The influence of echocardiography as a stressful manipulation on substance P, cortisol, and behavior in calves - A...

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of a stressful stimulus on plasma substance P concentrations (PSPC), salivary substance P (SSPC), plasma cortisol (PCC), and glucose concentrations, behavioral parameters, and milk intake in calves. Animals in STRESS (n = 12) were exposed to restrainment in a crush and ultrasonographic examination. Animals in CON (n = 12) remained in their igloo. Sampling was done prior (60 min before, 0 min), during (5 to 30 min), and after stimulation (35 min to 2 h). Activity and milk intake were assessed over 24 h; behavior during the stimulus and at sampling times. PSPC and PCC did not differ between groups. In STRESS, PSPC were significantly lower at 5 and 20 min compared with 60 min before. SSPC were below the sensitivity of the ELISA in 34 % of samples. SSPC were significantly higher in CON compared with STRESS at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min, and at 2 h. In STRESS, SSPC were significantly lower at 30 min compared with 60 min before. There was no correlation between PSPC and SSPC. PCC were significantly higher at 20 min compared with 60 min before in STRESS, and significantly lower at 10 and 25 min compared with 60 min before in CON. Glucose concentrations were significantly lower in STRESS compared with CON at 5 and 10 min and differed significantly within groups. "Ear movement", "limb movement", and "urination" was significantly higher in STRESS compared with CON. Milk intake and activity did not differ between groups.