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Suckling induced cortisol secretion in young beef cows.

A R Ellicott1, D M Henricks, T Gimenez

  • 1Extension Animal Science Department University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. 30602 USA; Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. 30602 USA.

Theriogenology
|October 1, 1981
PubMed
Summary

Plasma cortisol levels in postpartum beef cows increase significantly after suckling, returning to baseline within 40 minutes. These cortisol responses remained consistent throughout the early postpartum period.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Animal Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Physiology

Background:

  • Lactation and suckling are critical physiological events in postpartum mammals.
  • Understanding the hormonal responses, particularly cortisol, is vital for assessing animal welfare and productivity.
  • Cortisol plays a key role in the stress response and metabolic regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the plasma cortisol concentration profiles in postpartum beef cows following suckling.
  • To determine how these cortisol profiles change between 25 and 85 days postpartum.
  • To compare cortisol responses between different seasonal trials.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma cortisol concentrations were measured in 10 young, postpartum beef cows.
  • Two trials were conducted (fall and spring) with five cows each.

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  • Blood samples were collected to analyze cortisol levels before and at intervals after suckling initiation.

    • Main Results:

    • Plasma cortisol significantly increased (P<.01) within 10 minutes of suckling initiation.
    • Cortisol levels returned to pre-suckling concentrations within 30-40 minutes.
    • The cortisol profile and peak concentration did not significantly change with advancing days postpartum (P>.10).
    • A significant difference (P<.01) in mean plasma cortisol was observed between the fall and spring trials.

    Conclusions:

    • Suckling elicits a consistent and transient cortisol response in early postpartum beef cows.
    • The cortisol response to suckling is not significantly altered by the progression of days postpartum within the studied period.
    • Seasonal variations may influence baseline plasma cortisol levels in postpartum beef cows.