The effects of lactation and ambient temperature on the body temperature of female Norway rats

Norway rat dams were placed in an ambient temperature of 4°C, 22°C, or 28°C. Body temperatures were recorded over a two hour period on three days; each female was observed on Day 4 and Day 10 of lactation and three days after lactation was stopped. Body temperatures were initially higher during lactation than after lactation had stopped. Dams were less able to maintain their body temperatures in the 28°C ambience on Day 4 of lactation than after...