Evaluation of Heat Stress Through Temperature and Pupillary Dilatation of the Guinea Fowl (Numida Meleagris) in a Controlled Environment

ABSTRACT The commercial exploitation of guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) is a viable alternative for small rural properties in arid and semi-arid regions, as they are rustic birds and capable of withstanding the climatic adversities of these regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pupillary temperature, smaller pupillary diameter, larger pupillary diameter and pupil area of guinea fowl housed in a controlled environment, under two air temperatures: 26 ºC (thermal comfort zone) and 32 ºC (above the thermal comfort zone). The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (air temperatures) and four replications (experimental box), with twelve birds each. The increase in air temperature resulted in a significant average increase (P < 0.05) of 6.0, 17.9, 18.6 and 38.4%, respectively, in pupillary temperature, smaller pupillary diameter, larger pupillary diameter and pupillary area of birds, being these measurements accurate in evaluation of thermal stress in homeothermic animals.

摘要：珍珠鸡（Numidia meleagris）的商业化养殖利用是干旱与半干旱地区小型农村经营主体的可行替代方案，因其为耐粗饲且可抵御该区域气候逆境的禽类。本研究旨在评估可控环境中饲养、分别处于26℃（热舒适区）与32℃（热舒适区上限）两种空气温度条件下的珍珠鸡的瞳孔温度、最小瞳孔直径、最大瞳孔直径及瞳孔面积。试验采用完全随机设计，设置2个温度处理组、4个试验重复单元（试验箱），每个单元包含12只试验鸡。结果表明，空气温度升高可使试验鸡的瞳孔温度、最小瞳孔直径、最大瞳孔直径及瞳孔面积分别平均显著提升6.0%、17.9%、18.6%与38.4%（P<0.05），上述指标可准确用于恒温动物的热应激评估。