a brightly colored umbrella opened abruptly in front of the cow was applied other imagines were immediatly recorded. After cecking normality data were analysed with paired sample T-test to identify a change in the eye temperature. . Results During the application of the stimulus a rapid drop in eye temperature was observed (p=0.006). The eye temperature dropped from a mean values of 36.85 ± 0.48 to a mean value of 36.24 ± 0.70. Discussion Recent studies, using IR, have shown that the temperature of the eye may be a good indicator of stress response: the acute physiological response to fear could be evaluated by eye temperature using IR may be a useful tool for measuring stress in animals. Conclusion IR thermography could be an useful techniques to assess stress response in cows s and it be used for temperament response in selection programs and to monitor animal welfare in different condition or with different stimuli.