Seasonal and Sexual Variations in Corticosterone and Total Triiodothyronine: A Pilot Study in Mediterranean Tortoises ().

The Mediterranean tortoise inhabits different regions bordering the northwestern Mediterranean. This species is vulnerable, protected by legislation, and involved in various breeding and reintroduction programs. Wild populations face numerous environmental and anthropogenic stressors that can potentially interfere with their conservation.

Exploring immunoglobulin A as a stress biomarker in lions (Panthera leo): Validation of an immunoassay for its measurement in feces.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) has been investigated as a stress biomarker with the potential to complement glucocorticoid measurements in welfare assessments. This study aimed to develop the methodology and validate an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for quantifying IgA in feces (FIgA) of lions (Panthera leo), investigate excretion patterns of FIgA under baseline conditions in captive lions, and explore its relationship with fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM). Feces were collected from 11 lions housed in stable social groups at four Spanish zoos over a period of two to six weeks.

The landscape of long noncoding RNA expression in the goat brain.

The brain regulates multiple metabolic processes, such as food intake, energy expenditure, insulin secretion, hepatic glucose production, and glucose and fatty acid metabolism in adipose tissue, which are fundamental for the maintenance of energy and glucose homeostasis during lactation and pregnancy. In addition, brain expression has a fundamental impact on the development of maternal behavior. Although brain functions are partly regulated by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), their expression profiles have not been characterized in depth in any ruminant species.

A protein-coding gene expression atlas from the brain of pregnant and non-pregnant goats.

The brain is an extraordinarily complex organ with multiple anatomical structures involved in highly specialized functions related with behavior and physiological homeostasis. Our goal was to build an atlas of protein-coding gene expression in the goat brain by sequencing the transcriptomes of 12 brain regions in seven female Murciano-Granadina goats, from which three of them were 1-month pregnant. Between 14,889 (cerebellar hemisphere) and 15,592 (pineal gland) protein-coding genes were expressed in goat brain regions, and most of them displayed ubiquitous or broad patterns of expression across tissues.

Effect of Honey, Coenzyme Q10, and β-Carotene/α-Tocopherol as Novel Additives in Rabbit-Sperm Cryopreservation Extender.

The effectiveness of rabbit-sperm cryopreservation is still below average compared to other domestic species. After the sperm cryopreservation process, post-thawing parameters like motility and membrane integrity are significantly compromised. The use of new extender constituents is an approach that can be used to improve the effectiveness of cryopreservation.

Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event.

In many countries, horses remain involved in traditional equestrian events such as those celebrated in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) every year since at least the 14th century. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in salivary cortisol concentrations to estimate the physiological stress response in horses at the Menorca patronal festivals. Two different editions (years 2016 and 2018) of the festivals in honor of the Virgin of Grace in Maó (Menorca, Spain) were studied.

NR3C1 and glucocorticoid-regulatory genes mRNA and protein expression in the endometrium and ampulla during the bovine estrous cycle.

The bovine reproductive tract exhibits changes during the estrous cycle modulated by the interplay of steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids can be detrimental when stress-induced but are relevant at baseline levels for appropriate reproductive function. Here, an analysis of quantitative real-time PCR was performed to study the bovine glucocorticoid-related baseline gene transcription in endometrial and ampullar tissue samples derived from three time points of the estrous cycle, stage I (Days 1-4), stage III (Days 11-17) and stage IV (Days 18-20).

The mRNA expression of the three major described cold-inducible proteins, including CIRBP, differs in the bovine endometrium and ampulla during the estrous cycle.

The cold-inducible proteins (CIPs) are essential for post-transcriptional gene regulation playing diverse tissue-specific roles in maintaining normal cellular function and morphogenesis. The potential implications of CIPs in reproductive events raise questions about their role in the physiology of the bovine reproductive tract. However, the expression changes of CIPs during the bovine estrous cycle have not been studied so far.

Blubber and serum cortisol concentrations as indicators of the stress response and overall health status in striped dolphins.

The impacts of environmental changes and anthropogenic threats in marine mammals are a growing concern for their conservation. In recent years, efforts have been directed to understand how marine mammals cope with stressors and to assess and validate stress biomarkers, mainly levels of glucocorticoid hormones (e.g.

Hair Cortisol, Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Their Ratios in Stallions as a Retrospective Measure of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axes Activity: Exploring the Influence of Seasonality.

The monitoring of stress physiology includes studying a wide range of endocrinological mechanisms, which can be assessed using multiple tissue samples. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variations of hair C, T and DHEA-S in horses for a whole year, as well as to assess the variations between seasons of C/DHEA-S and T/C ratios as a retrospective measure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity. Ten pure-breed Menorca stallions were included in the study.

Temporary Relocation during Rest Periods: Relocation Stress and Other Factors Influence Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Horses.

Horse transportation for temporary relocation during rest periods is a common and widespread practice among horse owners, either from sport competition or working tasks. This study aimed to determine the effect of a relocation period and the multiple factors associated with a rest period on hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) in horses. Additionally, this study reports the seasonal effect on HCCs and hair growth over a year.