Domestic animal endocrinology最新文献

{"title":"Backfat thickness at first insemination as a determinant of endocrine regulation of appetite during the gestation-lactation transition in primiparous gilt.","authors":"Rosa E Pérez, Gerardo Ordaz, Manuel López, Ruy Ortiz","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106997","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106997","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The gestation-lactation transition involves high metabolic demand, and backfat thickness (BFT) better reflects adiposity and endocrine function than body weight (BW). This study evaluated the relationships between body condition indicators (BFT and BW), daily feed intake (DFI), and metabolic and endocrine markers during the gestation-lactation transition in primiparous gilts. Metabolic and endocrine indicators of energy balance were assessed, and their associations with body condition and feed intake were analyzed using correlation analyses and regression models. Sows with greater BFT at first insemination exhibited lower DFI during lactation (3.1 vs. 4.2 kg; P < 0.05) compared with sows with lower BFT. At farrowing, these sows showed higher leptin concentrations (3.2 vs. 2.1 ng/mL; P < 0.01) and higher HOMA-IR values (5.5 vs. 3.6; P < 0.05), whereas ghrelin concentrations were lower (246.9 vs. 305.0 pg/mL; P < 0.05). In contrast, classification by BW had no significant effects on DFI or on the main endocrine indicators during lactation. BFT showed stronger associations with DFI (r = -0.47; P < 0.01) and leptin (r = 0.58; P < 0.001) than BW. Partial correlation analyses indicated that the DFI-leptin and DFI-ghrelin associations remained significant after adjustment for BFT, but not after adjustment for BW. Regression models confirmed a greater predictive capacity of BFT than BW for DFI during lactation. These results indicate that BFT is a physiologically more informative indicator than BW for assessing metabolic status and endocrine regulation of appetite during the gestation-lactation transition in primiparous gilts.</p>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"106997"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146124230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Winter shearing enhances basal and GnRH-stimulated testosterone secretion in rams.","authors":"Madeleine Guerrero-Gutierrez, Julia Giriboni, Danilo Fila, Livia Pinto-Santini, Aline Freitas-de-Melo, Rodolfo Ungerfeld","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106996","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rams typically show seasonal declines in reproductive activity, characterized by reduced LH pulsatility, testosterone secretion, and hormonal responsiveness during winter and early spring. The objectives of this study were to compare basal testosterone concentrations, testicular fluid content, testicular artery blood flow, and scrotal temperature in rams that were or were not sheared in winter, and to evaluate their response to a GnRH challenge. Eleven adult Corriedale rams were sheared in August (winter in the Southern Hemisphere), while another 11 rams remained non-sheared. Sheared rams showed higher basal testosterone levels (P = 0.03) and a greater testosterone response to a GnRH challenge 14 days after shearing (P = 0.04). Maximum scrotal temperatures on the days following shearing and after the GnRH challenge were similar between groups. Regarding testicular blood flow, systolic velocity (SV) and diastolic velocity (DV) varied with time, and were higher in sheared rams than in non-sheared rams. Following the GnRH challenge, SV, pixel intensity, and resistance index (RI) also varied over time and were lower in sheared rams than in non-sheared rams. Other testicular flow variables were not affected by shearing or by the GnRH challenge. This study demonstrated that winter shearing induces a sustained increase in testosterone secretion in rams, persisting for at least 2 weeks. Sheared rams also presented an enhanced testosterone secretion after a GnRH challenge applied two weeks after shearing. Testicular thermoregulation does not appear to explain these effects, as scrotal temperature remained unchanged after shearing despite exposure to cold environmental conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"106996"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146141328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postnatal but not prenatal exposure to artificial long days enhances growth and IGF-1 secretion in goat kids","authors":"Manuel J. Flores ,&nbsp;Ricardo Avilés ,&nbsp;Horacio Hernández ,&nbsp;Leonardo I. Vélez ,&nbsp;Oscar G. Barrón ,&nbsp;Venancio Cuevas-Reyes ,&nbsp;Luisa E.S. Hernández-Arteaga ,&nbsp;Juan M. Vázquez-García ,&nbsp;Cesar A. Rosales-Nieto","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under long-day conditions, melatonin secretion is suppressed, leading to enhanced growth, partly through the upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). During gestation, photoperiodic information is transmitted in utero to goat fetuses through the maternal melatonin rhythm. However, whether maternal photoperiodic cues influence fetal or neonatal growth or milk composition in goats remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to artificial long days, either prenatally and/or postnatally, would increase birth weight and postnatal growth in goat kids compared with a natural photoperiod. During the fall, pregnant goats (n = 18) were allocated by body weight (54.6±1.0 kg) and body condition score (2.5 ± 0.1) and were exposed to artificial long days (16 h light: 8 h dark) for 30 days before parturition, while controls (n = 40) remained under natural daylength. After birth, kids from long-day–treated dams continued under long days until 30 days of age. Kids from control dams were assigned to one of two treatments: (i) continued exposure to the natural photoperiod, or (ii) transfer to artificial long days starting at 4 days of age. Body weight and milk samples were recorded weekly, and blood samples were collected for IGF-1 quantification. Each animal was considered an experimental unit, and the data were analyzed using mixed models and repeated measures of SAS. Gestational long-day exposure did not influence birth weight, but pre-natal and/or postnatal photoperiod treatment significantly increased offspring’s daily weight gain (P &lt; 0.001) and weaning weight (P &lt; 0.05). Artificial long-day exposure also elevated circulating IGF-1 concentrations (P &lt; 0.01), which were positively correlated with both daily weight gain (r = 0.56, P &lt; 0.05) and weaning weight (r = 0.57, P &lt; 0.05). Milk components (fat, protein, and lactose) did not differ between treatments (P &gt; 0.05). These findings demonstrate that continuous long-day exposure (pre-natal and postnatal) or postnatal to artificial long days accelerates growth in fall-born goat kids, representing a practical management strategy for producers. Nevertheless, continuous long-day exposure does not confer additional benefits beyond postnatal treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106995"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146050905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elevated anti-müllerian hormone concentrations in blood serum of dogs with oligozoospermia or azoospermia","authors":"Beate Walter ,&nbsp;Jessica Cremer ,&nbsp;Laura Meder ,&nbsp;Eva-Maria Bauer ,&nbsp;Sven Reese ,&nbsp;Christiane Otzdorff","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reduced semen quality such as oligozoospermia or azoospermia is a frequent reason for subfertility in dogs. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), produced by Sertoli cells, is known to play a role in spermatogenesis. Elevated serum AMH concentrations have been reported in dogs with Deslorelin-induced testicular atrophy resulting in azoospermia. This led us to hypothesize that congenital or acquired oligozoospermia or azoospermia often due to testicular degeneration or atrophy may also result in increased AMH serum levels, and that AMH could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker. The study included 14 dogs diagnosed with oligo- or azoospermia and twenty-nine proven sires served as controls. All dogs underwent a physical and andrological examination, semen evaluation, and blood collection for serum AMH measurement. In the dogs with oligo- or azoospermia, a testicular ultrasound was undertaken, and in twelve serum testosterone was measured. Additionally, pathohistological examination following castration was carried out in four dogs, and in two of these, immunohistochemical analysis using anti-AMH antibodies was performed. Serum AMH concentrations in dogs with oligo- or azoospermia were significantly higher than in the control group (p &lt; 0.001, power: 99.98 %), with no overlap in values. These results suggest that oligo- or azoospermia in dogs goes along with an increase in serum AMH concentration, comparable to other testicular disorders such as Sertoli cell tumors or cryptorchidism from which it has to be distinguished.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106994"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145972888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate as a potential biomarker for assessing the etiology of canine naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome","authors":"Inês Oliveira ,&nbsp;Patrícia Marques ,&nbsp;Francesca Del Baldo ,&nbsp;Mariachiara Re ,&nbsp;Luísa Mateus ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Oliveira Leal","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is usually caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a functional adrenocortical tumor (adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism; ADH). Although endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (eACTH) measurement combined with imaging tests is one of the most reliable methods for differentiating PDH from ADH, it has some limitations. In humans, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels may help determine CS etiology. This study aimed to assess the role of DHEAS concentrations in differentiating PDH from ADH in dogs and correlate DHEAS and eACTH concentrations. A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, including dogs diagnosed with CS. They were divided into groups according to suspected CS etiology, sex and neutered status. A total of 38 dogs were included; 33/38 (87 %) were classified as having PDH and 5/38 (13 %) ADH. There were 19 females and 19 males, of which 16 and 9 were neutered, respectively. Median DHEAS concentrations were significantly higher in intact males (2.45 ng/mL; interquartile range 1.02-7.80 ng/mL) than in neutered males (0.68 ng/mL; interquartile range 0.42-2.03 ng/mL; <em>p</em> = 0.017). Females showed a positive correlation between DHEAS and eACTH levels (<em>r</em> = 0.588; <em>p</em> = 0.008). There were no significant differences in DHEAS concentrations between PDH and ADH (<em>p</em> = 0.645). Moreover, ROC curve analysis demonstrated poor ability of DHEAS to differentiate PDH from ADH (AUC 0.430). In conclusion, DHEAS does not appear to be a relevant biomarker for determining CS etiology in dogs and ACTH may not be a major driver for its synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106993"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145833447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HDAC5 mediates the regulation of muscle-derived interleukin 6 on the differentiation of porcine intramuscular pre-adipocytes","authors":"Weimin Lin,&nbsp;Hongbing Song,&nbsp;Chongfan Du,&nbsp;Jing Wang,&nbsp;Xiaohan Zhang,&nbsp;Chu Yang,&nbsp;Tianfang Xiao,&nbsp;Ruiyi Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is a critical determinant of pork quality, with pre-adipocyte differentiation serving as a pivotal regulatory process. Although muscle-derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) is recognized for its role in promoting lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, the epigenetic mechanisms governing its regulation remain poorly characterized. This study elucidates the epigenetic regulation of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) on muscle-derived IL-6 transcription and secretion, and its consequent effects on porcine IMF deposition. Western blot (WB) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses demonstrated that elevated IL-6 expression in the porcine longissimus dorsi muscle was negatively correlated with IMF content. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR and adipogenic induction assays revealed that HDAC5 suppresses IL-6 transcription and secretion, thereby enhancing intramuscular pre-adipocyte differentiation. Through co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual-luciferase reporter assays, and differentiation induction experiments, we identified a functional interaction between HDAC5 and myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). Mechanistically, MEF2A binds to the IL-6 promoter to activate its transcription and secretion, which subsequently inhibits pre-adipocyte differentiation. Dual-interference assays further confirmed that HDAC5 regulates IL-6 expression by directly binding to and repressing MEF2A activity, ultimately modulating IMF deposition. These findings uncover a novel epigenetic pathway through which HDAC5 governs muscle-derived IL-6 to regulate pre-adipocyte differentiation and IMF accumulation in pigs, offering critical molecular insights for strategies aimed at optimizing pork quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106992"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145721754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional luteal tissue formation and progesterone production following preovulatory follicle aspiration and follicular cell restoration in ewes","authors":"Renan Denadai ,&nbsp;Fernanda Fagali Franchi ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Garcia ,&nbsp;Leticia Cristina Salgado ,&nbsp;Nuno Emanuel Oliveira Figueiredo Silva ,&nbsp;Yeda Fumie Watanabe ,&nbsp;Paula Barreto da Rocha ,&nbsp;Eunice Oba ,&nbsp;John Patrick Kastelic ,&nbsp;João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira ,&nbsp;Sony Dimas Bicudo","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective was to monitor corpus luteum (CL) development after preovulatory follicle aspiration, with or without intrafollicular autologous follicular cell restoration. Eighteen ewes were synchronized by inserting an intravaginal pessary with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate on day -16, inducing luteolysis with cloprostenol (140 µg, im) on day -12, followed by pessary withdrawal and equine chorionic gonadotropin (400 IU, im) on day -2. Forty-eight hours later, ewes were assigned to Control (CO; n = 5), Laparoscopic aspiration (LA; n = 6), or Laparoscopic aspiration + follicular cell restoration (FCR; n = 7) treatments. Daily ultrasonography assessed the largest individual CL cross-sectional area (CLA) and total luteal sectional area (TLA), and blood samples were collected every 48 h to assess plasma progesterone concentrations. Luteal formation was observed in all ewes. However, the LA group exhibited a higher number of CLs compared to the CO group (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Nevertheless, neither CO nor LA differed from the FCR group (1.4 ± 0.2; <em>P</em> = 0.10 and <em>P</em> = 0.60, respectively). In addition, TLA values were similar among the CO, LA, and FCR groups (0.8 ± 0.04, 0.9 ± 0.05, and 1.0 ± 0.05 cm², respectively; <em>P</em> = 0.50) and plasma progesterone concentrations did not differ significantly (4.0 ± 0.31, 3.7 ± 0.30, and 2.9 ± 0.30 ng/mL, respectively; <em>P</em> = 0.30). In conclusion, preovulatory follicle aspiration induces luteal tissue formation, which, with or without intrafollicular autologous follicular cell restoration, results in functional CL capable of producing progesterone levels consistent with those normally observed during the estrous cycle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106991"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145734111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot study of β-endorphin concentrations in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction using a newly validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay","authors":"N. Fouché ,&nbsp;J. Howard ,&nbsp;V. Gerber ,&nbsp;P. Billmann ,&nbsp;M. Farinha do Sul ,&nbsp;G. Christen ,&nbsp;R. Bruckmaier ,&nbsp;C. Philipona ,&nbsp;N. Besuchet Schmutz ,&nbsp;J. Gross","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106982","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>β-endorphin, a proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide secreted by pars intermedia melanotropes, may play a significant but underexplored role in pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) pathophysiology and diagnosis. This study aimed to (1) validate a commercially available human β-endorphin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for equine samples, and (2) compare β-endorphin concentrations between horses with PPID and healthy controls. Assay validation included the generation of standard curves using purified synthetic equine β-endorphin and human β-endorphin standards, with both curves showing full parallelism. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were determined by measuring 37 equine serum samples in duplicate on a single plate and five serum samples across seven different plates. The intra-assay CV was 11.3 % for standards and 5.3 % for equine samples, whereas the inter-assay CV was 6.9 % for standards and 15.6 % for equine samples. Plasma β-endorphin concentrations remained stable over 24 hours regardless of centrifugation timing, storage temperature, or duration. β-endorphin concentrations were determined in five horses with PPID and 20 healthy aged controls. Horses in the PPID group had significantly higher β-endorphin concentrations (median, 506 pg/mL; IQR, 213–762) compared to horses in the control group (median, 35 pg/mL; IQR, 16–55) (P &lt; 0.001). This study may serve as a basis for further research on the role of β-endorphin in horses, particularly in horses with PPID.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106982"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of different trace mineral supplementation strategies on performance, feeding behavior, health, carcass quality, and profitability of mineral deficient receiving steers","authors":"Tevan J. Brady ,&nbsp;Ryan Feuz ,&nbsp;Caleb C. Reichhardt ,&nbsp;Laura A. Motsinger ,&nbsp;Nikole E. Ineck ,&nbsp;Reganne K. Briggs ,&nbsp;Lillian L. Okamoto ,&nbsp;Ian Sroufe ,&nbsp;John Ferry ,&nbsp;Marcus McGee ,&nbsp;Brett R. Bowman ,&nbsp;Matthew D. Garcia ,&nbsp;Ryan Larsen ,&nbsp;E. Bart Tarbet ,&nbsp;Kerry A. Rood ,&nbsp;Kara J. Thornton","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research aimed to determine best practices when receiving mineral deficient cattle. To do this, forty steers were stratified by initial weight and liver mineral status into one of four treatments: no mineral supplementation (CON; <em>n</em>=10), oral supplementation of mineral at concentrations similar to NASEM requirements (AM; <em>n</em>=10), oral supplementation of minerals above NASEM requirements (HM; <em>n</em>=10), or a MultiMin® injection at labeled dose (MM; <em>n</em>=10) for the first 40 d of the receiving period. Treatments were only given for the first 40 d to determine best practices for beef producers to follow to regain sufficient mineral concentration when receiving mineral deficient calves. All steers received the same ration in covered pens with Vytelle® bunks. Standing liver biopsies were collected on d 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 and analyzed for mineral content. Feedlot performance (average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed) was recorded. After the trial, steers were harvested commercially and carcass data was obtained. There were no treatment differences (<em>P&gt;0.10</em>) in feedlot performance, carcass traits or cost of gain. When analyzed over time, HM increased (<em>P&lt;0.001</em>) liver copper and selenium compared to all other treatments, but did not alter (<em>P&gt;0.10</em>) manganese or zinc. Steers in the HM treatment had an increased (<em>P&lt;0.05</em>) number and time duration of bunk visits/feed bouts, and had decreased (<em>P&lt;0.05</em>) consumption per bunk visit/feed bout and time with their head down per bunk visit/feed bout compared to other treatments. No effects (<em>P&gt;0.10</em>) of treatment were seen on bovine herpes virus or bovine parainfluenza virus 3 antibody titers. These data indicate that different mineral supplementation strategies don’t affect performance or health, but may impact feeding behavior and liver mineral concentrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106981"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of castration on growth performance and pineal gland function of Hu sheep","authors":"Wanhong Li,&nbsp;Haiyu Ma,&nbsp;Peidi Zhao,&nbsp;Xiuxiu Weng","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106980","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106980","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Castration, as a veterinary procedure, can enhance carcass quality, significantly influencing the development of male animals. This study aimed to assess the effect of castration on growth performance and pineal gland function in Hu sheep lambs. Six healthy male <em>Hu</em> sheep were selected and randomly assigned to two groups. Three lambs underwent castration at 3 days of age (CAS), whereas the control group (CK) remained uncastrated. All lambs were housed indoors. Results indicated that the CAS group's body weight was significantly lower than that of the CK group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). However, the feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in the CAS group than in the CK group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Serum testosterone, growth hormone and melatonin levels in the CK group were significantly elevated compared with those in the CAS group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Pineal glands were harvested for RNA sequencing, which revealed 537 differentially expressed genes in the CAS group compared with CK, comprising 174 upregulated and 363 downregulated genes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis highlighted significant enrichment in the neural ligand–receptor interactions, and autoimmune thyroid disease. The results demonstrated that castration could significantly influence the growth and development of lambs and affect the function of the pineal gland.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 106980"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145620489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}