Scientific findings related to changes in vascular microcirculation using infrared thermography in the river buffalo

Bertoni, AldoMota-Rojas, DanielÁlvarez-Macias, AdolfoMora-Medina, PatriciaGuerrero-Legarreta, IsabelMorales-Canela, ArmandoGómez-Prado, JocelynJosé-Pérez, NancyMartínez-Burnes, Julio

The objective of this review article is to discuss and analyze the most important scientific findings from studies of vascular microcirculation in the river buffalo using infrared thermography (IRT), as well as the thermal windows utilizedwith this species. The goals are to define the scope and areas of opportunity for IRT use in evaluating physiological processes and identifying potential applications in reproductive events associated with andrological traits inmales and the detection of estrus and udder health in females. IRT has allowed the development of diverse perspectives regarding the comparative physiology of events likethermogenesis, peripheral blood flow, respiratory physiology, and mechanisms that reduce body temperature. The case of the river buffalo is no exception. According to the information analyzed, the temperatures of the orbital area, muzzle, andvulva have proven efficient for evaluating thermal comfort, a particularly important aspect of this species given its limited thermoregulating capacity and constant exposure to extremetemperatures. Evaluating scrotal temperature has been revealed as an appropriate tool for evaluating semen quality, while the surface temperature of the udder is useful in assessing mammary development in female buffaloes, two aspects of great zootechnical importance. In future studies, IRT will play a fundamental role in enhancing our understanding of the river buffalo's mechanisms of vascular microcirculation, with applications in productivity and behavior.(AU)

1. Bubalus bubalis
2. thermal behaviors
3. thermoregulation
4. thermal stress
5. heat dissipation
6. buffalo welfare
7. thermal changes