Abstract
Using a data logger system, body temperature (dorsal subcutaneous temperature), heart rate, ingestive or ruminating behaviour and posture in adult Shiba goats tied to a stanchion were recorded automatically during 24 hours, to obtain basic information on the biological rhythms. A 600g of usual ration mixed with haycube, hay, beet pulp and wheat bran was fed twice a day (morning ; 9: 00-9: 30, evening ; 16: 00-16: 30) . Animals kept under an artificial photoperiod (12 L-12 D, light period ; 5: 30-17: 30) and about 10°C room temperature. 1) Diurnal patterns of the above-mentioned items were recorded (as shown in Fig. 2), mutual relationships between these items were revealed. 2) The heart rate was higher after morning feeding, or during a light period and decreased gradually from midnight to early morning. Twice feeding greatly increased the heart rate. 3) The body temperature was lower in the early morning and increased gradually after morning feeding and showed the highest level during 1 to 1. 5 hours after evening feeding. After that it decreased gradually till the early morning. 4) The numbers of jaw movement (bites/min) were a 70-90 bites in the ingestive behaviour and a 80-90 bites in the ruminating behaviour at dark period. 5) The total heart rate was a 110000 to 120000 beats/day, the total bitig time was a 9.5 hours/day, and the mean standing time was a 9.3 to 11.7 hours/day. The standing time during light period (12 hours) was a 7.3 to 9.9 hours and that during dark period (12 hours) was a 1.8 to 2 hours.
