The Veterinary record · 2026
Comparison of the effects of rectal examination on heart rate and eye temperature in cattle of different parity.
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Cortu Atakan, Gungor Orsan
Аннотация
BACKGROUND: Rectal examination is a routine procedure in bovine reproductive management, but its physiological impact may vary depending on the cow's age and parity. Stress responses during such procedures can negatively affect animal welfare and compliance, especially in inexperienced animals.
METHODS: Seventy clinically healthy Holstein cows aged 1-8 years were divided into four groups: heifers (n = 15), first parity (n = 15), second parity (n = 15) and third or later parity cows (n = 25). Heart rate (HR) was assessed using a stethoscope, and ocular surface temperatures (central cornea, medial canthus and lacrimal sac) were recorded using infrared thermography. Behavioural responses and examination duration were also noted. Measurements were obtained at 12 predefined time points, including baseline, distinct stages of rectal examination and recovery periods up to 120 minutes post-examination.
RESULTS: Rectal examination duration was significantly longer in heifers (214.5 ± 21.5 seconds) and first parity cows (213.7 ± 18.8 seconds) than in second parity (185.8 ± 14.2 seconds) and third or later parity cows (184.8 ± 11.3 seconds) (p < 0.001). While behavioural scores were similar between groups, heifers showed significantly elevated HRs and ocular temperatures (cornea and lacrimal sac) during and after the procedure (p < 0.01). Medial canthus temperatures showed minimal variation. Linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of time (p < 0.001) and parity (p < 0.001) on HR and eye temperature, particularly in heifers.
LIMITATIONS: Interpretation of these findings is limited by less restraint and handling of heifers compared to cows and the absence of cortisol measurements, HR variability indices and a restrained but non-palpated control group, which restricts separation of restraint-related and palpation-related effects.
CONCLUSION: Enhancing animal habituation and modifying handling practices may improve examination efficiency and welfare outcomes as heifers and lower-parity cows exhibited heightened physiological responses to rectal examination.
METHODS: Seventy clinically healthy Holstein cows aged 1-8 years were divided into four groups: heifers (n = 15), first parity (n = 15), second parity (n = 15) and third or later parity cows (n = 25). Heart rate (HR) was assessed using a stethoscope, and ocular surface temperatures (central cornea, medial canthus and lacrimal sac) were recorded using infrared thermography. Behavioural responses and examination duration were also noted. Measurements were obtained at 12 predefined time points, including baseline, distinct stages of rectal examination and recovery periods up to 120 minutes post-examination.
RESULTS: Rectal examination duration was significantly longer in heifers (214.5 ± 21.5 seconds) and first parity cows (213.7 ± 18.8 seconds) than in second parity (185.8 ± 14.2 seconds) and third or later parity cows (184.8 ± 11.3 seconds) (p < 0.001). While behavioural scores were similar between groups, heifers showed significantly elevated HRs and ocular temperatures (cornea and lacrimal sac) during and after the procedure (p < 0.01). Medial canthus temperatures showed minimal variation. Linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of time (p < 0.001) and parity (p < 0.001) on HR and eye temperature, particularly in heifers.
LIMITATIONS: Interpretation of these findings is limited by less restraint and handling of heifers compared to cows and the absence of cortisol measurements, HR variability indices and a restrained but non-palpated control group, which restricts separation of restraint-related and palpation-related effects.
CONCLUSION: Enhancing animal habituation and modifying handling practices may improve examination efficiency and welfare outcomes as heifers and lower-parity cows exhibited heightened physiological responses to rectal examination.