Surgical implantation and evaluation of heart rate transmitters in captive bighorn sheep.
A surgical approach was developed for implantation of transmitters to monitor heart rate of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) with an objective of discrete long-term, long-range data collection. We surgically implanted Telonics model HR400 transmitters on the dorsolateral thorax of 15 captive adult bighorn sheep ewes in April-May and October-November 1995. No complications or marked impairment of function were associated with the surgery; however, a transmitter was passively expelled from one ewe 19.5 mo post-implantation. Twelve of 15 transmitters remained functional > or = 1 yr, while three failed 3.5 to 4.5 mo following implantation. Heart rate data collected from the transmitters using a Lotek SRX_400 telemetry receiver/datalogger equipped with W9 EVENT_LOG accurately reflected heart rate as measured with electrocardiogram tracings. Line of sight signal range was at least 800 m in 95% (37/39) of collections made from standing ewes, while data could be collected reliably (74%; 29/39) to 600 m from bedded ewes. When a reliable long-lasting inconspicuous telemetry system is required, we believe that this approach holds promise for success in free-ranging as well as captive ungulates.
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins 80526, USA. margaret.wild@state.co.us
M A
MA
Wild
D L
DL
Piermattei
R B
RB
Heath
D L
DL
Baker
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000502:physiology*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000662:veterinary*; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013686:Telemetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*