Reference Intervals for Rectal Temperature in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Heifers

Abstract

To the best of the authors knowledge, reference intervals for rectal temperature in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has not been previously published. This study was undertaken to establish this reference interval for water buffalo heifers. Based on the statement of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry, at least 120 values are necessary to obtain reliable estimates for reference intervals. A total number of 127 healthy buffalo heifers (1–2 years old) were selected based on a set of inclusion criteria. The health status of heifers was confirmed based on clinical examinations and laboratory analyses. Animals were examined at buffalo farms that belong to Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Rectal temperature was measured using a clinical thermometer. Three types of samples were collected: serum samples for biochemical analysis, whole blood samples for haematological analysis and faecal samples for parasitological examination. The 95% reference intervals were calculated by removing the upper and lower 2.5% of the interval to give the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. Confidence intervals were calculated for the reference limit. The current study was able to establish reference intervals for rectal temperature in water buffalo heifers.