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Effect of long-distance road transport on thyroid and adrenal function and haematocrit values in Limousin cattle:
E Fazio1, P Medica, D Alberghina
1Department of Morphology, Biochemistry, Physiology and Animal Production - Unit of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy. esterina.fazio@tin.it
Veterinary Research Communications
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Road transport significantly elevates thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and cortisol in Limousin cattle. These stress indicators increase with transport distance and duration, returning to baseline after 15 days.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Physiology
- Animal Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Road transport is a significant stressor for cattle.
- Understanding physiological responses to transport is crucial for animal welfare and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of road transport stress on thyroid hormones and cortisol levels in Limousin cattle.
- To investigate the relationship between transport duration and physiological stress markers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of total and free iodothyronines (T3, T4, fT3, fT4) and cortisol concentrations using immunoenzymatic assays.
- Evaluation of haematocrit and body weight changes as indicators of stress.
- Monitoring of 10 male Limousin cattle before, during, and after transport.
Main Results:
- Both short- and long-distance road transport led to increased serum levels of total and free iodothyronines and cortisol.
- Physiological stress markers showed a positive correlation with transport distance.
- A decrease in these markers was observed 15 days post-transport, returning towards basal levels.
- Significant positive correlations were found between T3 and T4, and T3 and fT3, and T4 and fT4.
Conclusions:
- Transport stress significantly activates thyroid and adrenal function in Limousin cattle.
- The physiological response intensifies with longer transport distances.
- These findings highlight the need for strategies to mitigate transport-induced stress in cattle.