Urine cortisol in pigs of different MH-genotypes

Authors

  • Nataša SIARD Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia
  • Milena KOVAČ Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia
  • Jan LADEWIG Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Behaviour, Trenthorst, D-23847 Westerau; Present address: Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Division of Ethology and Health, Bülowsvej 13, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Germany
  • Ivan ŠTUHEC Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2003.82.1.15317

Keywords:

pigs, animal physiology, endocrinology, malignant hyperthermia, urine, plasma, cortisol

Abstract

Urine cortisol concentration was evaluated in German Landrace barrows of two MH-genotypes (NN, Nn) housed in metabolic cages. Furthermore, cortisol in urine was evaluated as a substitute measure of plasma cortisol values in pigs. Three replicates were done, each including 4 animals. Altogether there were 12 animals included in the experiment. The effect of MH-genotype on urine cortisol concentration was evaluated and correlations between urine and plasma cortisol were calculated. Higher urine cortisol values in NN- in comparison to Nn-pigs indicated stronger response to stressors by stress resistant NN-genotype. The correlation between urine (12-hr urine values) and plasma (the average of 12 collections per day, taken between 8.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m.) cortisol values was practically negligible in samples taken on the same day (r = 0.07, P = 0.71). In time-lag samples (urine taken the day after blood collection) correlation was increased (r = 0.22), but still not significant (P = 0.22). A connection between plasma and urine cortisol values was indicated, but it should be better understood before urine cortisol is used as a substitute of plasma cortisol measuring in pigs.

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Published

15. 10. 2003

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Article

How to Cite

SIARD, N., KOVAČ, M., LADEWIG, J., & ŠTUHEC, I. (2003). Urine cortisol in pigs of different MH-genotypes. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 82(1), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2003.82.1.15317