Relationship between plasma cortisol level and bodyweight and antler size in farmed fallow deer

被引:6
作者
Dziki-Michalska, K. [1 ]
Tajchman, K. [1 ]
Kowalik, S. [2 ]
Bogdaszewski, M. [3 ]
机构
[1] Univ Life Sci Lublin, Fac Anim Sci & Bioecon, Dept Anim Ethol & Wildlife Management, Akad 13, PL-20950 Lublin, Poland
[2] Univ Life Sci Lublin, Fac Vet Med, Dept Anim Physiol, Akad 12, PL-20033 Lublin, Poland
[3] Polish Acad Sci, Res Stn Kosewo Gorne, Inst Parasitol, PL-11700 Mragowo, Poland
关键词
Dama dama; glucocorticoids; seasonal breeding; stress; veterinary treatments; weight gain; CERVUS-ELAPHUS; DAMA-DAMA; FATTY LIVER; GROWTH; STRESS; TESTOSTERONE; HORMONE; CYCLE; ACTH; AGE;
D O I
10.4314/sajas.v51i3.9
中图分类号
S8 [畜牧、 动物医学、狩猎、蚕、蜂];
学科分类号
0905 ;
摘要
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between the plasma cortisol level and bodyweight and antler size in farmed male fallow deer (Dama dama) of various ages. The study involved 33 animals divided into three age groups: one year old, three years old, and older. Their bodyweight was measured and blood samples were taken twice a year during antler growth (May) and before the rut (September). Whole antlers were collected in September to measure their length and weight. The plasma cortisol concentration was determined with an immunoenzymatic method. The correlations between cortisol level and bodyweight were significant and positive in both May and September (P <= 0.05). There was a negative correlation between weight gain and change in cortisol levels (P <= 0.05). Thus, fallow deer with large seasonal changes in cortisol gained less weight from May to September. The results of the present study indicated that calmer animals with lower cortisol fluctuations should be selected for breeding, which would contribute to greater stability of weight gain.
引用
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页码:355 / 361
页数:7
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