Use of Infrared Thermorgraphy in Animal Production

Abstract

Infrared Thermography (TIV) is a non-invasive, safe technique that is capable of analysis and applicability in several areas. The objective of this study was to identify the importance of infrared thermography in production animals. In the study developed by Ferreira et al. (2011), TIV was used to evaluate the metabolic heat variations produced by chicks, the authors concluded that infrared thermography was able to efficiently detect the metabolic activity of juvenile birds. In goats, D’Alterio et al. (2011) evidenced unstable changes in the hull surface temperature flow, with the use of TIV. Graciano (2013) developed a study with pigs using the TIV and identified that the thermographic technique presents good efficiency for a pre-diagnosis of inflammatory changes and lesions, being able to be used as an aid, avoiding that reproducers are discarded. In view of the above, it is concluded that TIV presents applicability in different species of production animals, in addition, it is confirmed that TIV is relevant in the animal production area, because it functions as a body scanner, helping to show variations in the temperature of which may indicate metabolic changes or the onset of inflammatory processes.