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Fazio E, Bionda A, Chiofalo V, La Fauci D, Randazzo C, Pino A, Crepaldi P, Attard G, Liotta L, Lopreiato V. Effects of Dietary Enrichment with Olive Cake on the Thyroid and Adrenocortical Responses in Growing Beef Calves. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2120. [PMID: 37443918 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Agro-industrial by-products incorporated into livestock feed formulations can positively impact feed costs and promote a circular bio-economy. Italy produces significant amounts of olive cake (OC), a by-product of olive oil extraction, with the potential for incorporation into bovine diets. However, information on its effects on endocrine responses in growing beef calves is lacking. Forty-eight Limousines randomly allocated to dietary treatment (control or 10%-OC or 15%-OC inclusion) were segregated according to sex and body weight. Serum concentrations of TSH, thyroid hormones, and cortisol were measured on day 0, day 56, and at the end of the trial on day 147. Circulating TSH, total (T3, T4) and free (fT3, fT4) iodothyronines, and cortisol concentrations were all within the normal physiological ranges, with no significant effect imparted by diet. However, the diet × time interaction was significant for T3. The cortisol, T3, T4, and fT4 registered on day 147 were higher than those of day 56, and cortisol was higher in heifers than bulls. Final body weight was positively correlated with TSH and T3 and negatively with cortisol concentration. These findings suggest that the inclusion of OC at levels up to 15% in growing/finishing beef diets had no adverse effects on the calves' thyroid and cortical status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esterina Fazio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Arianna Bionda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, University of Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Chiofalo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Consortium of Research for Meat Chain and Agrifood (CoRFilCarni), Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Deborah La Fauci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Cinzia Randazzo
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, S. Sofia Street 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pino
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, S. Sofia Street 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
- ProBioEtna SRL, Spin-Off of University of Catania, S. Sofia Street 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Crepaldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, University of Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - George Attard
- Department of Rural Sciences and Food Systems, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Lopreiato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Adaptive Responses of Thyroid Hormones, Insulin, and Glucose during Pregnancy and Lactation in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111395. [PMID: 35681859 PMCID: PMC9179583 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study examined the effects of different stages of pregnancy and lactation on thyroid, insulin, and glucose responses in dairy cows. In the present study, 30 dairy cows (10 Holstein, 10 Simmental, and 10 Brown) at 30 ± 20 d of lactation were randomly selected and blood samples were collected once every 60 d for one year to measure circulating thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free triiodothyronines (T3, fT3) and thyroxines (T4, fT4), insulin, and glucose. Pregnant cows showed higher T4 (p = 0.010) and insulin (p = 0.046) concentrations at >180 d than at >60−120 d of pregnancy and in nonpregnant cows. Along the lactation phase, circulating T4 concentrations showed a biphasic trend, decreasing from 0−60 d to >60−120 d phase, which showed the lowest values, and then increasing until the end of lactation (>300 d) (p = 0.016). Glucose showed the highest concentrations at the start of lactation (0−120 days) and the lowest values at the end (p = 0.008). The monitoring of thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose changes represents an important tool to evaluate the anabolic and/or catabolic adaptation in response to functional periods in dairy cows, which can potentially predispose the cows to an excessive negative energy balance and related metabolic issues.
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Fazio E, Lindner A, Cravana C, Wegener J, Medica P, Hart-Mann U, Ferlazzo A. Effects of standardized exercise tests on plasma thyroid hormones' kinetics in Standardbred racehorses. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 110:103853. [PMID: 34968655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined how a standard exercise test (SET) affected (1) thyroid hormones (THs) of horses and (2) the relationship between the VLa4 of horses and TH responses to the exercise in trained Standardbred racehorses (VLa4 is the velocity run at defined conditions at which a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L is determined). 12 trained Standardbred racehorses (six stallions and six mares) performed SETs until the horses' blood lactate concentration was at or above 4 mmol/L. The horses were divided into three age groups (2, 3 and 4 years old); each group consists of 4 horses respectively (2 male and 2 female), to evaluate the effects of age and sex on hormonal responses to SET. During each SET, blood samples were taken at rest and after each interval and at the end of SET. Blood was analysed for total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3) as well as total and free thyroxine (T4, fT4). The statistical model included three fixed factors (SET, sex and age) and their main interactions. ANOVA analysis revealed that T3 and fT3 were significantly influenced by SETs. Plasma T3 and fT3 concentrations were higher in 4-year-old horses compared to the other age groups. All plasma THs concentrations were higher in mares than in stallions. Correlations revealed that a higher VLa4 was negatively related to all THs responses in 2-year-old Standardbred mares only. The SET used to determine VLa4 increased selected THs (T3, fT3); these increases were inversely related to VLa4 and affected by age and sex of the horses. The correlation of VLa4 with thyroid exercise' response might provide some additional information for performance evaluation of Standardbred racehorses, especially for evaluating training adaptation, according to sex and age. Further studies are necessary to provide support on the value of measuring THs in Standardbred racehorses of different sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esterina Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Cravana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Ulrich Hart-Mann
- Institute of Movement and Training Science; Faculty of Sport Science, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Adriana Ferlazzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Viale Palatucci 13, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Liotta L, Bionda A, Quartuccio M, De Nardo F, Visalli R, Fazio E. Thyroid and Lipidic Profiles in Nicastrese Goats ( Capra hircus) during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2386. [PMID: 34438843 PMCID: PMC8388782 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the thyroid and lipid profiles in 30 Nicastrese goats, along different physiological periods: before mating (nonpregnant goats), during the whole pregnancy (pregnant goats), and during postpartum and early lactation (milking goats). Blood samples were collected monthly from March 2020 to January 2021. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3), and thyroxine (T4, fT4) concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits and serum lipid panels (triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (tCho)) by enzymatic colorimetric method; very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL Cho) was calculated. Pregnant and milking goats showed the lower T3 (p < 0.0002) and T4 (p < 0.0005) concentrations, with lower BCS (p < 0.001) only in pregnant ones. Milking goats showed tCho (p < 0.006) concentrations lower than nonpregnant ones, and TG and VLDL Cho (p < 0.001) lower than both pregnant and nonpregnant goats. T4:T3 and T3:fT3 were significantly and positively correlated in both pregnancy and lactation. Under similar environmental, nutrition, and management conditions, different physiological phases play a significant role in the thyroid and lipid profiles in Nicastrese goats. These endocrine and metabolic resources could contribute to the knowledge useful for the salvage of this endangered, local, native breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Liotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.L.); (M.Q.); (E.F.)
| | - Arianna Bionda
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.L.); (M.Q.); (E.F.)
| | - Marco Quartuccio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.L.); (M.Q.); (E.F.)
| | - Floro De Nardo
- RARE, Italian Association of Endangered Local Breeds, Via Lorenzo Calogero, 2, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy;
| | - Rosanna Visalli
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Via Giacomo Leopardi, 50, 95127 Catania, Italy;
| | - Esterina Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Palatucci, 13, 98168 Messina, Italy; (L.L.); (M.Q.); (E.F.)
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Medica P, Cravana C, Bruschetta G, Ferlazzo A, Fazio E. Physiological and behavioral patterns of normal-term thoroughbred foals. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Breuhaus BA. Serum Thyroid Hormone and Thyrotropin Concentrations in Adult Horses as They Age. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 68:21-25. [PMID: 31256883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
With more horses remaining active longer in life, it is important to characterize changes that occur normally with aging, so that these can be differentiated from development of disease. The objective of the study was to test the hypotheses that geriatric horses have lower circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones and/or higher serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations compared to younger horses. Serum thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations from 71 normal, healthy horses that had participated in prior research projects were analyzed for effects of age, sex, and season when samples were obtained. All samples had been assayed in the same previously validated radioimmunoassays. There were no differences in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones or TSH by sex or season. Serum total thyroxine (T4) was greater in 3- to 6-year-old horses compared to all other age groups and was negatively correlated with age. There were no differences among age groups for free T4 and total and free tri-iodothyronine (T3). Serum TSH concentration was significantly greater in old horses (≥15 or ≥20 years) compared to young (3-10 years) and intermediate (11-14 years) age groups. Serum TSH was positively correlated with age. There were no significant differences in thyroid hormone responses to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) among young, intermediate, or old horses. However, the TSH response to TRH was significantly different in both groups of older horses compared to intermediate and young horses. Serum total thyroxine concentrations decrease and serum TSH concentrations increase in horses as they age, with no changes in free T4 or T3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babetta A Breuhaus
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
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Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Fazio E, Medica P. Is There an Interplay Between the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid and the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axes During Exercise-Stress Coping in Horses? J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Robles M, Dubois C, Gautier C, Dahirel M, Guenon I, Bouraima-Lelong H, Viguié C, Wimel L, Couturier-Tarrade A, Chavatte-Palmer P. Maternal parity affects placental development, growth and metabolism of foals until 1 year and a half. Theriogenology 2018; 108:321-330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Fazio E, Medica P. The contribution of total and free iodothyronines to welfare maintenance and management stress coping in Ruminants and Equines: Physiological ranges and reference values. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:134-143. [PMID: 29428703 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ferlazzo
- Department of Animal Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cristina Cravana
- Department of Animal Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Esterina Fazio
- Department of Animal Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Medica
- Department of Animal Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Bruschetta G, Fazio E, Cravana C, Ferlazzo A. Effects of partial versus complete separation after weaning on plasma serotonin, tryptophan and pituitary-adrenal pattern of Anglo-Arabian foals. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Fazio E, Medica P, Cravana C, Bruschetta G, Ferlazzo A. Seasonal thyroid and lipid profiles in Thoroughbred pregnant and nonpregnant mares ( Equus caballus ). Theriogenology 2016; 85:1582-1589. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Fazio E, Medica P, Trifiletti C, Ferlazzo A. The outcome of the first stages of pregnancy on mares' bloodstream thyroid hormones. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1036-1041. [PMID: 27125693 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare in detail the total and free iodothyronines' pattern of mares from the first ovulation of the year over an extended period of 12 weeks. A total of 20 mares were used in the study. The mares were classified into two groups: mares mated at the ovulation (n = 10) used as observational group and mares unmated at the ovulation (n = 10) used as control group. Serum total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3) and thyroxine (T4, fT4) levels were measured in baseline conditions at the first ovulation of year and once a week until 12 weeks later. For the experimental group, the first week of postovulation mating was considered as the first week of gestation. One-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of time over 12 weeks for T3 (F = 2.44; P = 0.007) in pregnant mares, with the higher levels at the seventh and 12th weeks (P < 0.05) than baseline values, and for fT3 (F = 2.36; P = 0.009), with the higher levels at the 11th week (P < 0.05) than baseline values. Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant pregnancy effect compared with nonpregnancy stage for T3 (F = 15.82; P = 0.009), with the higher levels at the seventh and 12th weeks (P < 0.05) of pregnancy than that in nonpregnant values. Thus, it appears that, under similar environment, management and nutritional regime, the first trimester of pregnancy plays a dynamic role on the thyroid patterns by their anabolic activity; therefore, significant effects of time points on the T3 and fT3 concentrations probably may contribute to the control of early embryonic growth and development, before the onset of fetal thyroid activity. Considerable additional research, outwith the aim of this study, will be required to elucidate the mechanisms by which gestational age affects the physiological thyroid function in mares and/or fetus ratio in the first pregnancy stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - P Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - C Trifiletti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - A Ferlazzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Fazio E, Medica P, Cravana C, Pellizzotto R, Fragalà S, Ferlazzo A. Dynamics of Total and Free Iodothyronines of Jumping Horses on the Responses to Competition and Transport. J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Fazio E, Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Medica P. Effects of weaning on total and free iodothyronines in lambs. Vet Q 2014; 35:16-20. [PMID: 25506760 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2014.989624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES 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. RESULTS 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). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Total iodothyronines could represent an indicator of their different metabolic activity with their magnitude altered two weeks following weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fazio
- a Department of Veterinary Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
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Abstract
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.
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Mendoza FJ, Perez-Ecija RA, Toribio RE, Estepa JC. Thyroid hormone concentrations differ between donkeys and horses. Equine Vet J 2012; 45:214-8. [PMID: 22909401 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00622.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Reference intervals for thyroid hormones (TH) concentrations have not been previously established for donkeys, leading to potential misdiagnosis of thyroid disease. OBJECTIVES To determine the normal values of TH in healthy adult donkeys and compare them to TH values from healthy adult horses. METHODS Thirty-eight healthy Andalusian donkeys and 19 healthy Andalusian horses from 2 different farms were used. Donkeys were divided into 3 age groups: <5, 5-10 and >11 years and into 2 gender groups. Serum concentrations of fT3, tT3, rT3, fT4 and tT4 were quantified by radioimmunoassay. All blood samples were collected the same day in the morning. None of the animals had received any treatment for 30 days prior to sampling or had any history of disease. Both farms were in close proximity and under similar management. Differences between groups were determined using a one-way ANOVA analysis followed by Fisher's LSD test. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Serum TH concentrations were higher in donkeys than in horses (P<0.01). Donkeys <5 years had higher serum rT3, fT4 and tT4 concentrations than donkeys >5 years (P<0.05). Furthermore, older donkeys (>11 years) had lower serum fT3 and tT3 concentrations than younger donkeys' groups (<5 and 5-10 years, P<0.05). TH concentrations were not different between genders (fT3: P = 0.06; tT3: P = 0.08; rT3: P = 0.15; fT4: P = 0.89; and tT4: P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Thyroid hormone concentrations are different between healthy adult donkeys and horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Establishing species-specific TH reference ranges is important when evaluating clinicopathologic data in equids in order to avoid the misdiagnosis of thyroid gland dysfunction. Further studies to elucidate the physiological mechanisms leading to these differences are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Mendoza
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universidad of Cordoba, Spain.
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Measurement of thyroid hormones in donkey (Equus asinus) blood and milk: validation of ELISA kits and evaluation of sample collection, handling and storage. J DAIRY RES 2010; 77:419-24. [PMID: 20822570 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029910000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Donkey's milk is well tolerated by human infants with cow's milk allergy and is useful in the treatment of human immune-related diseases and in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Thyroid hormones (TH) stimulate lactation and active triiodothyronine (T3) in colostrum and milk could take paracrine action supporting lactogenesis in the mother, and play physiological roles for the suckling offspring (systemic or within the gastrointestinal tract). The aims were to measure TH concentrations in donkey blood and milk, validate ELISA methods, evaluate the effects of sample collection and post-collection handling and the stability of TH in milk and blood serum and plasma samples. In milk and blood samples obtained from lactating jennies total concentrations of TH were assayed using competitive-type ELISA kits. Good validation results were obtained for both TH concentrations in blood serum and plasma and T3 in milk samples extracted with cold (-20°C) ethanol alkalinized (pH 9·0) with NH4OH. In most of the milk extract samples, thyroxine (T4) concentrations resulted below the sensitivity threshold. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variations of TH concentrations in different blood and milk samples were below 10%. Parallelism tests gave displacement lines parallel to those of the calibrators for both TH in blood serum and plasma and for T3 in milk extracts. Mean recovery rates were between 95% and 123%, but the concentration values approaching the highest calibrators were overestimated. Therefore, serum and plasma samples for T3 assay must be previously diluted with buffer. Both TH concentrations in blood serum and plasma and T3 in milk did not change during storage for up to 6 months at -20°C. In conclusion, the ELISA methods tested in the present study are suitable for determination of both TH concentrations in donkey blood samples, and for T3 measurement in milk, after extraction with cold alkaline ethanol.
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