Thermoregulation in reindeer

Thermoregulation was studied in Finnish reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L) on captive and herded individuals during 1977-85. Newborn calves maintained a high rectal temperature (Tre) (+39 to +41°C) even at —23°C by increasing heat production 5- to 6-fold through non-shivering thermogenesis, stimulated b...

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Main Authors: Päivi Soppela, Mauri Nieminen, Jouni Timisjärvi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Septentrio Academic Publishing 1986-06-01
Series:Rangifer
Subjects:
Online Access:https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/rangifer/article/view/659
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author Päivi Soppela
Mauri Nieminen
Jouni Timisjärvi
author_facet Päivi Soppela
Mauri Nieminen
Jouni Timisjärvi
author_sort Päivi Soppela
collection DOAJ
description Thermoregulation was studied in Finnish reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L) on captive and herded individuals during 1977-85. Newborn calves maintained a high rectal temperature (Tre) (+39 to +41°C) even at —23°C by increasing heat production 5- to 6-fold through non-shivering thermogenesis, stimulated by cold-induced noradrenaline (NA). Plasma NA and thyroxine (T4) were high (18 ng/ml and 459 nmol/1) in neonatal reindeer. Sensitivity to exogenous NA was lost during the first 3-4 weeks of life. At +20°C and above, calves increased Tre (ca 1°C), oxygen consumption and heart rate, thereby showing poor heat tolerance. Thermal conductance was low in a cold environment, but rose sharply as ambient temperature (Ta) increased above + 10°C. The Tre of adults (+ 38 to +39°C) was independent of Ta (—28 to +15°C). Coarse (hollow) hair density and length in adults averaged 2000/cm2 and 12 mm on the legs, 1000/cm3 and 30 mm on the abdomen and 1700/cm2 and 30 mm on the back (calves 3200/cm2, 10 mm), respectively. The dependence of skin temperature on the Ta was linear in excised fur samples, but complex in living animals being strongest in the legs. Serum adrenaline correlated with the weight, age and total lipids. Serum NA and dopamine-fi-hydroxylase were highest in spring and decreased by autumn. Serum T4 was highest in summer and lowest in spring.
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spelling doaj.art-f5b2b1cab2db41ce85702ed95080788c2022-12-21T20:55:16ZengSeptentrio Academic PublishingRangifer1890-67291986-06-016210.7557/2.6.2.659613Thermoregulation in reindeerPäivi SoppelaMauri NieminenJouni TimisjärviThermoregulation was studied in Finnish reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L) on captive and herded individuals during 1977-85. Newborn calves maintained a high rectal temperature (Tre) (+39 to +41°C) even at —23°C by increasing heat production 5- to 6-fold through non-shivering thermogenesis, stimulated by cold-induced noradrenaline (NA). Plasma NA and thyroxine (T4) were high (18 ng/ml and 459 nmol/1) in neonatal reindeer. Sensitivity to exogenous NA was lost during the first 3-4 weeks of life. At +20°C and above, calves increased Tre (ca 1°C), oxygen consumption and heart rate, thereby showing poor heat tolerance. Thermal conductance was low in a cold environment, but rose sharply as ambient temperature (Ta) increased above + 10°C. The Tre of adults (+ 38 to +39°C) was independent of Ta (—28 to +15°C). Coarse (hollow) hair density and length in adults averaged 2000/cm2 and 12 mm on the legs, 1000/cm3 and 30 mm on the abdomen and 1700/cm2 and 30 mm on the back (calves 3200/cm2, 10 mm), respectively. The dependence of skin temperature on the Ta was linear in excised fur samples, but complex in living animals being strongest in the legs. Serum adrenaline correlated with the weight, age and total lipids. Serum NA and dopamine-fi-hydroxylase were highest in spring and decreased by autumn. Serum T4 was highest in summer and lowest in spring.https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/rangifer/article/view/659thermoregulationinsulationcatecholaminesreindeer
spellingShingle Päivi Soppela
Mauri Nieminen
Jouni Timisjärvi
Thermoregulation in reindeer
Rangifer
thermoregulation
insulation
catecholamines
reindeer
title Thermoregulation in reindeer
title_full Thermoregulation in reindeer
title_fullStr Thermoregulation in reindeer
title_full_unstemmed Thermoregulation in reindeer
title_short Thermoregulation in reindeer
title_sort thermoregulation in reindeer
topic thermoregulation
insulation
catecholamines
reindeer
url https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/rangifer/article/view/659
work_keys_str_mv AT paivisoppela thermoregulationinreindeer
AT maurinieminen thermoregulationinreindeer
AT jounitimisjarvi thermoregulationinreindeer