Sensible heat transfer and thermal windows in Dasyprocta leporina (Mammalia,Rodentia) |
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| Authors: | João Paulo Araújo Fernandes de Queiroz João Batista Freire de Souza Jr Vanessa Raquel de Morais Oliveira Thibério de Souza Castelo Maiko Roberto Tavares Dantas Leonardo Lelis de Macedo Costa |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Laboratory of Biometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Mossoró, Brazil;2. Laboratory of Immunology and Wild Animal Studies, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Mossoró, Brazil;3. Laboratory on Animal Germplasm Conservation, Center of Agrarian Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Mossoró, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | This study aimed to evaluate the diurnal variation of the sensible heat transfer in red-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) bred in captivity in a semi-arid environment. In addition, we seek to identify thermal windows by infrared thermography during the daytime period (07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00). The body surface temperature was higher in the pinna (36.84 ± 0.11 °C), followed by the hind limbs (36.55 ± 0.11 °C). These body regions were primarily responsible for heat loss by radiation (which was 10.13 ± 1.17 W m?2 and 11.19 ± 1.17 W m?2, respectively), and acted like biological thermal windows. Heat transfer by convection was more intense in the body trunk and hind limbs at all times of the day. Thus, sensible heat transfer is important for maintaining homeothermy in red-rumped agouti in hot environments. In conclusion, these rodents use specialized body regions (pinna and hind limbs) for heat transfer. |
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| Keywords: | Infrared thermography thermoregulation small mammal red-rumped agouti semi-arid |
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