increases were identical to that observed in a 4-d period
(Table 2).
No difference ( P = 0.67) was recorded in the number
of cows presenting with an increased RT between the
cows diagnosed as being lame and those that were not.
Only some causes of lameness are known to produce
elevated body temperatures, which could explain these
findings. Future studies involving a larger experimental
group, in which lameness events are classified according
to etiology and severity, should provide more information on the potential benefits of RT monitoring in the
early diagnosis of lameness in cattle.