I want to determine the body temperature in mice. I use for this a rectal probe and measure the temperature at a 'depth' of 2cm, after 6 hours of fasting. However, I measure big differences (more than 1°C) between different time points within the same mice. Sometimes even if the interval is no more than 10min.
Does anyone have experience herein? Does the fasting interfere with the measurement, or is it stress related? How can I avoid this? What is the best way of measuring body temperature with a rectal probe?
Thank you,