Effects of field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) dietary supplementation on plasma thyroid hormones, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations and mohair characteristics in growing Angora goat kids

Blood thyroid hormones, insulin and leptin, metabolites and enzymes in transition dairy ewes, as affected by dietary linseed and physiological stage

This study investigated the effects of dietary linseed and physiological state on blood concentrations of some metabolic hormones and indicators, in transition dairy ewes. From 21 d before lambing to 60 d post-partum, ewes were provided with one of three isoenergetic and iso‑nitrogenous pelleted concentrates, without (CTR, n = 21), or with 100 (EL-10, n = 22) or 200 g/kg (EL-20, n = 22) of extruded linseed. Animals were fed alfalfa hay ad libitum and had access to mixed pasture. Plasma thyroid hormones and insulin concentrations were not affected by diet and significantly changed by time. The last week of pregnancy T3 (2.27 ± 0.15 ng/mL) and T4 (102.63 ± 2.85 ng/mL) were lower than at 4 weeks before lambing (T3: 3.27 ± 0.27 ng/mL; T4: 125.89 ± 2.63 ng/mL). After lambing, T3 rose to be highest at 4 and 8 weeks of lactation (3.41 ± 0.22). Mean insulin peaked 2 weeks after lambing (0.31 ± 0.02 ng/mL) vs. late pregnancy (0.22 ± 0.01 ng/mL) and progressing lactation (0.18 ± 0.01 ng/mL). Plasma Leptin concentration (2.43 ± 0.03 ng/mL) was not affected by diet nor time. All the blood metabolites and enzymes investigated showed significant time x treatment interaction. Differences of several haematological parameters were found in EL vs. CTR (cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, ALT), however, in most cases the values were fairly within the reference physiological ranges. Metabolic hormones are confirmed to be mainly linked to the different physiological states, energy intake and variations of energy balance, without clear effects by different sources of energy and quality of dietary lipids.

Effects of Litter Size and Parity Number on Mammary Secretions Including, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Immunoglobulin G and Vitamin A of Black Bengal, Saanen and Their Crossbred Goats in Thailand

The present study aims to investigate the composition including concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum and their effects by litter size and goat parity in 3 groups of goats; Black Bengal (BB), Saanen (SA) and their crossbred (BBSA). Thirty-eight goats were used (23 BB, 7 BBSA and 8 SA). The composition (fat, protein, lactose and total solid; TS) in colostrum (Day 0; D0) and milk (Day 4; D4 and Day 7; D7) were measured. The IGF-1, IgG concentrations were analysed in some samples collected at D0, D4 and D7 while Vit A was analysed only in colostrum. The results showed that colostrum components were similar among experimental groups. However, the colostral IGF-1 concentration of BBSA (983.0 ± 163.6 ng/mL) was higher than that of BB (340.7 ± 85.5 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and SA (417.1 ± 93.9 ng/mL, p < 0.01). The colostral IgG concentration of BB (8.2 ± 0.9 mg/mL) was lower than that of BBSA (12.9 ± 1.7 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and SA (12.9 ± 1.0 mg/mL, p < 0.01). Colostral Vit A concentration in BBSA (787.2 ± 152.6 µg/100 gm) was higher than that in BB (388.9 ± 84.3 µg/100 gm, p < 0.05) but was not different from SA (522.8 ± 96.9 µg/100 gm). Colostrum from all groups contained higher protein and TS but was lower in lactose concentration than milk. The IGF-1 and IgG concentrations in colostrum were much higher than in milk both D4 and D7 (p < 0.001). Additionally, litter size had no effects on colostrum contents but colostrum from goats with a higher parity number had higher IgG concentration. It is concluded that colostrum from BBSA may be superior when fed to BB newborn goats in terms of higher IGF-1, IgG and Vit A contents. Moreover, colostrum from goats with a high parity number contained more IgG content.

Relationship between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations and body trait measurements and climatic factors in prepubertal goat kids

This study aimed to investigate relations between insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations and some body trait measurements (body weight, withers height, rump height, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest girth and cannon bone circumference) and climatic factors in prepubertal male and female White (75 % Saanen and 25 % Kilis goat) and Angora goat kids. For this purpose, blood samples were regularly taken from the vena jugularis, and body trait measurements were regularly carried out (every 15 d for 5 months) on each kid. The IGF-1 analysis on the blood serum was performed using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method. Climatic values and the length of the photoperiod were obtained from the Turkish State Meteorological Service for the experimental period, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated using these values. Statistical analysis showed that the IGF-1 concentrations were higher ( P < 0.05 ) in female White goat kids. Furthermore, differences in IGF-1 concentrations were found ( P < 0.05 ) between periods and between the gender groups for both the White and the Angora goat kids. Moreover, the difference between the IGF-1 concentrations between genders was higher ( P < 0.05 ) in White goat kids. Additionally, positive and significant correlations were found between IGF-1 concentrations and some body trait measurements in prepubertal kids, except for in female White goat kids. In summary, it was found that there was a significant relationship between IGF-1 concentrations and growth characteristics of the goat kids. Furthermore, IGF-1 concentrations in the goat kids were significantly influenced by climatic factors such as photoperiod, temperature and the temperature-humidity index, with the release of IGF-1 increasing due to increases in the photoperiod and the environmental temperature.