Optimal biological temperature in turkeys
Nichelmann, M.
Archiv für Experimentelle Veterinarmedizin 38(3): 366-373
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9055 PMID: 6487021 Document Number: 223588
Studies were conducted under acute conditions into the effects of ambient temperatures on heat production, evaporative heat loss, and rectal temperature in female White Beltsville turkeys aged between 10 and 155 days. The experimental temperatures were allowed to take effect for two hours. Biological optimum temperatures were derived. The relationships between ambient temperature and heat production were described by a parabolic function. The mechanisms of both heat production and loss were activated by medium temperatures. Hence, the threshold temperature of evaporative heat loss was lower than that of thermoregulatory heat production. Data on biological optimum temperatures are given for different age groups.