Domestic animal endocrinology最新文献

{"title":"Changes in the expression pattern of genes affecting the growth and development of mammary tissue in pregnant Saanen goats in response to dietary fats","authors":"Reza Masoudi ,&nbsp;Nader Asadzadeh ,&nbsp;Hasan Sadeghipanah ,&nbsp;Hamid Reza Seyedabadi ,&nbsp;Saeed Smaeilkhanian ,&nbsp;Mohammad Hossein Banabazi ,&nbsp;Alireza Ebadi Tabrizi ,&nbsp;Hoda Javaheri Barfourooshi","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106943","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106943","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The period from mid-pregnancy to term is a pivotal phase for the growth and development of the mammary glands. Diets containing unsaturated fat may also influence this process.</div><div>This study examined the effects of saturated and unsaturated fat supplements on mammary gland growth in Saanen goats. Forty goats were divided into four groups: C- (negative control, no added fat), <em>C</em>+ (positive control, saturated palm oil), SB (Omega-6, roasted soybean), and FS (Omega-3, extruded flaxseed). Blood parameters, histological data, and the expression of genes related to mammary tissue growth and apoptosis were examined. Our findings showed that the C- group had the highest (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) serum insulin and lowest (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) serum triglyceride concentrations compared with the other groups. Serum cortisol concentration was lower (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) in the <em>C</em>+ group than in the C- and SB groups. Blood glucose concentration was lower (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) in the FS group compared to the C- and <em>C</em>+ groups. The total serum cholesterol concentration was lower (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) in the C- group than in the <em>C</em>+ and SB groups. The percentage of epithelial cells was higher (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) in the FS group, while the percentage of stroma was higher in the <em>C</em>+ group. Additionally, the SB group's alveolar, epithelial, and luminal areas were higher (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) than those in the other groups. The expression of the Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 <em>(IGFBP-5)</em> was the highest for the FS group (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05). However, the expression of Insulin-like growth factor-I, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (<em>IGFBP-3</em>), Bcl-2 associated X protein (<em>Bax</em>), B-cell lymphoma-2 (<em>Bcl-2</em>), Tumor necrosis factor-α (<em>TNF-α</em>), and the <em>Bax/Bcl-2</em> ratio did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, providing goats with flaxseed during mid-pregnancy can promote mammary epithelial cell growth and development, prolong the lifespan, delay apoptosis, and sustain milk production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106943"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143816830","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":"Effect of selenium and zinc nanoparticles supplementations on testicular blood flow, semen, and reproductive hormones in Egyptian native goats subjected to ambient heat stress","authors":"Mohammed S. NasrEldeen ,&nbsp;Refaat S.A. Ragab ,&nbsp;Amal M. Aboelmaaty ,&nbsp;Eltaher M. Saudi","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For exploring the protective effects of selenium (SeNPs) and zinc (ZnNP) nanoparticles on testicular blood flow, morphometry, oxidants-antioxidant status, reproductive hormones, and blood biochemicals of goats subjected to heat stress, bucks (<em>n</em>=15) were equally divided into control, ZnNP (50.0 mg/animal), and SeNPs (0.57 mg/animal) groups. Bucks were supplemented daily for seven weeks during summer. The testicular artery diameter, PSV, EDV, TAMV, Mean V, RI, PI, BFV, testicle length, width, height, epididymal length, and width were determined. Blood samples were collected for measuring LH, testosterone and estradiol, zinc, selenium, NO, MDA, SOD, TAC, CAT, total proteins, albumin, AST, and ALT. Results indicated that testicular volume, mediastinum testes, height, epididymal tail length, and width increased (P&lt;0.0001) in animals supplemented with ZnNPs. Testicular (P&lt;0.05) and epididymal tail (P&lt;0.01) width increased during the supplementation. SeNPs and ZnNPs decreased (P&lt;0.0001) the testicular artery diameter and increased PSV (P&lt;0.05), and V Mean (P&lt;0.01). ZnNPs increased TAMV (P&lt;0.05) and BFV (P&lt;0.01). RI (P&lt;0.01), PI (P&lt;0.05), and BFV (P&lt;0.01) decreased after withdrawing supplementation associated with increased (P&lt;0.05) testicular artery diameter. Sperm mass and individual motility, live sperm %, sperm cell concentration, and SPMI Improved (P&lt;0.0001) in ZnNPs and SeNPs groups during and after the supplementation. ZnNPs and SeNPs decreased CAT (P&lt;0.0001) and testosterone with increasing SOD (P&lt;0.05), globulin, and ALT. SeNPs increased (P&lt;0.0001) estradiol and LH. In conclusion, ZnNPs or SeNPs improved the semen parameters during heat stress by modulating testicular blood flow, testicular thermoregulatory mechanism, and antioxidant status, proving nontoxic to the liver and kidneys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106941"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681731","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":"Current understanding of insulin dysregulation and its relationship with carbohydrate and protein metabolism in horses","authors":"C.M.M. Loos ,&nbsp;K.L. Urschel","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106940","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106940","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Insulin dysregulation (ID) is a common metabolic disorder in horses, characterized by hyperinsulinemia and/or peripheral insulin resistance. The critical role of hyperinsulinemia in endocrinopathic laminitis has driven research into the insulinotropic effects of dietary nutrients and the reciprocal impact of ID on nutrient metabolism. The relationship between ID and carbohydrate metabolism has been extensively studied; however, the effects of ID on protein metabolism in horses remain largely unexplored. This review begins with an overview of the importance of insulin in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis and degradation and then examines the current understanding of the interplay between ID and protein and carbohydrate metabolism in horses. Horses with ID exhibit altered resting plasma amino acid concentrations and shifts in postprandial amino acid dynamics. Recent work illustrated that ID horses had higher levels of plasma amino acids following a protein meal and delayed postprandial clearance from the blood compared to non-ID horses. The postprandial muscle synthetic response does not seem to be diminished in ID horses, but alterations in key cellular signaling molecules have been reported. ID horses display a pronounced hyperinsulinemic response following the consumption of feeds providing a range of protein, non-structural carbohydrate, starch and water-soluble carbohydrate intakes. Recent studies have shown that ID horses have an increased postprandial incretin response, contributing to the observed hyperinsulinemia. To minimize the postprandial insulin response, thresholds for carbohydrate consumption have recently been proposed. Similar thresholds should be established for protein to aid in the refinement of nutritional strategies to manage ID horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106940"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601769","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":"Effectors and predictors of conceptus survival in cattle: What is next?","authors":"Mario Binelli ,&nbsp;Maria Camila Lopez-Duarte ,&nbsp;Angela Gonella-Diaza ,&nbsp;Felipe A.C.C. Silva ,&nbsp;Guilherme Pugliesi ,&nbsp;Thiago Martins ,&nbsp;Cecilia Constantino Rocha","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In cattle, the physiological process of switching from cycling to pregnant is complex. Ultimately, that process relies on endometrial luminal epithelial cells and is based on the paracrine context of the uterine lumen. Cells either release luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2 alpha to keep the animal cycling or respond to cues released by the elongated conceptus that block prostaglandin F2 alpha pulses to maintain luteal function and pregnancy. That process, however, is highly regulated and subjected to error that occurs in every 30 to 40 % of attempted bovine pregnancies. This review addresses novel aspects of endometrial cell function, luteal function, intraluminal endometrial-trophoblast communication, heat stress, and artificial intelligence as effectors, predictors, and tools to be explored and employed to reduce pregnancy loss.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106939"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579643","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":"Insights into improving embryo survival in sheep","authors":"Karen L. Reader ,&nbsp;Jennifer L. Juengel","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In sheep, embryo loss reduces farm profitability and increases the environmental footprint per kg of sheep meat produced. Additionally, improving embryo survival in assisted reproductive technologies is critical for accelerating genetic gain. However, embryo loss remains hidden, and thus often unrecognized, and our ability to improve embryo survival is limited. To reduce embryo loss, we need to first understand when the loss is occurring during gestation and then delineate the mechanisms that result in failure of the embryo to survive. It is only through using this knowledge that we will be able to improve embryo survival and thereby improve farm profitability and environmental credentials. This review will focus on understanding the role that embryo survival may play in optimizing farm productivity and factors influencing embryo survival in sheep. We present insights gained from both in vivo and in vitro experiments, focusing on the role of steroids and the immune system. We highlight potential new approaches to improving farm productivity within a reduced environmental footprint and key areas of research where additional knowledge may lead to new interventions to improve embryo survival.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106938"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the relationship between plasma and salivary levels of oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol in beagles: A preliminary study","authors":"Youngwook Jung ,&nbsp;Kayoung Yang ,&nbsp;Minjung Yoon","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106937","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol are widely used as biomarkers to assess the temperament or emotional state of dogs. Typically, these levels are measured in blood; however, this invasive procedure can induce acute pain and stress. Considering the welfare of dogs, it is necessary to replace these procedures with noninvasive methods. Saliva sampling has emerged as a promising, noninvasive alternative for measuring hormonal levels. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether saliva samples accurately reflect plasma hormonal levels in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlations of oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol levels between plasma and saliva samples. We simultaneously collected blood and saliva samples from fifteen beagles, aged six, including eleven females and four sterilized males. Due to the limited availability of saliva samples, each analysis was performed on 5–11 dogs. Hormonal levels were quantified using commercial ELISA kits. Linear regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Our findings revealed no significant correlation between oxytocin or vasopressin levels in the plasma and salivary samples. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between cortisol levels in plasma and saliva samples. Additionally, oxytocin and vasopressin levels were positively correlated in both plasma and saliva samples. A positive correlation was found between the plasma cortisol and oxytocin levels, whereas no correlation was observed between the salivary cortisol and oxytocin levels. This study provides a foundation for understanding hormonal relationships across different matrices, contributing to the development of alternative sampling methods that prioritize animal welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106937"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619265","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":"Synchronization of follicular wave before superovulation in dromedary camel by means of transvaginal follicle ablation","authors":"B Asadi ,&nbsp;F Seyedasgari ,&nbsp;R Ebadi","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106935","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106935","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The synchronization of follicular waves prior to the initiation of superovulation is a prerequisite for successful results. This study investigates the feasibility of applying transvaginal follicle ablation (TFA) as an alternative to hormonal treatments for synchronization in dromedary camels.</div><div>In experiment 1, the follicular cycle of pre-synchronized and naturally cycling camels (<em>n</em> = 24) was monitored and all structures &gt; 4 mm were ablated in subgroups of animals (<em>n</em> = 4 each) at early, mid, and late stages of the follicular cycle. The appearance and characteristics of the next follicular wave as well as the occurrence and the fate of residual structures were investigated. In experiment 2, sixteen camels were used for superovulation subsequent to follicle ablation or conventional hormonal synchronization in a changeover design and the result of superovulation was compared among the methods. A subset of 88 embryos was transferred to recipients and pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss rates were compared between the synchronization methods.</div><div>On average, more structures were ablated from naturally cycling camels than pre-synchronized camels. Ablation of larger structures (&gt; 10 mm) resulted in the formation of remnant structures (26.1 %) out of which 52.9 % showed structural and functional luteinization. The next follicular cohort emerged at day 2.16 ± 0.20 and 2.33 ± 0.22 after the ablation, and established dominance at day 9.33 ± 0.35 and 9.16 ± 0.32, in naturally cycling and pre-synchronized animals, respectively, with no significant difference among them (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). All camels responded to ovulation induction at day 14 while camels ablated at mid-cycle had smaller follicles (12.88 ± 0.46 mm) at this time point compared to camels ablated at dominance or early cycle (14.13 ± 0.70 and 14.81 ± 0.42 mm, respectively; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). A similar number of developed follicles prior to mating (13.81 ± 1.62 vs. 15.12 ± 1.65), corpus luteum (9.75 ± 1.24 vs. 10.43 ± 1.35), transferable (7.56 ± 1.06 vs. 8.50 ± 1.30), and spherical embryos (5.87 ± 1.07 vs. 6.12 ± 089) were obtained in synchronized camels by hormonal and TFA methods, respectively (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). Embryos of the TFA group showed a trend for higher embryonic loss rate after transfer compared to the hormonally synchronized group (34.4 % vs. 17.2 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.10).</div><div>In conclusion, follicle ablation was followed by the development of a new follicular wave capable of establishing dominance and ovulation, irrespective of the stage of the follicular cycle in which the procedure is undertaken, and can be used as an alternative way of synchronization in dromedary camels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106935"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579641","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":"Alpha-synuclein expression in anterior pituitary cells of aged cattle","authors":"Yvan Bienvenu Niyonzima,&nbsp;Denis Karani Wanjiru,&nbsp;Yuuki Asato,&nbsp;Hiroya Kadokawa","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106936","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106936","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The anterior pituitary (AP) gland must function properly for homeostasis and fertility; however, aging suppresses AP function via unclear mechanisms. α-synuclein is a protein encoded by the <em>SNCA</em> gene. Its monomers aggregate to the fibril form, which causes brain disease as age advances. Importantly, fibril α-synuclein propagates among neurons akin to prions. Recently, we discovered α-synuclein expression in oxytocin neurons and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in bovine hypothalamus. However, whether α-synuclein propagates into gonadotrophs remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that α-synuclein expression in AP glands of aged cows is different from that of healthy heifers. We analyzed mRNA and protein levels and performed fluorescent immunohistochemistry for luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, GnRH receptor, and α-synuclein, followed by confocal microscopy with Congo red staining to detect amyloid deposits. Presence of synuclein was confirmed in AP tissues by both mRNA and protein levels in both heifers and old cows. Western blots showed several bands of α-synuclein, probably reflecting monomer, dimer, and oligomers, in the AP tissues of both heifers and old cows. Confocal microscopy revealed that most gonadotrophs were positive for both α-synuclein and Congo red in the old group, but not in the young group. In addition, α-synuclein expression was detected in the immortalized gonadotrophs, LβT2 cells, and in the majority of aged bovine corticotrophs, lactotrophs, somatotrophs, and thyrotrophs. In conclusion, the majority of gonadotrophs and other AP cell types were positive for α-synuclein and amyloid deposits in the old group, but not in the young group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106936"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143561716","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":"Expression pattern of sex steroid hormone receptors in the adult male rabbit brain","authors":"Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo ,&nbsp;Karina Hernández-Ortega ,&nbsp;Karla Mariana Peña-Gutiérrez ,&nbsp;Laura Noemi Hernández-Lúa ,&nbsp;Beatriz Arantxa Castro-Reyes ,&nbsp;Gabriela González-Mariscal","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106922","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106922","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) are crucial for reproduction and are pivotal in several vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) functions. These hormones act by binding to their corresponding receptors, including those intracellularly located, such as progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor, which in this manuscript we named testosterone receptor (TR). The expression pattern of these receptors in the rabbit male brain is unknown. We studied PR, ER, and TR expression at mRNA and protein levels in several intact adult male brain regions by RT-qPCR and Western blot. We found the highest PR mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex (PC) and the preoptic area (POA). PR protein content (110 kDa) was similar in all the analyzed brain regions. Maximum ERα mRNA levels were found in the mesencephalon (MSC) compared with the scarce levels presented in POA and cerebellum (CER). The two leading ERα bands (54 and 66 kDa) showed comparable content among analyzed brain regions, except in the olfactory bulb (OB). Considerable TR mRNA levels were found in the analyzed brain areas except in CER. TR protein (110 kDa) content was also high in MSC. The CER showed the lowest PR, ERα, and TR mRNA levels, but the corresponding protein contents were similar to those of different areas. These data reflect regional variability in the expression of sex steroid hormone receptors in the adult male rabbit brain. They constitute the basis for defining the distribution pattern of these receptors in the rabbit brain; in addition, they would allow comparisons to be made with reports of the expression of these receptors in female rabbit brains and the search for understanding their role in rabbits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106922"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143527283","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":"Investigating hair cortisol dynamics in German Shepherd Dogs throughout pregnancy, lactation, and weaning phases, and its potential impact on the hair cortisol of offspring","authors":"Caixia Pan,&nbsp;Shu Xu,&nbsp;Wencai Zhang,&nbsp;Yu Zhao,&nbsp;Mingqiang Song,&nbsp;Jianli Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pregnancy, lactation, and weaning are crucial physiological stages in the life of bitches, directly affecting the physiological health of bitches and the growth and development of newborn puppies. This study aims to investigate the physiological stress of bitches during pregnancy, lactation, and weaning, as well as the effects of these changes on newborn puppies, by analyzing the variations in hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) of bitches and their newborn offspring during different stages. This study selected 24 female German Shepherd dogs aged 2-3 years who were pregnant and giving birth for the first time and their 118 surviving newborn offspring as experimental subjects. Hair samples were collected from the right shoulder and neck of the bitches and their offspring at four key time points: the day of mating (T0), the day of delivery (T1/NT1), the first day of weaning (T2/NT2), and the 60th day after weaning (T3/NT3). The HCCs was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess their physiological stress. The results showed that the maternal HCCs significantly increased during pregnancy and lactation, reaching a peak during lactation. The HCCs of puppies also significantly increased during the weaning period. Meanwhile, there was a significant but moderate correlation between the cortisol levels in maternal hair and puppies' hair during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, the maternal HCCs during pregnancy and lactation were affected by the litter size, the higher the litter size, the higher the hair cortisol level, while the cortisol levels in the hair of puppies were not affected by the litter size. Bitches may face higher physiological and psychological pressures during reproduction and nurturing offspring, especially when the litter size is large. At the same time, the physiological status of bitches may have a certain impact on puppies. Therefore, care and attention during pregnancy, lactation, and puppy weaning periods should be strengthened to ensure that bitches and puppies receive good feeding management and environmental support, maintain their physiological and psychological health, and further enhance animal welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106921"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143422534","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}