Analysis of Body Temperature Patterns and Influencing Factors in Horses From Mineiros-GO, Brazil

This study evaluated the influence of age, sex, and body condition on the body temperatures of 60 healthy horses in Mineiros-GO, Brazil. The population included 27 females and 33 males of various breeds, with an age of 7.88 ± 4.01 years and weight of 466 ± 50.1 kg. Measurements were taken using an infrared thermometer in different anatomical regions under controlled morning conditions to minimize environmental interference. The recorded ambient temperatures ranged from 14.35°C to 22.92°C, with humidity varying between 48.33% and 96.08%. The average rectal temperature was 37.15 ± 1.46°C, while peripheral temperatures varied from 30.69 ± 4.78°C (coronet) to 31.57 ± 3.87°C (thorax). No statistical differences were found between sexes or age groups, suggesting thermal stability in healthy horses. However, body condition significantly influenced temperature measurements, with overweight animals showing higher values in the coronet (35.67°C vs. 26.16°C in underweight horses) and neck crest (36.16°C vs. 30.77°C in underweight horses). Significant correlations were found between body condition score (BCS) and temperatures of the coronet (r = 0.37, p = 0.003), neck crest (r = 0.402, p = 0.0014), and thorax (r = 0.38, p = 0.002). These findings indicate that fat accumulation impacts heat dissipation, reinforcing the role of BCS in thermoregulation. The study highlights infrared thermography as a valuable tool for assessing metabolic and thermal changes, contributing to clinical management and equine welfare.