Relative alterations in core body temperature and internal and external scrotal temperatures of exercising stallions
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2014 American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. In multiple species, elevated body temperatures have an effect on spermatogenesis. This study measures and correlates scrotal skin (SST) and subcutaneous (SQST) scrotal temperature in stallions and analyzes the accuracy of 2 devices for measuring temperatures. Stallions (n = 9) were randomly assigned to a nonexercise (n = 5) or exercise (n = 4) group. Exercised stallions were exercised for 90 min followed by a 30-min recovery period, whereas nonexercised stallions were maintained in shade. Every 10 min, rectal temperature (RCT), SQST, and SST were measured for both groups. Scrotal skin temperature was measured by InfraCAM SD and LT300 Infrared Thermometer. Following exercise, RCT and SQST increased in exercised stallions by 2.29 and 2.25C, respectively. Scrotal skin temperature measured by InfraCAM SD increased from the start to the end of exercise (0.68C); however, SST measured by LT300 recorded a 0.71C decrease. Although the LT300 recorded a decrease in SST, after the first 20 min of exercise SST decreased by 2.78C before increasing, predictably, until cessation of exercise. Rectal and SQST were highly correlated parameters (r = 0.90). Additionally, RCT and SQST had positive correlations with InfraCAM SD (r = 0.60) and LT300 (r = 0.63 and 0.59, respectively); InfraCAM SD and LT300 also had a positive correlation (r = 0.59). Despite variation between the 2 devices, both may be viable ways to predict alterations in internal testicular temperature.
