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This research aimed to investigate the influence of heavy metals on the reproductive health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) captured from two locations, Verinag (S1) and Panzath (S2). Sixty (n. 60) mature rainbow trout samples (30 from each site) with body weights ranging from 400 to 650 g were collected from Verinag hatchery, which was less polluted (S1), and Panzath hatchery, which was more polluted (S2). The findings revealed significant differences between the two sites, S1 (less polluted) and S2 (more polluted), as well as significant variations within the tissues. Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) were found to be highest in sampling water as well as in fish tissues sampled from S2 sites. Similarly, concerning S1 captured fishes, histopathological examination of testes from S2 captured fish was found. Testicular abnormalities that included disorganization of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of germ cells (sperm cells, spermatozoa), vacuolization, and large empty areas in the seminiferous epithelium were found. In testicular cells, the frequency of apoptotic cells collected from S2 water increased significantly (P 0.05). SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased in S1 captured fishes but decreased in S2 captured fishes. MDA levels gradually increased in S2 captured fish, and the degree of heavy metal stress was positively correlated (P 0.05). In male rainbow trout, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone levels increased substantially in S1 captured fishes. While the fatty acids of testes in S2 fishes decreased with respect to S1 fishes. In conclusion, S2 captured fish suffered more damage due to heavy metals including cellular damage, apoptosis, oxidative damage, and altered steroid hormones when compared to fish from S1 waters.

This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of Borago officinalis essential oil in the thermal oxidation of fish oil. The volatile compound profile of B. officinalis essential oil (BEO) was determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. As a result of the analysis, 97.27 percent of the volatile components of the product were characterized. The product’s major components were benzene acetaldehyde (28.59 percent) and linalool (13.60 percent). As a result of the free radical scavenging activity determined using 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) analysis, its antioxidant activity was determined, and a 50 percent inhibitory concentration value was calculated as 736.06 ppm. In order to determine the protective effect of the BEO on fish oil oxidation, 0% (BEO0), 0.1% (BEO0.1), 0.5% (BEO0.5), 1% (BEO1), and 3% (BEO3) ratios of BEO were added to the fish oil, and the experimental groups were kept at 70 °C for 24 h with continuous ventilation for the thermal oxidation process. As a result of the oxidation study, it was determined that the addition of BEO suppressed fish oil oxidation, and the oxidation radicals in the product decreased significantly (p < 0.05) depending on the BEO concentration. In conclusion, it was determined that 1 percent BEO supplementation minimized the oxidation of fish oil under various temperature and ventilation conditions.

In this study, circulating β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol concentrations were chosen as physiological markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress-related response in Therapeutic Riding Horses (TRHs). The aim of this research was to investigate HPA axis hormonal response in TRHs and check the effects of different kind of riders (mentally-impaired and able-minded riders). The main hypothesis was that, in TRHs, the HPA axis reaction would be less responsive to mentally-impaired than to able-minded riders, due to increasing levels of horse control by the able-minded riders. 6 TRHs were randomly ridden in the same setting by 2 groups of riders, adult mentally-impaired riders (Treatment Group A) and able-minded adult riders (Treatment Group B). Both groups consisted of inexperienced riders. Each rider rode 2 times a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The horses performed the same gaits and exercises at all sessions, with both Treatment Group A and Treatment Group B riders. All hormones’ concentrations were determined on a resting day (baseline, T0), before the session (T1), and at 5 min (T2) and 30 min (T3) after each session. Statistical analysis showed significant effects of the different Treatment Groups on the cortisol concentrations only, with lower cortisol concentrations both at T2 and at T3 in Treatment Group A than in Treatment Group B. Related to changes over the sampling time, ccortisol concentrations in horses were significantly higher at T1 than at T0 in Treatment Group A, and at T1, T2 and T3 than at T0, in Treatment Group B. ACTH concentrations were significantly higher at T1, T2 and T3 than at T0, only in Treatment Group B. β-endorphin concentrations at T3 were significantly higher than at T0, only in Treatment Group B. Results showed differences in the TRHs' stress levels between rider groups, with significantly lower cortisol concentrations in Treatment Group A than in Treatment Group B. Thus, although sessions’ workload stress was equivalent, the minor response of HPA axis could be related to different effects of horse-human interaction.

The purpose of this study was to compare the qualitative and quantitative changes of sperm viability of Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis mellifera siciliana stored at a steady room temperature of ...

We compared the effects of different feeding strategies on hormonal and oxidative stress biomarkers in guide dogs during specialized training programs. Eight neutered adult dogs belonging to the Labrador retriever breed were divided during the training work into two homogeneous groups for sex (2 males, 2 females), age (17 months ± 1), initial body weight (26.3 kg ± 1), and BCS (4.5 of 9 ± 0.11) and fed two commercial diets with different concentration of energetic nutrients. One diet was a performance diet (HPF) characterized by low-carbohydrate/high-protein and fat content (29:39:19% as-fed) and the other a normal maintenance diet (LPF), characterized by high-carbohydrate/low-protein and fat content (50:24:12% as-fed). The trial lasted 84 days. At days 0, 28, 56, and 84, 180 min before the training work (T0) and immediately after (T1) and after 120 min (T2), blood adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, d-ROMS (reactive oxygen metabolites–derived compounds), and BAP (biological antioxidant potential) were evaluated. Lactate was measured at T0 and T1. The statistical model included the effects of diet (HPF vs. LPF), time (from day 0 to day 84, end of the trial), and exercise (T0, T1, and T2) and their interaction. ACTH (P = 0.002) and cortisol (P = 0.013) showed higher values in the HPF than in the LPF group; there were no significant differences observed for lactate. Time showed no significant difference for any hormones or blood lactate. Exercise significantly (P < 0.001) influenced ACTH and cortisol concentrations, showing higher values at T1 than T0 and T2, and with lactate higher (P < 0.0001) at T1 than T0. Diet did not influence biomarkers of oxidative stress. Time did significantly (P < 0.05) influence BAP results but not d-ROMs. Exercise had no effect on BAP results, but d-ROMs were higher at T0 than T2 (P = 0.001). There was no interaction effect. The pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response and the oxidative stress indices could represent an objective method to identify optimal dietary protocols for creating a successful guide dog during the early training period.

Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies determination and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) forThe present research highlighted significant differences among infected and uninfected swine (control group) for both transcription profiles of some of the molecular factors considered and 17-β estradiol concentrations. Referring to the assessed hematological and biochemical parameters, no statistically significant differences were observed in infected swine compared to the control group.Our results contribute to the enrichment of data available about the subject and could be useful for a deeper knowledge of the interaction between this parasite and its hosts. However, more aspects are still unclear, such as the effective response of downstream molecules from the same pathways to the variation of factors observed in this study either assessing how the same factors respond to

This study examined how a standard exercise test (SET) affected (1) thyroid hormones (THs) of horses and (2) the relationship between the V

In social animals, recognizing conspecifics and distinguishing them from other animal species is certainly important. We hypothesize, as demonstrated in other species of ungulates, that horses are able to discriminate between the faces of conspecifics and the faces of other domestic species (cattle, sheep, donkeys and pigs). Our hypothesis was tested by studying inter-and intra-specific visual discrimination abilities in horses through a two-way instrumental conditioning task (discrimination and reversal learning), using two-dimensional images of faces as discriminative stimuli and food as a positive reward. Our results indicate that 8 out of 10 horses were able to distinguish between two-dimensional images of the faces of horses and images showing the faces of other species. A similar performance was obtained in the reversal task. The horses’ ability to learn by discrimination is therefore comparable to other ungulates. Horses also showed the ability to learn a reversal task. However, these results were obtained regardless of the images the tested horses were exposed to. We therefore conclude that horses can discriminate between two dimensional images of conspecifics and two dimensional images of different species, however in our study, they were not able to make further subcategories within each of the two categories. Despite the fact that two dimensional images of animals could be treated differently from two dimensional images of non-social stimuli, our results beg the question as to whether a two-dimensional image can replace the real animal in cognitive tests.

The aim was to compare temporarily together the changes occurred along the early pregnant and nonpregnant mares on the ovarian, adrenocortical, thyroid, and hematochemical profiles (total protein, glucose, albumin, complete blood count). Sixteen mares were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group of 10 mares submitted to artificial insemination, and the control group of six mares no submitted to insemination. The experimental group was analyzed after the human chorionic gonadotropin treatment (baseline = day 0), after the artificial insemination (T1), 24 hours after (T2), 15 days after (T3), and 30 days after (T4) the insemination; the control group was analyzed after placebo treatment (day 0), considering T1 the day after the placebo treatment and T2-T4 the time points after. An interaction between treatments and sampling time on estrogen (E2) (P

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the total content of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), cortisol, iron, and hemoglobin (Hb) in term and nursing mares. Twenty-four healthy mares, aged 7 ± 1.5 years, were examined. Eighteen pregnant mares were considered the observational group, and six nonpregnant mares were considered the control group, by random selection. Blood samples were taken at the 10 and 11 months of gestation and at 15 and 30 postpartum days for the observational group and in baseline condition for the control group. Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between peripartum, postpartum, and time points for GAGs (F = 34.75; P

To evaluate whether β-endorphin (β-END) is a reliable marker of stress in equines, the reference values and changes in different models of stress (exercise, transportation) have been considered. Baseline circulating β-END concentrations of horses showed seasonal and circadian fluctuations. Increased β-END concentrations were associated with the severity and type of exercise stress and were positively correlated with both exercise speed and intensity. Positive correlations between β-END or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were recorded after competitive and experimental jumping over different fence height, related to the emotional content of trials. In Standardbreds, an exercise effect on β-END changes during both training and competition emerged. In trained horses, after exercise with psychomotor disables, no β-END and ACTH changes were detected. After short road transport (100 km), concomitant variations in β-END and ACTH concentrations suggested the effect of loading and confinement. In experienced stallions, after simulated transport, higher β-END concentrations than basal, while lower concentrations than after conventional transport, were recorded. Positive correlations among β-END, ACTH, and cortisol changes in both conventional and simulated transport were observed. After a very short road transportation (50 km), no significant differences in β-END concentrations were recorded in experienced equines. Horses facing forward had significantly higher β-END concentrations than horses facing backward. It can be supposed that, in equines, β-END is released during the early stages of stress, so improving the hormonal cascade of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and β-END could facilitate the active coping strategies under stressful conditions and can be regarded as a precocious marker of stress.

In order to acquire a pattern of thyroid involvement in welfare maintenance in Ruminants and Equines, this review summarizes data concerning the reference values of total and free iodothyronines and their modifications in physiological conditions and in different management conditions (pregnancy, lactation, weaning, growth, isolation, restraint, shearing, confinement and transportation). Thyroidal and extrathyroidal tissues efficiently respond to management practices, giving a differentiated contribution to circulating iodothyronine changes. The hormonal response could be mainly attributed to the intracellular deiodination of T4 to T3. Triiodothyronine (T3) and free iodothyronines (fT3 and fT4) result more responsive to management stress, showing different pattern with species and to various conditions, as to environmental conditions in which activities are performed. Intrinsic seasonal changes of iodothyronines and a significant pregnancy effect for T3 were recorded in mares. Higher, although not significant, T3 and T4 concentrations in barren than pregnant mares were observed in donkeys. A positive significant correlation between T3 and T4 was described only in pregnant donkeys. Moreover, a significant effect of season on T3 and fT3 changes was observed both in pregnant and barren donkeys. A significant lactating effect compared with nonlactating stage for T3 and T4 was recorded in mares. In growing foals, body weight (BW) and age were positively correlated with T3 and negatively correlated with T4, fT4 and fT3. Weaning effects were shown for T3 and fT4 concentrations, indicating that weaning represents a severe stress and the presence of conspecific does not reduce psychological stress in this phase. Lambs showed significant decreased T3 and elevated T4 concentrations two weeks after weaning, with higher concentrations in both males and females compared to 24 h. Significant positive correlations were observed between BW and T4, fT3 and fT4 concentrations in lambs. A T3 decrease was detected after isolation, such as induced by confinement and weaning in lambs. Higher T3 concentration after restraint and shearing than after isolation and significant increases in T4, fT3 and fT4 values after restraint and shearing were recorded. The basal concentrations of fT3 in both the inexperienced and experienced transported horses were significantly higher than in untransported experienced horses. Moreover, increases of T3, T4 and fT4 after short road transportation, and significant correlations between T3 and rectal temperature (RT), body weight (BW) and heart rate (HR), confirmed their important role in coping strategy. Thyroid responsiveness to short transport is similar in domestic donkeys and horses, with a preferential release of T3 in horses. A greatest and constant release of T3 and T4, although differentiated, after simulated transportation and after conventional transport of horses confirmed that the degree of stress induced by confinement and additional stressful stimuli associated to road transportation could differently influence the iodothyronine release. Temperamental Limousin young beef bulls showed lower T4 and fT4 concentrations after prolonged transportation than calm subjects, and a concomitant decrease of circulating ACTH, cortisol, T3 and fT3 concentrations, probably induced by down regulation of HPA axis and cortisol negative feedback. These data reinforce the importance of taking into account the evaluation of iodothyronines, and notably of T3, as markers of welfare and stress and their role in ensuring energy homeostasis and productive and reproductive performances in Ruminants and Equines.

This review highlights the response of equine circulating total and free iodothyronines to exercise, as a peculiar stress model, during different competitive and noncompetitive sport activities. The interplay with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, using cortisol as modulator of physical and/or mental exercise demands, is regarded in terms of coping with energy homeostasis and interfering effects of stress on performance. Triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and free iodothyronines (fT 3 and fT 4 ) respond to exercise stress, showing specific patterns according to type and workload of exercise, as well as to environmental conditions. A dependence of T 3 and fT 3 changes on exercise-related variables (fence height and performance success) can be shown. General increases of T 3 and significant positive correlations between cortisol and T 3 changes have been recorded in sport activities requiring frequent transitions from anaerobic to aerobic metabolism for energy recruitment and specific motor abilities (show jumping, western riding events, gymkhana, trekking). During competition, significant decreases have been observed concerning T 3 , fT 3 , and fT 4, in jumpers, Standardbreds, and Thoroughbreds. In jumpers, negative correlations between β-endorphin and T 3 or fT 3 changes were found, while during noncompetitive show jumping, negative correlations were recorded between T 4 and adrenocorticotropin or β-endorphin changes. The influence of mental and emotional components of exercise stress could be supposed by considering repetitive physical activities (training programs or hippotherapy). Thus, a contribution of iodothyronines to exercise-stress coping can be proposed, with a differentiated pattern according to different sport activities. An interplay of iodothyronines with HPA axis hormones could be also suggested.

We tested the hypothesis that diet affects equine feeding behavior and that diet composition affects a shift in energy metabolism characterized by a wide range of neuroendocrine changes. We investigated the effects of training sessions on circulating serotonin (5-HT), tryptophan, and β-endorphin (β-EN) concentrations in horses to ascertain whether two different isoenergetic diets would affect this response. Thirty-six Dutch Warmblood horses were randomly distinguished in 18 horses fed with a low-fiber diet (LF) and 18 horses fed with a high-fiber diet (HF). The training session was represented by a medium-heavy exercise and consisted of 21 minutes/day of walk, 36 minutes/day of trot, 15 minutes/day of canter, for a total of 72 minutes/day. At the end of this session, a set exercise test was performed. There was a significant increase in plasma 5-HT ( P P

The evidence that androgens regulate the folliculogenesis supports the hypothesis that intrafollicular testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) could be modified along follicular growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes and related relationships between systemic and intrafollicular T, A4 and DHEA in post-deviation and impending ovulation follicles. Sixty ovaries were taken after the slaughter of 30 clinically healthy mares. In according to the sizes, the follicles were classified in 3 different categories, as small (20-30 mm), medium (31-40 mm) and large (≥ 41 mm), and the follicular fluid (FF) samplings were extracted from each single follicle. Intrafollicular concentrations of T, A4, and DHEA were significantly higher than systemic ones. Intrafollicular and systemic T and A4 concentrations were strongly and positively correlated, and DHEA negatively. A4 was the predominant androgen in FF. T and A4 were positively and DHEA negatively correlated with the follicular diameter. T and A4 significantly increased in large and medium than small follicle sizes. DHEA was significantly higher in small than medium and large follicle size. The increase of intrafollicular androgens suggests the presence of androgenic environment based in the biotransformation of DHEA in A4 and later in T in the follicles, and the progressive oestradiol-17β (E2) production with the advance of follicular growth. The evidence of significant correlations between systemic and intrafollicular androgens considerably helps to understanding more deeply the role of these steroids in the physiology of follicular development in the mare, adding a new segment of scientific literature.

The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the physiological pattern of steroid hormones and hematological profile during the estrus cycle of 10 lactating Ragusano jennies over a period of 29 days. The animals were analyzed in the preovulation days (−5, −4, −3, −2, −1), at the first ovulation (day 0), during the estrous cycle, and at the second ovulation (day 0*). Plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) were measured using the chemiluminescence assays, and total cortisol concentrations were measured using EIA kits; the complete blood count was analyzed using an automated cell count. A significant effect of time over 29 days for P4 ( P P P = .0001), and red blood cell ( P P P

The study investigated the effect of partial and complete separation after weaning on circulating serotonin, tryptophan, adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol concentrations of foals. Twenty Anglo-Arabian colts, aged 24 weeks, were submitted to partial or complete separation from their mother at the same time. The subjects were divided in two groups on the basis of different separation programs. Foals were randomly assigned to one of two groups based on different treatments: group A was designated as partial separation and included 10 colts; group B was designated as complete separation, and included other 10 colts. The foals were evaluated 21 days before separation (T0), at 10 min before separation (T1), and 30 min (T2), 24 h (T3), 48 h (T4), and 30 days (T5) after separation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant timing effect in group B for serotonin (P=0.002), tryptophan (P

The aim of the study was to assess the physiological reference values for systemic and intrafollicular placental growth factor (PlGF) concentrations in different categories of follicular sizes in cycling mares, according to progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) patterns. Sixty ovaries were taken after slaughter from 30 clinically healthy mares. Regarding their size, the follicles were classified into three different categories, i.e. small (20–30 mm), medium-sized (31–40 mm) and large (≥41 mm), and follicular fluid (FF) was sampled from each single follicle. Intrafollicular PlGF concentrations were significantly increased in larger and medium-sized follicles compared to small follicles, and their values were 1.48 and 1.36 times higher than the systemic values, respectively. On the other hand, systemic PlGF concentrations were 1.3 times higher than those in the FF of follicles of small size. Intrafollicular P4 concentrations were significantly higher in larger follicles than in small ones, and their concentrations were 6.74 and 3.42 times higher than the systemic values, respectively. Intrafollicular E2 concentrations were significantly higher in large and medium-sized follicles than in follicles of small size, and their concentrations were 21.1, 15.4 and 8.35 times higher than the systemic values, respectively. Intrafollicular and systemic PlGF concentrations were strongly and positively correlated; nevertheless, no correlations between intrafollicular and systemic steroid hormones, PlGF and follicle diameters, PlGF and E2, or PlGF and P4 were observed. This represents the first study to characterise systemic and intrafollicular PlGF concentrations in cycling normal mares, providing evidence that the bioavailability of this factor in follicles of medium and large sizes was higher than in small follicles, independently of steroid hormone concentrations. Further studies are needed to assess the presumable implications of PlGF in follicular angiogenesis in mares, similar to those already observed in women and primates.

Background and Aim: During the physiological growing, thyroid and proteoglycan glycosaminoglycan (GAG) changes dynamically occur, according to genetic and non-genetic factors. The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of early postnatal development (10 days) until 210 days of life on the triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), the relative T4:T3 ratio, and GAGs profile, and to define the different reference intervals of the calf's development through the various growing phases. Materials and Methods: The effect of growing on total thyroid hormones and GAG profiles was studied from 10 days to 210 days of age in 64 clinically healthy Brown calves, 30 males and 34 females. Blood samples were collected at 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days of age. Results: The results showed a significant effect of a calf's growth on T3, T4, and GAG values (p

Aim: The changes of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis response to a long distance transportation results in increase of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels. The purpose of the study was to quantify the level of short-term road transport stress on circulating ACTH and cortisol concentrations, related to the effect of previous handling and transport experience of horses. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 56 healthy horses after short-term road transport of 30 km. The horses were divided into four groups, Groups A, B, C, and D, with respect to the handling quality: Good (Groups A and B), bad (Group D), and minimal handling (Group C) conditions. According to the previous transport, experience horses were divided as follows: Horses of Groups A and D had been experienced long-distance transportation before; horses of Groups B and C had been limited experience of transportation. Results: One-way RM-ANOVA showed significant effects of transport on ACTH changes in Groups B and C and on cortisol changes in both Groups A and B. Groups A and B showed lower baseline ACTH and cortisol values than Groups C and D; Groups A and B showed lower post-transport ACTH values than Groups C and D. Groups A, B, and C showed lower post-transport cortisol values than Group D. Only Groups A and B horses have shown an adequate capacity of stress response to transportation. Conclusion: The previous transport experience and quality of handling could influence the HPA axis physiological responses of horses after short-term road transport.

The purpose of this study was to determine which physiological seasonal thyroid and lipid panel (triglyceride, [TG], total cholesterol, [tCho], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, [HDL Cho], LDL cholesterol, phospholipids, [PDs]) changes occur in 12 Thoroughbred pregnant and six nonpregnant mares over a period of 12 months, from April to March, by into account the lactation stage. Serum total triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits; the serum lipid panel was analyzed using the enzymatic colorimetric method. One-way ANOVA reported a significant effect of time over 12 months for T3 (F = 5.46; P < 0.001) and T4 (F = 3.98; P < 0.001), in both pregnant and nonpregnant mares, and for triglyceride (F = 2.57; P < 0.01), tCho (F = 2.32; P < 0.01), HDL Cho (F = 5.60; P < 0.0001), and PDs (F = 7.01; P < 0.0001) in pregnant mares. Two-way ANOVA repoted a significant lactating effect compared with nonlactating stage for T3 (F = 8.33; P = 0.006), T4 (F = 6.43; P = 0.003), tCho (F = 10.38; P = 0.0078), HDL Cho (F = 7.64; P = 0.020), and PDs (F = 5.07; P = 0.048). Thus, it appears that under similar environmental condition, nutrition regime, and management system, lactation stage plays a significant role in the seasonal thyroid and lipid profiles in Thoroughbred pregnant mares, with higher T3, T4, and PDs values, and lower tCho and HDL Cho in lactating than nonlactating mares. The physiological values obtained in this study may be used as additional resources to evaluate thyroid and lipid profiles in Thoroughbred pregnant and nonpregnant mares, generating a wished numbers of observation, especially when the additional breed and physiological conditions are considered.

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that might contribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence of housing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating the differences between housing systems, by taking account the different stabling time and sex. Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N= 61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N= 25, 13 females and 12 males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N= 12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups were spayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among

The objective of current study was to evaluate the effect of transportation stress on the circulating adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) responses of stallions, according to the different distances. Forty-two stallions were studied before and after road transportation of 100, 200 and 300km, for a period of 1-3h. An increase in plasma A after 100km (P0.001) was observed. A similar result was seen in plasma NA after 100km (P0.001), and 300km (P0.001). Increases in plasma DA after 100 and 200km (P0.0001) were observed, with a decrease after 300km (P0.0001). Significant interactions among groups and times for A (P0.0001), NA (P0.0006) and DA (P0.0001) changes were observed. These results indicate that the sympatho-adrenal system response of horses was greater after short (100km), than medium-longer period of transportation (200 and 300km). This may indicate an adaptation process during transport, considering A and NA as the primary candidate neurotransmitters for the maintenance of homeostatic process to alleviate the effects of the perceived transportation stress.

This study compares the circulating total (T 3 and T 4 ) and free (fT 3 and fT 4 ) iodothyronine levels in horses subjected to simulated and conventional road transportations. Eighteen healthy Sanfratellano stallions were used. Three different durations were compared (1, 2, and 3 hours) in both situations. Blood samples were collected 1 week before the experimental treatment, at rest in baseline conditions, at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00 AM; before loading and after 1, 2, and 3 hours of simulated transport, immediately after unloading; and 3 weeks later before loading and after transport of 50, 150, and 250 km, after unloading. Results showed higher T 3 values after 150 km ( P = .0314) and 250 km ( P = .0497) and higher T 4 values after 50 ( P = .0138), 150 ( P = .0169), and 250 km ( P = .0013) after conventional than simulated road transportation. From the obtained data, it is seems that total and free iodothyronines may be useful in assessing short-term transportation stress in horses.

Foaling is a crucial period in mares' life and their newborns, resulting in a number of physiological and behavioral challenges, which may have predictable effects on foal's welfare and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the patterns of circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and glucose concentrations in newborn foals born by full-term delivery, by taking into account the potential correlations with Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration (APGAR) scores. Newborn respiratory rate, rectal temperature, birth weight, time to stand up, time to suck, and allantochorion weight were also considered. Eight thoroughbred foals, 5 colts and 3 fillies, were assessed 20 minutes (T0) and 30 days (T1) after birth. One-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of time on ACTH ( P = 0.0024) and cortisol ( P = 0.003) concentrations, with the highest concentrations at T0. Significant positive correlations between ACTH and cortisol values at T0 (r = 0.67; P P P P

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) exert essential functions to maintain an adequate metabolic activity for correct placental and fetal development. Although fructosamine (FRUCT) is used in clinical evaluation to assess the glycaemic state, the relationships between GH, IGF-I and FRUCT remain unknown in the mare. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships among these parameters in pregnant mares. A total of 30 healthy Spanish Purebred mares, with an age range of 9.33 ± 3.31 years, were studied during the 11 months of gestation. Serum concentrations of GH, IGF-I and FRUCT were analyzed by EIA, competition ELISA and spectrophotometry, respectively. GH showed a biphasic pattern, the first occurred during 4th and 5th month and the second which was higher than the 1st one during the 7th, 8th and 9th month (P 0.05). Compared to the 1st month, the IGF-I concentrations increased in the 2nd month (P 0.05), decreased in the 3rd and 4th month and increased to reach the maximum average value in the 5th month (P 0.05); after slight oscillations between the 6th and 8th month, IGF-I concentrations increased in the 9th month (P 0.05), decreasing until the end of gestation. FRUCT increased progressively and significantly from the 6th month of gestation, reaching the maximum values in the last month of gestation (P 0.05). These results suggest that alternative mechanisms other than GH and IGF-I could be involved in the regulation of glycaemic metabolism in pregnant mare.

The aim of this study was to investigate the circulating adrenocorticotropin and cortisol changes in breeding stallions in response to road transport before and after the breeding season. Creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, and lactate dehydrogenase changes were also considered. Twenty-seven healthy stallions were studied before and after transport over a distance of 200 km, before and after the breeding season. On the basis of the number of mares covered per stallion during the breeding season, each stallion was assigned to 2 groups: 17 stallions with a poor score, mean: 7.71 ± 4.67 mares per horse (group A); 10 stallions with a good score, mean: 35.50 ± 10.66 mares per horse (group B). Increases in circulating adrenocorticotropin concentrations were found after the first trip for group A stallions ( P P P P

Weaning is a crucial period in the management of lambs, resulting in physiological and mental challenges, that may have prolonged effects on lamb's health and welfare.To evaluate the effect of weaning on total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3) and thyroxine (T4, fT4) concentrations in serum of lambs by enzyme immunoassay. Animal and methods: The study was performed on two groups of 17 clinically healthy Comisana cross-bred lambs (7 males and 10 females) with or without weaning at 10 weeks of age. Serum samples were collected at the age of 8 weeks, 24 h and 2 weeks after weaning in the experimental group and at similar times in the non-weaned control group. Enzyme immunoassay was performed. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance.Compared to control animals, weaned animals showed significantly decreased T3 and elevated T4 concentrations two weeks after weaning with higher concentrations in both males and females in contrast to 24 h after weaning. Body weight (BW) was significantly restored in both females (11% increase) and males (6%) two weeks after weaning as compared to 24 h after weaning. No gender effects were shown for total and free iodothyronine changes. Significant positive correlations were observed between BW and T4 concentrations in both females (r = 0.692) and males (r = 0.856), fT3 concentrations in males (r = 0.968) and fT4 concentrations in females (r = 0.862).Total iodothyronines could represent an indicator of their different metabolic activity with their magnitude altered two weeks following weaning.

Aim: To investigate the effects of training sessions on circulating β-endorphin changes in sport horses before and after competition and to ascertain whether competition would affect this response. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 trained jumping horses were randomly assigned to one of two training groups: Group A (competing) and Group B (not competing). To determined plasma β-endorphin concentrations, two pre- and post-competition training weeks at aerobic workout and two competitive show jumping event days at anaerobic workout were measured before, 5 and 30 min after exercise. Exercise intensity is described using lactate concentrations and heart rate. The circuit design, intensity, and duration of training sessions were the same for both groups. Results: In Group A, one-way analysis of variance for repeated measures (RM-ANOVA) showed significant effects of exercise on β-endorphin changes (F=14.41; p

In order to evaluate the effects of short transportation on β-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol changes, 12 healthy stallions of Equidae (Equus asinus and Equus caballus) were studied before and after transportation of 50 km. Blood samples were collected 1 week before transportation in basal conditions, immediately before loading and after transportation and unloading, on their arrival at the breeding station. Compared to basal and before values, donkeys showed an increase in circulating ACTH (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.0005) levels after transportation and higher ACTH (P < 0.01) levels than horses after transportation. A positive and significant correlation (r = 0.885; P < 0.01) between ACTH and cortisol levels after transportation was found. No significant differences were observed for β-endorphin levels. Compared to basal and before values, horses showed higher cortisol (P < 0.005) levels after transportation and no significant differences were observed for ACTH and β-endorphin levels in donkeys. Horses facing forward (direction of travel) showed higher (P < 0.01) β-endorphin levels after transportation than donkeys; horses facing backward (the opposite direction of travel) showed lower (P < 0.05) ACTH levels after transportation. The results indicate that short transportation induces a preferential activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-axis (HPA), with significant release of ACTH and cortisol in donkeys and only of cortisol in horses, suggesting that transportation for donkeys may be more stressful than horses.

Circulating β-endorphin, adrenocorticotropin, and cortisol concentrations were studied before and after competitive show jumping in 18 trained jumper horses aged between 11 and 13 years and having the same level of show experience. Horses were subjected to the same type of management and daily training exercise. Each horse had been ridden by the same rider during both the daily training exercise and show jumping event. All horses, randomly divided into three groups paired by gender, performed in three competition levels with the same circuit design over 10 fences, with 5 upright and 5 cross-pole fences, differing for the fence height: group I (n = 6), 1.10 m; group II (n = 6), 1.20 m; and group III (n = 6), 1.30 m. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of competitive exercise on β-endorphin and cortisol changes in all groups, whereas the effect of exercise on adrenocorticotropin changes was exclusively seen in groups II and III. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the effect of fence height was significant (P = .03), and time (P = .0001) also affected cortisol changes. These results suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response is different with respect to the different fence heights of jumping course and the different time points of the recovery period.

Several studies show the correlation between thyroid function and reproductive activity in horses, but no data are available in donkeys. The aim of this study was to determine physiological thyroid changes occurring in 10 pregnant and 14 barren donkeys over a period of 12 months. Blood samples were collected monthly from the jugular vein of pregnant and barren donkeys from June 2008 to June 2009. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in iodothyronine concentrations were observed between pregnant and barren donkeys in the same month. Seasonal total thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) patterns remained unmodified, regardless of physiological state, with the lowest T4 levels at September and the highest at February, and the lowest fT3 levels at June and the highest at July, in both pregnant and barren donkeys. Ranges of total triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in pregnant donkeys over a 12 months period ranged from 1.57 to 2.90 nmol/l, T4 from 31.01 to 63.67 nmol/l, fT3 from 3.15 to 15.52 pmol/l and free thyroxine (fT4) from 22.47 to 33.69 pmol/l. Mean T3 concentrations in barren donkeys over a 12 months period ranged from 1.64 to 3.37 nmol/l, T4 from 42.95 nmol/l and 61.90 nmol/l, fT3 from 3.15 to 11.19 pmol/l and fT4 from 25.46 to 35.06 pmol/l. This is the first study that provided a seasonal thyroid hormonal profile in healthy barren and pregnant donkeys.

The aim of the research was to evaluate whether a 6-week conventional training programme for Western riding and each exercise training session can induce any different effect on changes of cortisol, total and free iodothyronine and oestradiol-17β levels of mature Quarter Horses. Eighteen Quarter Horses aged 16–20 years (six stallions, six geldings and six mares; mean body weight: 510 ± 70 kg) were recruited according to the level of competition experience, age and pre-training status and were divided into two groups paired by gender: group A, control horses ( n = 9), and group B, trained horses ( n = 9). For 6 weeks, group B horses performed a 5 days per week conventional training programme for Western riding, including 1 day of specific exercise session to simulate the different competitive events. Over the 6-week training period, blood samples from horses were collected once a week immediately before, under resting conditions and 24 h post exercise session. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) showed a significant interaction between training and time for changes in triiodothyronine (T 3 ) ( P P 4 ) and free T 4 (fT 4 ) ( P 4 ( P A significant interaction between exercise session and time for T 4 ( P 4 ( P The results of this study might suggest the benefits of taking into account cortisol and iodothyronine changes to effectively monitor training in Quarter Horses.