Alternative Methodology for Cortisol Evaluation Before and After Sheep Shearing Using Raman Spectroscopy: A...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Standard methodologies for sheep serum analysis can be time-consuming.
• Raman Spectroscopy provides molecular vibration data, offering insights into protein networks.
• Sheep stress responses to management are crucial for animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of Raman Spectroscopy for qualitative and semiquantitative sheep serum analysis.
• To establish Raman Spectroscopy as an alternative to standard methodologies.
• To assess sheep stress responses using Raman Spectroscopy during shearing.

Main Methods:

• Collected sheep serum samples from Comisana-bred sheep before and after shearing.
• Utilized Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Raman Spectroscopy for cortisol analysis.
• Identified cortisol-specific vibration modes in Raman spectra (1300-1366 cm⁻¹).

Main Results:

• Raman Spectroscopy showed consistent trends with variations in the 1300-1366 cm⁻¹ band area.
• A positive correlation was observed between ELISA and Raman Spectroscopy results for cortisol.
• The technique successfully identified biomolecules and indicated stress responses.

Conclusions:

• Raman Spectroscopy is a viable tool for biomolecule identification in sheep serum.
• This method provides valuable data on sheep stress induced by management conditions.
• Raman Spectroscopy serves as a promising alternative to traditional analytical methods.