CLINICAL PARAMETERS OF RABBITS UNDER DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS

Abstract

In modern conditions of intensive animal husbandry, research into the impact of ambient temperature conditions on the clinical and physiological state of farm animals

is of particular importance, since the microclimate determines their level of productivity and resistance to disease. This is especially true for rabbits, which are extremely

sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, leading to metabolic disorders and reduced viability. The aim of the study was to determine the nature of changes in the main physiological parameters of rabbits under conditions of periodically elevated temperature (28–30 °C) and reduced temperature (2–5 °C) for ten days of the experiment, as well as to evaluate the informative value of infrared thermography as a non-invasive method for diagnosing heat and cold stress. The results obtained indicate that environmental temperature conditions have a significant impact on the clinical and physiological condition of rabbits. The study found that rabbits in the experimental group, which were kept at elevated temperatures, had a 2.8% increase in body temperature, a 20.8% increase in heart rate (P<0.01), an increase in respiratory rate (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in body weight (P<0.01). A decrease in feed consumption and a doubling of water consumption compared to the control group were observed, indicating a disturbance in the water-feed balance. Thermography data showed an increase in the temperature of the surface areas of the body (eye, base of the ear, abdominal area, groin, thoracic spine, hind limbs) (P<0.05), confirming the development of heat stress and systemic thermoregulation disorders. In rabbits of the experimental group II, which were kept at low temperatures, a decrease in body temperature by 3.6%, an increase in heart rate by 15.0% (P<0.05) without changes in respiratory rate, and a decrease in body weight by 4.1% (P<0.05) were observed. An increase in feed consumption and a twofold decrease in water consumption compared to the control group were observed, indicating compensatory reactions of the body to cold stress. According to thermography data, rabbits in group II showed a decrease in the temperature of the abdominal area, groin, and hind limbs by 27.5–43.7% (P<0.05), confirming the cooling of peripheral areas of the body and the body's adaptation to low temperatures