The effect of boma-housing and long-acting tranquillizers on body temperature, physical activity and food intake of blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)

We investigated the effects of long-acting tranquillizers and boma-housing on body temperature (n=10n=10), physical activity (n=4n=4) and food intake (n=10n=10) in blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus).Core body temperature (°C) and activity (counts 5 min−1) were measured remotely and continuously by implanted data loggers. Haloperidol (20–30 mg), zuclopenthixol acetate (100 mg) and perphenazine enanthate (100 mg) were administered intramuscularly, in random order at 4-week intervals, to wildebeest in bomas.Boma-housing had minor effects on body temperature, but significantly reduced activity level (P<0.025P<0.025, ANOVA, n=4n=4) and altered the nychthemeral rhythm of activity.Long-acting tranquillizers did not adversely affect thermoregulation, activity or food intake in boma-housed wildebeest.