The chapter, "The thermal physiology of the ruminant fetus" was written by the listed authors including Alida Faurie (Douglas College Faculty). This volume contains 26 chapters in sections on regulation of feed intake, rumen microbiology and fermentation, nutrient absorption and splanchnic metabolism, tissue maintenance and utilization of endogenous body reserves, tissue growth, reproduction, pregnancy and lactation, ruminant physiology and genetics, and host resistance to parasites and pathogens. The chapters are the plenary papers presented at the IX International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology in Pretoria, South Africa during October 1999.
This chapter discusses the fetal body temperature homeostasis, feto-maternal thermal relationship, birth-related changes in body temperatures, and preterm labour and abortion in ewes.