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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Non-invasive wool hormone assessment of Australian merino rams (Ovis aries): a pilot investigation of cortisol and testosterone
Frontiers in veterinary science, Vol.11, pp.1-6
19/08/2024
PMID: 39224454
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Abstract
Introduction: Non-invasive hormone assessment is growing in interest as producers and livestock researchers seek new methods to assess animal welfare. Non-invasive wool assessment offers long-term, historic reflections of hormone concentration at the scale of weeks and months-and are not limited by sampling stress-thus making wool an appropriate tissue for long-term hormone analysis. This pilot study quantified cortisol and testosterone concentrations of ram fleece and determined if there is a significant difference between segments of the sample staple, and whether there is a correlation between hormones. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid produced within the adrenal glands and secreted in anticipation of or in response to a stressor. Testosterone is an androgen mainly synthesised within the testes of males and responsible for several critical functions including regulation of muscle growth, libido and spermatogenesis.
Methods: In our study, 70 topknot wool samples were collected from rams on a commercial stud property in Dirranbandi, Queensland, Australia. Of these animals, 12 samples were selected at random to undergo cortisol and testosterone quantification. In the laboratory, a single, intact staple was isolated from the total sample, divided into 10 mm segments and prepared for their respective (cortisol or testosterone) immunoassays.
Results: No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between wool segments for either cortisol or testosterone, however, statistical differences (p < 0.05) were found between individuals for both hormones. A strong positive correlation (R 2 = 0.9173, p < 0.05) was found between wool cortisol and testosterone concentrations.
Discussion: In summary, this study reveals the major future possibilities for non-invasive wool hormone assessment in merino rams.
Details
- Title
- Non-invasive wool hormone assessment of Australian merino rams (Ovis aries): a pilot investigation of cortisol and testosterone
- Creators
- Dylan Fox - University of QueenslandBenn Wilson - University of QueenslandEdward Narayan - University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in veterinary science, Vol.11, pp.1-6
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media S.A
- Grant note
- The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. We would like to acknowledge the contributions made by the Australian Wool Education Trust (AWET) for the scholarship and partial funding for this project.
- Identifiers
- 991013269207502368
- Copyright
- © 2024 Fox, Wilson and Narayan.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article