ESTABLISHING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFRARED IMAGES AND HEART RATE AS A POTENTIAL INDICATOR OF METABOLIC ACTIVITY IN THE DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedaries)

The goal of the present research is to provide a simpler method of measuring metabolic activity in the dromedary camel and to determine the major route of heat dissipation within this species. Eight dromedary camels were equipped with heart rate monitors on moderately active and low activity days. Thermal images, heart rate readings, ambient air temperature, humidity, wind speed and the presence of direct solar radiation were recorded. The results of a random regression demonstrated that, of the areas observed via thermal image, the surface temperature of the inner thigh was the most closely associated with heart rate. The inner thigh and lower abdomen were also noted as being the largest continuous areas of heat loss based on infrared images, while the axillary region demonstrated the greatest increase in heat dissipation as activity and ambient air temperature increased. These results exhibit positive evidence for further research into the use of infrared images as predictors of metabolic activity in the dromedary camel.