Methods for assessing skin temperature in two breeds of dairy cows and their correlation to indoor and rectal temperature

Routines for assessing body temperature and thermal comfort are not included in official animal welfare controls although European legislation consider it important. This study investigated time consumption and feasibility of using handheld skin temperature sensors in a dairy farm and the correlation of the recordings with indoor and rectal temperature. Skin temperatures in 21 dairy cows of two breeds were recorded monthly during one year at the neck, hip and vulva, using two techniques (infrared radiation (IR) and conduction). Rectal and indoor ambient temperature were recorded on the same occasion. Time spent recording temperature was similar to 2 s/cow with IR and >1 min/cow with conduction technique. Skin temperatures did not correlate well with rectal temperature but correlated strongly with indoor temperature. Neck temperature recorded by IR best reflected indoor temperature, with no difference between breeds, and could be a tool for quick monitoring of ambient conditions in individual cows.