Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the most suitable breeding seasons for Awassi ewes in the central region of Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, two experiments were conducted. The first experiment measured and counted luteal and follicular structures in the different breeding seasons of the year. The second experiment focused on collecting reproduction data such as lambing, twining, and lamb mortality rates. The data obtained was then analyzed. The results revealed that the number of corpora lutea was greater in autumn and summer than in winter and spring (P<0.05). Ewes had more small, medium, and large follicles in summer than in other seasons (P<0.05). Lambing rates were significantly higher in summer and autumn-mated ewes than in winter and spring-mated ewes (P<0.05). Twining rates in autumn-mated ewes were greater than in other seasons (P<0.05). Lambing rates were higher on farms that used one breeding season per year than on farms that used two breeding seasons per year (P<0.05). Lamb mortality rates did not differ between seasons. In conclusion, summer and autumn provide the optimal environmental conditions for successful mating for Awassi ewes in the Saudi Arabian central region. With this knowledge, farmers in the region can plan and ensure maximum productivity. Keywords: Season; Ovarian activity; Reproductive performance; Awassi sheep; Subtopics.

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the utilization of characterized-polyclonal ND antibodies as primary antibodies in Immunohistochemistry and to determine the ND antibodies’ ability to neutralize ND viruses. The ND antibodies used in this study were genotype VII ND antibodies, Sato ND antibodies, and mixed ND antibodies. Genotype VII ND antibodies, Sato ND antibodies, and mixed ND antibodies were used for VNT, but the IHC test only used genotype VII antibodies. In the IHC examination, genotype VII ND antibodies were used as primary antibodies, which were diluted in stages (1:100, 1:500, and 1:1000) to obtain the dilution that could give the best IHC examination results. Rabbit polyclonal anti-NDV HN protein antibody at 1:500 dilution was used as a positive control. Based on the results of the IHC stain, 1:1000 dilution of genotype VII ND antibodies gave the best results, with the same results as using a rabbit polyclonal anti-NDV HN protein antibodies at an antibody dilution of 1:500. Based on the VNT results, the neutralization index of Sato ND antibodies was 1.6; genotype VII ND antibodies were 1.95; and mixed ND antibodies were 1.68. This result showed that genotype VII ND antibodies have a higher ability than other antibodies to neutralize 104 ELD50/mL NDV/Ck/BGR/11 virus. Genotype VII ND antibodies can be used as reagent candidates in the IHC test in 1:1000 dilution and as a reagent in passive immunization with a neutralization index 1.95.
Keywords: Antibody, Immunohistochemistry, Immunotherapy, Viral Neutralization Test.

Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing commercially available Phyto-genic products in preventing and controlling field coccidiosis in broiler chickens, compared to the most used chemical drugs. Five treatment groups were established, with a random allocation of 12,000 1-day-old broiler chicks. Six repetitions were conducted for each treatment, with 400 birds in each repetition. Three commercial formulas of Phyto-genic origin (Phyto-1, Phyto-2, Phyto-3) were used. Nicarbazin and Narasin, chemical drugs, were assigned as the control group. These products were added to the basal diets (BD) to formulate 5 dietary treatments (T): (T1) control fed BD supplemented with (Maxiban®) in starter and (Monteban®) in grower and finisher diets; (T2) fed BD supplemented with (Maxiban®) in starter diet and Phyto-1 (Aflocox D®) in grower and finisher feed diet; (T3) fed BD + Phyto-1; (T4) fed BD + Phyto-2 (Aflocox plus®), and (T5) fed BD + Phyto-3 (Herb-All COCC-X®). The results showed that the Phyto-genic blends improved the body weight, body weight gain, and overall feed conversion ratio to a level similar to that of the group fed the chemical coccidiostat drugs, with no significant differences among them. As well, mortality and lesion scores were not affected (P>0.05) among treatments. The study concluded that these Phyto-genic blends can be safely used as alternatives to the chemically synthesized drugs, either alone or in a shuttle program, for the control of poultry coccidiosis.
Keywords: Coccidiostat; Herbal extracts; Ionophore; Coccidiosis; Chickens; Broilers.

Abstract
The objective of this research was to identify the most effective quantity for incorporating fish oil microcapsules that do not interfere with the degradation of nutrients and rumen fluid characteristics (pH, VFA, NH3) in vitro to produce livestock products that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. In this study, a randomized block design experimental method was employed, involving 7 distinct treatment conditions consisting of 3 rumen fluid collection groups. The seven treatments were A: control diet, B: control diet + 4% fish oil microcapsules (?0.8% fish oil), C: control diet + 8% fish oil microcapsules (?1.6% fish oil), D: Control ration + 12% fish oil microcapsules (?2.4% fish oil), E: control ration + 0.8% fish oil, F: control ration + 1.6% fish oil, and G: control ration + 2.4 % Fish oil. Variables observed were: nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude fat, and crude fiber), digestibility of fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose), and fermentability of rumen fluid (pH, VFA and NH3). The findings indicated that the treatment did not have a significant impact (P>0.05) on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, pH, and NH3. However, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) observed in the digestibility of crude fat and VFA. The conclusions drawn from the research imply that the addition of fish oil microcapsules up to 12% in the ration does not interfere with nutrient digestibility, fiber fraction, and rumen fluid fermentability (pH, VFA, NH3). Keywords: Omega-3, Fish oil microcapsules, Rumen fluid fermentability, In vitro, Digestibility.

Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the ultrasound findings in sheep and goats with hepatic disorders and its correlation with postmortem findings. Twenty-three female sheep (n=9) and goats (n=14) of 1-5 years were examined. They were refereed because of gradual loss of body condition, inappetence, anorexia, and abdominal distension. Ten clinically healthy female animals were used as a control group. The right side of the diseased and control animals were scanned by ultrasonography. None of the control animals showed any sonographic abnormality on hepatic imaging. Diseased animals were classified into 7 groups. Hepatic sonography in group 1 (gallstones) showed dilated bile ducts within the hepatic parenchyma and calculus in the gall bladder. In group 2, the cholecystitis group; the thickening of the gall bladder wall was remarkable on ultrasonography. In group number 3, stones in the bile duct, the calculus in the bile duct appeared sonographically as acoustic enhancement with a distal acoustic shadowing. In group 4 with fatty liver, hepatic imaging showed increased hepatic echogenicity (bright liver appearance) which was intense in 5 animals where blood vessels were difficult to be seen and moderate in the remaining 6. In group 5 affected with Cysticercus tenuicolis, hepatic sonography showed a coarse hyperechogenic pattern of the liver tissue. Unfortanately, both animals in groups 6 and 7 were not examined by sonography and only the postmortem findings were obtained. In conclusion, most of the sheep and goats examined in this study were admitted with nonspecific symptom. It is believed that without hepatic ultrasonography in diseased cases, it will be difficult to reach an antemortem diagnosis. The sonographic findings were parallel almost in all cases with postmortem findings.
Keywords: Animals, Diagnostic imaging, Diseases, Pathology, Ruminant.

Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of adding synbiotics to feed on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) feed conversion efficiency, growth, and innate immune response. Commercial feed was supplemented with 1% prebiotic (banana flour) and the candidate probiotic bacterium Bacillus subtilis at doses of zero (control, A); 1x105CFU/mL (B); 1x107CFU/mL (C); and 1x109CFU/mL (D). After eight weeks of feeding the Feed Conversation Ratio (FCR), Weight Gain (WG) and Specific Grow Rate (SGR) were calculated. Biochemical parameters (total erythrocytes, leukocytes, and hematocrit levels) and phagocytic activity were measured from blood samples taken at the end of the experimental period. WG (2.33-3.49g), SGR (1.29-1.61% per day) and FCR (1.05-1.17) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between treatments. Hematocrit and erythrocyte levels were highest under the control treatment (without probiotics). Hemoglobin (Hb) was highest under treatment B (7.76mg/mL) on day 35; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) (229.35µm3) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) (56.12pg) were highest on day 28, while Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) increased over the observation period. The phagocytic index increased under probiotic-enriched feed treatments, indicating that these probiotics could improve leukocyte performance with respect to the phagocytosis of incoming antigens.
Keywords: Bacillus subtilis., Growth, Synbiotic, Tilapia.

Abstract
This study was initiated to assess the impact of shelf life on the microbiological quality and the influence of temperature on the vitality of probiotic strains contained in feed supplements made from whey. Three groups of samples were analyzed: Group I (A3, C, TB), Group II (A3, C, TB), and Group III (A3, C, TB). Samples A3, C and TB were stabilized feed supplements made from white sorghum flour successively enriched with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus spp. thermophilic, Lactobacillus spp. mesophile and Bifidobacterium spp. mesophile isolated from raw milk and whey whose initial concentrations were respectively 200.108, 250.108, and 80.107 CFU/g. Each complementary weighed 50g, and the moisture and dry matter contents were: 19.12% and 80.88%. Storage temperatures were between 2 and 4°C, 22 and 24°C and then 29 and 31°C for 42 days. The samples of groups I, II, and III were used to assess the influence of temperature on the vitality of the probiotic strains while group I was also used to evaluate the microbiological quality. The mass inoculation and surface spreading methods were used. The presence of germs indicating the state of hygiene, organoleptic quality and food poisoning was sought. Codex Alimentarius Commission and AFSSA 2007-SA-0174 standards were used in the interpretation of the results. The analysis results revealed the total absence of these germs. The appropriate temperature for storing probiotic strains is 2 to 4°C. In compliance with Codex Alimentarius Commission and AFSSA 2007-SA-0174 standards, the probiotic feed supplements analyzed are suitable for animal consumption.
Keywords: Probiotics, Bacteria, Feed supplements, Shelf life and temperatures.

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of unconventional forage mixtures, which include Mirasolia diversifolia (Md), Gliricidia sepium (Gs), Indigofera zoolingeriana (Iz), and palm concentrate (PC), as a substitute for company rations on the feeding, nutrient digestibility, dairy output, and quality of milk in Etawa mixed-breed dairy goats. The study was conducted using a design known as a completely randomized design, involving four distinct ration treatments and replicated four times. The research treatments were as follows: Treatment A served as the company’s feed management (60% company forage + 40% company concentrate (CC)), B (60% (Md+Gs) + 15% CC + 25% PC), C (60% (Gs+Iz) + 15% CC + 25% PC), D (60% (Md+Iz) + 15% CC + 25% PC). The parameters measured were ration consumption, nutrient digestibility, milk production and quality. The results showed an insignificant impact (P>0.05) on ration consumption, nutrient digestive efficiency, dairy output, and milk quality. In summary, this study concludes that the use of unconventional forage mixtures consisting of Mirasolia diversifolia, Gliricidia sepium, Indigofera zoolingeriana, and palm concentrate is able to replace company rations as seen in the parameters of consumption, nutrient digestibility, dairy output and milk quality of Etawa crossbreed dairy goat’s milk.
Keywords: Etawa crossbreed dairy goat, palm concentrate, milk, Mirasolia diversifolia, Gliricidia sepium, Indigofera zoolingeriana.

Abstract
Providing valuable fish species in aquaculture with high-quality feed is the main factor in reducing production costs and increasing the economic efficiency of fish farms. The costs associated with feed are the most expensive component of fish production. The main task of commercial trout farming is the cultivation of fish in the shortest possible time and with minimal costs. This paper investigates the effect of probiotic supplements based on lactic acid bacteria Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Wf-2, Limosilactobacillus pontis Wf-6, Lacticaseibacillus casei Wf-10, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Wf-20 and propionic acid bacteria Propionibacterium freudenreichii P-8 on the growth rates of young rainbow trout in aquaculture. The values of the indicators of cheap trout feed with the introduced probiotic supplement differed slightly, and their properties were not inferior to those of expensive feed. A significant reduction in the content of biogenic substances in the variant with a probiotic supplement was shown. The results of the study indicate the high efficiency and prospects of the use of probiotic preparations in the fattening of young trout in aquaculture.
Keywords: Aquaculture, Lactic acid bacteria, Probiotic supplements, Rainbow trout.

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of using ammoniated Cymbopogon nardus waste (ACNW) as a substitute for grass on growing male Ettawa Crossbreed dairy goats (ECDG). A total of eighteen male ECDGs aged between 24-30 months with a body weight of 26.4±1.01 kg were used in this study. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) which consisted of three treatments and six replication. Treatments were A=40% native grass+60% concentrate, B=30% native grass+10% ammoniated C. nardus waste (ACNW)+60% concentrate, and C=20% native grass+20% ACNW+60% concentrate. Parameters observed were nutrient intake, digestibility of nutrients, and body weight gain of ECDG. The results showed that the treatment did not have a different effect on nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients, body weight gain, and ration efficiency in male ECDGs that were given ammoniated C. nardus as a substitute for grass. Nutrient intake for each treatment were A=1.13kg/h/d, B=1.09kg/h/d, C=1.05kg/h/day. Digestibility of dry matter were A=77.85%, B=76.47%, C=76.46%. Daily weight gain were A=135g/d, B=122g/d, C=118g/d. The conclusion is the use of ammoniated C. nardus waste of up to 50 % as a grass substitute can be used for fattening Ettawa Crossbreed dairy goat.
Keywords: Ammoniated Cymbopogon nardus waste, Daily weight gain, Digestibility, Ettawa crossbreed dairy goat, Nutrient intake.

Abstract
The study focused on immunological responses to vaccines in laboratory rabbits. It aimed to explore the development and longevity of immunological memory. Two vaccine types, live attenuated and inactivated, were compared, specifically for myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease in rabbits. Following vaccination, animals exhibited a significantly higher antibody titer against inactivated viral hemorrhagic disease compared to live attenuated myxomatosis. The body’s primary response to viral pathogens involved an increase in segmented neutrophils, indicating cellular activation. Starting from days 7-14, serum antibody levels increased, peaking within the first month post-vaccination and declining within 9-12 months, dependent on the pathogen source. The rate of antibody increase was influenced by booster dose timing, with shorter intervals resulting in higher intensity antibody production. Overall, this research informs vaccination strategies and immunological memory.
Keywords: Rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease, Myxomatosis, Associated vaccine, Antigen, Antibody, Antibody titer.

Abstract
This mini-review is written to shed light on the syndrome of pica or depraved appetite in small ruminants, sheep, and goats. Contributing factors, clinical, laboratory, and postmortem findings, and control measures are discussed in detail. The condition is a special condition, whereby the diseased animal usually eats abnormal things such as bone, wood, hair, wool, sand, mud, cloth, plastics, robes, and many other objects. Sometimes, the animal may eat its feces. The condition is associated in many cases with a wide variety of dietary deficiencies. As a result of the abnormal appetite, the affected animal starts to lose body weight progressively depending on the acuteness and course of the syndrome. Other complications are watched by different field veterinarians such as toxicity lead poisoning botulism and obstruction of the esophagus and intestines that may be partial or complete. Several predisposing causes are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of this syndrome. Of these contributing etiologies is the shortage in protein, fibers, and some minerals such as cobalt, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, zinc, cobalt, iron, and copper. Chronic parasitism and ketosis are also important predisposing causes.
Keywords: Animal behavior, Body weight gain, Diet, Disease predisposition, Nutrition.

Abstract
The use of cassava peel in rations can be increased by reducing cyanide acid levels so that it is not dangerous for ruminants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutrients with the optimum chemical composition and nutrient digestibility of cassava peels treated by soaking in calcium hydroxide or Ca(OH)2. In the first step, cassava peels were soaked in Ca(OH)2 using various dosages (0, 0.25, and 0.50%) and soaking time (1, 2, and 3h). The factorial 3×3 randomized block design with three replications was used to perform this investigation. The second stage was an in vitro investigation to find out the nutrients’ digestibility. The results showed that there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the crude fiber content and a significant increase (P<0.05) in the nitrogen-free extract (NFE) content of cassava peel with increasing soaking time from 1-3h. There was a significantly different interaction (P<0.05) between calcium hydroxide dose and soaking time on the digestibility of nutrients: dry matter, organic matter, NFE, crude protein and crude fiber. In conclusion, the best soaking time to reduce crude fiber and increase nitrogen-free extract content was 3 hours, and the best nutrients digestibility was found in the treatment combination of 0.50% betel lime and 2h soaking time. Keywords: Betel lime, Cassava peel, Chemical composition, Digestibility, HCN.

Abstract
In articles and reports by researchers from different countries, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortus equi is often cited as the cause of abortion in mares. Here we report a clinical case of Salmonella isolated from an aborted mare fetus, and the results of its typing and examination of antibiotic resistance. Abortions were reported in a herd of local Jabe horses. Vaginal smears and internal organ (heart, spleen) samples of an aborted horse fetus from a farm in the Karaganda region were obtained. The mare aborted in the stage of deep pregnancy, and the fetus that formed had fur and hooves. Three different isolates were obtained and classified as Salmonella. The identical antimicrobial resistance pattern and sequencing type were seen in all three samples. The isolates were subsequently genotyped and found to be 100% identical to S. enterica subsp. enterica. Based on the results of bacteriological and molecular genetic analyses of cultures isolated from the samples, it was established that the cause of abortion in mares was an infection related to salmonella etiology and was caused by the pathogen S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis.
Keywords: Salmonella enterica, Isolate, Genotyping, Antibiotic resistance.

Abstract
Avian Influenza (AI) infection persists in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, Sylhet region. The presence of AI as natural infection in backyard chicken was recently carried out by one of our pilot studies using rapid antigen detection kit from cloacal swab sample. This study aimed at assessing sero-prevalence (antibody positivity) and associated risk factors of avian influenza (AI) infection in three locations of Sylhet region by observational epidemiological and questionnaire-based approach. A total of 282 individual back-yard chicken serum raised under free ranging or semi-intensive housing system; pooled to 156 household sample was subjected to serological examinations (ELISA and Hemagglutination inhibition test). Among the Univariate odds ratio of the risk factors and prevalence: feeding rice bran, poultry house location, mud house, bamboo house, Upazilas location and contact with wildlife variables result was significant. To be precise, our data shows a significant association of AI risk for poultry houses in yard rearing system (1.48-11.61% of 95% CI of OR). Also, seroprevalence was higher in backyard chicken encountered with wild birds (1.34-8.21 of 95% CI of OR). Surprisingly, mud Poultry house and feeding rice bran reduced AI seropositivity as a contributing risk factor (1.48-10.68% and 1.48-15.15% of 95% CI of OR, respectively) in backyard chicken. Based on our findings, an overall higher prevalence of 54.84 and 25.83% was observed from samples of Dakshin Surma and South Sunamganj upazila, respectively whereas the lowest prevalence of 25.83% was observed in Kanaighat upazila. Findings from this study merit that bird-level AI infection persists in the study location and associated risk factors or protective factors needs to be further assessed.
Keywords: Avian Influenza, Sero-prevalence, Risk factor, ELISA.

Abstract
A cluster of T-cell receptors includes activating and inhibitory stimulatory molecules that favorably or unfavorably control immune responses. Recent studies on chronic bovine infections have revealed that, under severe viral loads and malignant pathologies, stromal and immune cells increase the expression of immune inhibitory molecules. To maintain internal homeostasis, programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibit T cell activity. In chronic viral infections, the prolonged activation of T cells leads to the continuous production of PD-1 and CTLA-4. Blocking PD-1 and CTLA-4 is a successful therapeutic approach that is actively used in the treatment of oncological diseases. The effectiveness of this approach in the treatment of chronic viral infections, particularly those caused by bovine leukemia virus has been hypothesized. However, uncertainty surrounds these receptors’ function in persistent viral infections. This review focused on the functions of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in bovine leukemia virus and discusses disease therapies based on their blockade.
Keywords: Programmed cell death receptor-1, Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, T cell exhaustion, Chronic virology infection, Checkpoint inhibitor, Bovine leukemia virus.

Abstract
FSH? plays an important role in the reproductive performance of pigs, but there are no studies on its protein structure and function. In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to predict the physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structure, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, transmembrane domain, and sites of phosphorylation and glycosylation of signal peptide FSH? protein of sows. The results showed that the number of amino acids of FSH? was 185, that is, the theoretical isoelectric amino acid point was 53.8, the instability index was 46.23, and the average hydrophilicity coefficient was 0.732. FSH? protein was found to be a hydrophobic protein without a transmembrane domain, with 33 phosphorylation sites. None of the signal peptides was found to be distributed in the inner complete sequence. The secondary structure was mainly composed of ?-helix, extended strand, ?-turn, and random coil, with values of 29.97, 27.53, 10.10 and 32.40%, respectively. In summary, this study suggests that the amino acid sequence (988~1146aa) of FSH? can be used to express antigens. It provides a reliable basis for further study of FSH? protein function, purification of FSH? protein, preparation of FSH? antibody, and drug screening to improve reproductive performance of pigs.
Keywords: FSH?; pig; Reproductive performance.

Abstract
Cassava waste has the potential to be used as duck feed; however, there are limiting factors such as high crude fiber content (27.15%) and cyanide levels (300-500ppm). Therefore, feed processing technology is required, utilizing fermentation with cellulolytic and cyanolytic bacterial inoculants capable of degrading cellulose and cyanide. The isolation of bacteria was conducted from cassava waste, including leaves and skins, using the pour-plate method on selective media containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for cellulose degradation and potassium cyanide (KCN) for cyanide degradation. The selected bacteria showing clear zone activity on their respective selective media were further tested for cellulase and ?-glucosidase enzyme activity. Subsequently, morphological and biochemical tests were performed. The research results revealed that four isolates exhibited the ability to degrade cellulose and cyanide. These isolates were identified as HA1, HB2, HT3, and HT4, based on the clear zones they produced, which were converted into cellulolytic and cyanolytic indices. HA1 showed the highest degradation capability, with a cellulolytic index of HA1=2.08, HB2=1.89, HT3=1.75, and HT4=0.81, and a cyanolytic index of HA1=1.03, HB2=0.67, HT3=0.43, and HT4=0.81. Cellulase activity for each isolate was as follows: HA1=7.58U/mL, HB2=1.89U/mL, HT3=1.75U/mL, and HT4=0.81 U/mL, while ?-glucosidase activity was: HA1=0.78U/mL, HB2=0.95U/mL, HT3=0.81U/mL, and HT4=1.00U/mL. Biochemical and morphological tests confirmed that all four isolates were rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria (bacilli) with distinct strains for each. The strains of bacteria were Bascillus sp1, Bacillus sp2, Bacillus sp3 and Bacillus sp4.
Keywords: Cellulolytic, Cyanolytic, Cellulase, ?-glucosidase, Cassava Waste.

Abstract
Animals have been used for biomedical research since ancient times. Humane endpoints have been increasingly implemented during experimental protocols to prevent or alleviate animals’ suffering. Body temperature is an indicator of stress or anxiety. Infrared thermometer (IRT) and infrared thermal imaging camera (TIC) are commercially available for temperature measurement. This study aimed to determine mice and rats’ body temperature using IRT and TIC, and to establish a mathematical correlation between both approaches, to understand if it is possible to infer TIC readings from IRT readings in animals’ back and tail. Thirty Wistar rats (15 females and 15 males) and thirty FVB/n mice (15 females and 15 males) were used. The body temperature of each animal was measured for ten consecutive days using IRT (UT300) and TIC (FLIR E8, Model: E6390). The Root Mean Square metric was applied to obtain a measure of the degree of fitness. The model fit was validated using several metrics, with the Root Mean Square Error metric. TIC readings were 1.0 to 1.5ºC higher when compared with IRT readings (P<0.0001). The back temperature registered using IRT was higher in male rats when compared with female rats (P<0.0001). In mice, the tail temperature measured using IRT was slightly higher in females when compared with males (P<0.0001). We found that it is possible to fit, by linear regression, a straight line to the data, to obtain a linear transformation that allows inferring the TIC readings from the IRT readings, obviating the use of TIC readings. Keywords: Mice, Rats, Refinement, Temperature, Welfare.