TEMPERATURE DURING HEALTH.
As a rule, there is a daily variation in the internal temperature of a healthy animal of about 1° F.; the maximum being attained at about 6 o’clock in the evening. In the adult animal, the temperature is about 1° F. higher than in a very young or very old animal. It is about 1° F. less in the female than in the male, except when she is “in season,” during which time it is about 2° F. higher than normal. The temperature of well-bred animals is higher than that of common animals. A rise of 4° or 5° F., compatible with health, may be observed in animals during violent exercise or work in hot weather. The temperature of well-fed animals is higher than that of poorly-fed ones. During digestion, it rises about 1° F., and falls about the same amount during sleep. Exposure to the rays of a hot sun for a few hours may cause a rise of as much as 3° F., and the effects of cold and rain may equally lower it.
Normal Temperature of the Horse.—
From 2 to 5 years old the temperature is 100.6° F.
From 5 to 10 years old the temperature is 100.4° F.
From 10 to 15 years old the temperature is 100° F.
From 15 to 20 years old the temperature is 98.4° to 100.2° F.
New born foals’ temperature will run from 102° to 104° F.
Temperature of Cattle.—Normal temperature is from 101.8° to 102° F. Compared with the horse, the daily variations are small.
Temperature of Sheep and Goats.—In these animals the greatest variation in temperature occurs, viz.: 100.9° to 105.8° F. In the majority of cases the temperature probably will be between 103.6° and 104.4° F. The cause of this variation is unknown.
Temperature of Swine.—The average temperature is 103.3° F., varying from 100.9° to 105.4° F.
Temperature of the Dog.—The dog is subject to important variations depending on the external temperature; it varies from 99.5° to 101.7° F., although in some localities it is as high as 100.9° to 101.3° F. Feeding will increase the temperature, and it is also higher towards evening.