Thermographic evaluation and sensible heat emission of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) kept at different temperatures

The aim of this research was to evaluate the surface temperature and sensible heat emission of Japanese quails kept in a climate chamber at different temperatures: 24.0, 27.0, 30.0 and 33.0°C. The surface temperature was obtained using thermographic images collected in five regions (head, wings, back, legs and crest), calculating the average surface temperature (ST), the gradient between ST and air temperature (AT) and heat emissions by convection and radiation. The experimental design used was entirely randomised, with four treatments and six replications. Surface temperature in all regions of the birds' bodies and ST rose as air temperature rose, and the gradient between ST and AT decreased as AT rose, a fact which can make it difficult for the animals to exchange sensible heat with the environment. The crest and feet had the highest and lowest ST values, respectively. The heat emitted by the birds through convection and radiation decreases as the ambient temperature rises, and of the total heat emitted, there was a predominance of convection.