Some thermal effects on the pig of the ingestion of liquid feed at various temperatures

Abstract

SUMMARY 1. Experiments have been performed to determine the thermal effects, on pigs, of the ingestion of whey at various temperatures while housed at various air temperatures. 2. Measurements of carotid artery and rectal temperatures showed that a general cooling of deep-body tissues occurred after the ingestion of cool whey. 3. Measurements of rectal and skin temperatures, and observations of respiratory rate and shivering activity, indicated that thermo-regulatory responses were induced by the ingestion of cool whey; the nature of the responses was dependent on the air temperature. 4. The results indicate that the temperature of liquid food offered to animals is a significant parameter in their climatic environment.