Body temperature in sheep: the norm on average and what causes deviations

Sheep are considered warm-blooded animals that have a constant body temperature. Many farmers are interested in this indicator, because any deviations indicate the development of pathologies. Normally, the temperature in sheep is in the range of 38.5-40.5 degrees. In this case, the exact parameters depend on many factors. These include age, features of content, state of he alth. If you have a high or low temperature, you should consult a veterinarian.

Average sheep temperature

The normal temperature for an adult sheep or ram is 38.5-40 degrees. In this case, lambs may have slightly higher values. Their upper limit of normal is 40.5 degrees.

Deviations from the norm

Deviations from normal temperatures should cause concern for the farmer. Often, such symptoms indicate the development of dangerous pathologies or a violation of the conditions for keeping pets.

Fever

The increase in temperature values may be due to the influence of various factors. The most common causes include infectious pathologies. They are bacterial, viral or fungal. In most cases, the temperature rises with the development of such diseases:

1. Leptospirosis - this pathology is provoked by the microorganism Leptospira. Infection often occurs through water and feed. In addition to an increase in performance, anemia, jaundice, and kidney damage are observed in animals.
2. Listeriosis - with this disease, septic phenomena and lesions of the nervous system are observed. Fever is also common. Symptoms of pathology are mastitis and spontaneous abortions. The causative agent of the disease is considered resistant bacterial microorganisms.
3. Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous pathology. Its causative agents are Toxoplasma gondii. In addition to an increase in parameters, with this diagnosis, muscle tremors, vomiting, and general weakness are observed. Inflammation of the internal organs also occurs.

Sometimes stats go up in these situations:

1. Vaccination - increased values after vaccination are observed quite often. The interaction between the injection and the animal's immunity is causing problems.
2. Poisoning - an increase in parameters is possible when toxic substances enter the body.
3. Overheating of the body - values increase with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Sometimes it is not possible to determine the reasons for the increase, which is considered the basis for an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

Decreased rates

If the temperature parameters of sheep fall below the norm, this is considered an alarming symptom. Most often, this condition is observed in weakened animals on the background of viral infections. This results in suppression of the immune system. Chronic diseases are also a provoking factor in the decline in performance. They are usually asymptomatic.

Another common factor that leads to problems is keeping animals in cold rooms. In such a situation, a high heat transfer is observed. Sometimes temperature parameters decrease with traumatic injuries or bleeding.

Sheep's temperature can be used to assess their he alth status. Deviations from the norm up or down are considered grounds for contacting a veterinarian. Violations of the parameters usually indicate the development of dangerous pathologies.

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