Abstract
We investigated various essential factors for optimum infrared thermography for cattle clinics. The effect of various factors on the detection of surface temperature was investigated in an experimental room with a fixed ambient temperature using a square positioned on a wall as an object. Various factors of animal objects were examined using cattle to determine the relationship among presence of hair, body surface temperature, surface temperature of eyeball, the highest temperature of eye circle, rectum temperature, and ambient temperature. Also the surface temperature of flank at different time points after eating was examined. The best conditions of thermography for cattle clinics were determined as follows; (1) The distance between a thermo camera and an object should be fixed and the camera should be set within 45-degree angles from objects using the optimum focal length. (2) The factors, which affect the camera temperature, such as extreme cold or heat, direct sunshine, high humidity, and wind, should be avoided. (3) For the comparison of thermographs, imaging should be taken with identical condition. If this is not achievable, use hairless parts as objects.
