Domestic animal endocrinology最新文献

{"title":"Insights into improving embryo survival in sheep","authors":"Karen L. Reader ,&nbsp;Jennifer L. Juengel","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In sheep, embryo loss reduces farm profitability and increases the environmental footprint per kg of sheep meat produced. Additionally, improving embryo survival in assisted reproductive technologies is critical for accelerating genetic gain. However, embryo loss remains hidden, and thus often unrecognized, and our ability to improve embryo survival is limited. To reduce embryo loss, we need to first understand when the loss is occurring during gestation and then delineate the mechanisms that result in failure of the embryo to survive. It is only through using this knowledge that we will be able to improve embryo survival and thereby improve farm profitability and environmental credentials. This review will focus on understanding the role that embryo survival may play in optimizing farm productivity and factors influencing embryo survival in sheep. We present insights gained from both in vivo and in vitro experiments, focusing on the role of steroids and the immune system. We highlight potential new approaches to improving farm productivity within a reduced environmental footprint and key areas of research where additional knowledge may lead to new interventions to improve embryo survival.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106938"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel mechanism of kisspeptin regulating ovarian granulosa cell function via down-regulating let-7b to activate ERK/PI3K-Akt pathway in Tan sheep","authors":"Tianshu Dai ,&nbsp;Shihao Wei ,&nbsp;Xiaofeng Li ,&nbsp;Di Yang ,&nbsp;Linsen Gui ,&nbsp;Hui Xiang ,&nbsp;Yun Ma ,&nbsp;Xingang Dan","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106947","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106947","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that kisspeptin, a peptide encoded by the <em>kiss</em>1 gene, regulates steroidogenesis and cell proliferation in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) from Tan sheep through modulation of let-7b and <em>ITGB7</em> (integrin subunit beta 7). First, primary ovarian GCs were transfected with let-7b mimics and inhibitors. Next, HEK293T cells were cultured to validate the targeting relationship between let-7b and <em>ITGB7</em>, followed by the overexpression and knockdown of <em>ITGB7</em> in GCs. Finally, GCs were treated with the PI3K-AKT/ERK signaling pathway inhibitor and 500 nM kisspeptin after transfection with <em>ITGB7</em>. EdU assays, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting were then used to detect cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis as well as related gene and protein expression. The results showed that let-7b significantly inhibited progesterone secretion and cell proliferation while promoting apoptosis in GCs by targeting <em>ITGB7</em>. Notably, overexpression of <em>ITGB</em>7 led to a marked upregulation of p-ERK/ERK, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt. Furthermore, co-treatment with kisspeptin and <em>ITGB</em>7 significantly enhanced progesterone secretion and cell proliferation while reducing apoptosis in ovarian GCs. These results provide novel insights into the mechanism by which kisspeptin downregulates let-7b and upregulates <em>ITGB7</em>, thereby promoting steroidogenesis and cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis via the ERK/PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in Tan sheep. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which kisspeptin regulates the function of ovarian GCs, and may lay the foundation for the future development of new kisspeptin-mediated reproductive regulation techniques in Tan sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106947"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary oleuropein supplementation affects lipolysis in broilers","authors":"Usman Sulaiman ,&nbsp;Reagan Vaughan ,&nbsp;Paul Siegel ,&nbsp;Dongmin Liu ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Gilbert ,&nbsp;Mark Cline","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106942","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106942","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oleuropein, a phenolic compound derived from olives, was investigated for its effects on the adipose tissue physiology of broiler chickens during the initial 10 days post-hatch. We hypothesized that oleuropein could modulate the adipose tissue of the chicken due to its known bioactive properties. Sixty-eight day-of-hatch Cobb-Hubbard broilers were randomly divided into treatment groups receiving different amounts of oleuropein (0, 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg of commercial starter diet). Diets were fed ad-lib and on day 10 post-hatch, blood and adipose tissue samples (abdominal and subcutaneous) were collected from 12 broilers in each group. Plasma was collected to measure non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations. The mRNA levels of key regulators of adipogenesis and lipolysis were assessed by real-time PCR. At day 10, body weights were lower in the 125 and 250-dose groups. In both adipose tissue depots, lipolytic enzyme adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) mRNA was higher in the 125-dose group compared to other groups. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were lower in the 125-dose group relative to other groups. Plasma NEFAs were greater in the 125-dose group than in the other groups. This suggests that oleuropein has pro-lipolytic and anti-adipogenic properties and may provide a means to reduce excessive adipose tissue accumulation in broilers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106942"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143828803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the relationship between plasma and salivary levels of oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol in beagles: A preliminary study","authors":"Youngwook Jung ,&nbsp;Kayoung Yang ,&nbsp;Minjung Yoon","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106937","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol are widely used as biomarkers to assess the temperament or emotional state of dogs. Typically, these levels are measured in blood; however, this invasive procedure can induce acute pain and stress. Considering the welfare of dogs, it is necessary to replace these procedures with noninvasive methods. Saliva sampling has emerged as a promising, noninvasive alternative for measuring hormonal levels. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether saliva samples accurately reflect plasma hormonal levels in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlations of oxytocin, vasopressin, and cortisol levels between plasma and saliva samples. We simultaneously collected blood and saliva samples from fifteen beagles, aged six, including eleven females and four sterilized males. Due to the limited availability of saliva samples, each analysis was performed on 5–11 dogs. Hormonal levels were quantified using commercial ELISA kits. Linear regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Our findings revealed no significant correlation between oxytocin or vasopressin levels in the plasma and salivary samples. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between cortisol levels in plasma and saliva samples. Additionally, oxytocin and vasopressin levels were positively correlated in both plasma and saliva samples. A positive correlation was found between the plasma cortisol and oxytocin levels, whereas no correlation was observed between the salivary cortisol and oxytocin levels. This study provides a foundation for understanding hormonal relationships across different matrices, contributing to the development of alternative sampling methods that prioritize animal welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106937"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synchronization of follicular wave before superovulation in dromedary camel by means of transvaginal follicle ablation","authors":"B Asadi ,&nbsp;F Seyedasgari ,&nbsp;R Ebadi","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106935","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106935","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The synchronization of follicular waves prior to the initiation of superovulation is a prerequisite for successful results. This study investigates the feasibility of applying transvaginal follicle ablation (TFA) as an alternative to hormonal treatments for synchronization in dromedary camels.</div><div>In experiment 1, the follicular cycle of pre-synchronized and naturally cycling camels (<em>n</em> = 24) was monitored and all structures &gt; 4 mm were ablated in subgroups of animals (<em>n</em> = 4 each) at early, mid, and late stages of the follicular cycle. The appearance and characteristics of the next follicular wave as well as the occurrence and the fate of residual structures were investigated. In experiment 2, sixteen camels were used for superovulation subsequent to follicle ablation or conventional hormonal synchronization in a changeover design and the result of superovulation was compared among the methods. A subset of 88 embryos was transferred to recipients and pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss rates were compared between the synchronization methods.</div><div>On average, more structures were ablated from naturally cycling camels than pre-synchronized camels. Ablation of larger structures (&gt; 10 mm) resulted in the formation of remnant structures (26.1 %) out of which 52.9 % showed structural and functional luteinization. The next follicular cohort emerged at day 2.16 ± 0.20 and 2.33 ± 0.22 after the ablation, and established dominance at day 9.33 ± 0.35 and 9.16 ± 0.32, in naturally cycling and pre-synchronized animals, respectively, with no significant difference among them (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). All camels responded to ovulation induction at day 14 while camels ablated at mid-cycle had smaller follicles (12.88 ± 0.46 mm) at this time point compared to camels ablated at dominance or early cycle (14.13 ± 0.70 and 14.81 ± 0.42 mm, respectively; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). A similar number of developed follicles prior to mating (13.81 ± 1.62 vs. 15.12 ± 1.65), corpus luteum (9.75 ± 1.24 vs. 10.43 ± 1.35), transferable (7.56 ± 1.06 vs. 8.50 ± 1.30), and spherical embryos (5.87 ± 1.07 vs. 6.12 ± 089) were obtained in synchronized camels by hormonal and TFA methods, respectively (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). Embryos of the TFA group showed a trend for higher embryonic loss rate after transfer compared to the hormonally synchronized group (34.4 % vs. 17.2 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.10).</div><div>In conclusion, follicle ablation was followed by the development of a new follicular wave capable of establishing dominance and ovulation, irrespective of the stage of the follicular cycle in which the procedure is undertaken, and can be used as an alternative way of synchronization in dromedary camels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106935"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectors and predictors of conceptus survival in cattle: What is next?","authors":"Mario Binelli ,&nbsp;Maria Camila Lopez-Duarte ,&nbsp;Angela Gonella-Diaza ,&nbsp;Felipe A.C.C. Silva ,&nbsp;Guilherme Pugliesi ,&nbsp;Thiago Martins ,&nbsp;Cecilia Constantino Rocha","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In cattle, the physiological process of switching from cycling to pregnant is complex. Ultimately, that process relies on endometrial luminal epithelial cells and is based on the paracrine context of the uterine lumen. Cells either release luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2 alpha to keep the animal cycling or respond to cues released by the elongated conceptus that block prostaglandin F2 alpha pulses to maintain luteal function and pregnancy. That process, however, is highly regulated and subjected to error that occurs in every 30 to 40 % of attempted bovine pregnancies. This review addresses novel aspects of endometrial cell function, luteal function, intraluminal endometrial-trophoblast communication, heat stress, and artificial intelligence as effectors, predictors, and tools to be explored and employed to reduce pregnancy loss.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106939"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143579643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"L-thyroxine and 4-pregnane-3,20‑dione preserves pregnancy in bitches with hypothyroidism and hypoluteoidism","authors":"Marcelo Martínez-Barbitta ,&nbsp;Silvia Edelweiss Crusco ,&nbsp;Beniamino Cenci Goga ,&nbsp;Massimo Zerani","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106913","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106913","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hypoluteoidism is characterized by insufficient secretion of progesterone (P4) by the corpus luteum (CL) during pregnancy, resulting in embryonic resorption and miscarriage. In dogs, hypothyroidism can occur concurrently with hypoluteoidism, therefore, the aim of this study was to propose a combination therapy to treat these two conditions in bitches. The study included 30 bitches that were artificially inseminated and divided into three experimental groups. The control group (G1) included 10 bitches with a history of normal pregnancies, normal thyroid activity and P4 levels. This group received no clinical treatment. Treatment groups included 20 bitches diagnosed with reproductive hypothyroidism and hypoluteoidism: 10 dogs in the G2 group were treated with L-thyroxine (20 μg/kg/day) only and 10 dogs in the G3 group were treated with L-thyroxine and a long-acting synthetic P4 analogue (4-pregnane-3,20-dione, 1.0 mg/kg every 72 h until cesarean section on day 61). In all dogs, pregnancy and embryonic viability was monitored by ultrasound until term. G1 females had normal pregnancies (P4: day 24, 33.33 ± 2.95 ng/mL [106.00 ± 9.38 nmol/L]; day 38, 23.95 ± 1.21 ng/mL [76.16 ± 3.85 nmol/L]; day 50, 10.53 ± 0.82 ng/mL [33.49 ± 2.61 nmol/L]; day 63, 1.11 ± 0.22 ng/mL [3.53 ± 0.70 nmol/L]; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). G2 females suffered embryonic death detected between day 31 and day 33 by ultrasound (P4: 4.67 ng/mL ± 0.41 ng/mL, [14.85 ± 1.30 nmol/L]; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). In contrast, G3 females had similar plasma P4 levels to G1 dogs, and pregnancy was maintained until the scheduled cesarean section. These data suggest that combination therapy of L-thyroxine and 4-pregnane-3,20-dione maintains pregnancy to term in dogs with concomitant hypothyroidism and hypoluteoidism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106913"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143422535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist on equine carbohydrate metabolism after intravenous glucose load","authors":"I.A.M. Hallman,&nbsp;M.R. Raekallio,&nbsp;N.P. Karikoski","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vatinoxan is a peripherally acting alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist used in veterinary medicine to attenuate the side effects of alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists. Vatinoxan also increases insulin response and reduces blood glucose (BG) after intravenous glucose in other species. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vatinoxan on BG and insulin concentration in horses after intravenous glucose. The design was an assessor-blind cross-over study. Nine horses were assigned to intravenous vatinoxan (0.2 mg/kg; VAT) or saline (SAL). Horses were administered an intravenous glucose bolus (150 mg/kg) immediately before each treatment. Blood samples were collected until 300 min. Differences between treatments were evaluated with repeated measures analysis of covariance. Change from baseline was used as a response. <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. After intravenous glucose, BG and insulin increased in all horses. VAT significantly reduced the increase in BG compared with SAL (<em>p</em> = 0.005). Although insulin increased initially significantly more after VAT at 15 min (median 45.7, min-max 20.7–61.6 µIU/mL) compared with SAL (<em>p</em> = 0.04; 28.3, 17.2–44.5 µIU/mL), there was no significant difference in the overall treatment effect. Peak insulin concentration occurred significantly earlier (<em>p</em> = 0.04) after VAT (median T_max 30, min-max 15–60 min) than SAL (median T_max 60, 15–60 min). In conclusion, vatinoxan induced an earlier insulin peak than saline and reduced BG increase after intravenous glucose load. Vatinoxan could potentially modify insulin secretion from the pancreas during hyperglycaemia, but more research is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106946"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of moderate (7% on dry matter basis) and high (15% on dry matter basis) fiber diets on glycemic control in dogs with spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus","authors":"Jacklyn Gross,&nbsp;Joseph Bartges,&nbsp;Stacy Popovici,&nbsp;Larry Cornelius","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106944","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106944","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of the study was to compare the effects of a moderate fiber (MF, 7 % crude fiber on a dry matter basis, 1.9 g/100 kcal) versus a high fiber (HF, 15 % crude fiber on a dry matter basis, 4.4 g/100 kcal) diet on glycemic control in dogs with spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus. Eight adult dogs with stable spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus receiving intermediate-action insulin administered subcutaneously every 12 h completed the study. Dogs were fed MF and HF diets for 12 weeks in a crossover study design. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, 24-hour blood glucose curve, mean 24-hour blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percent were evaluated throughout the study as used to compare the MF and HF diets against the individual dogs’ base diet. A significant difference was not observed in HbA1c percent and mean 24-hour blood glucose concentrations in dogs consuming either MF or HF diets. HbA1c percent and mean 24-hour blood glucose were significantly lower in dogs consuming these MF and HF diets compared to their individual base diets. Based on these data it would be recommended to provide a dog with spontaneous insulin deficient diabetes mellitus a diet containing at least 7 % crude fiber on a dry matter basis (1.9 g/100 kcal) in addition to their injectable insulin requirements to improve their glycemic control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106944"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143860702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating hair cortisol dynamics in German Shepherd Dogs throughout pregnancy, lactation, and weaning phases, and its potential impact on the hair cortisol of offspring","authors":"Caixia Pan,&nbsp;Shu Xu,&nbsp;Wencai Zhang,&nbsp;Yu Zhao,&nbsp;Mingqiang Song,&nbsp;Jianli Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pregnancy, lactation, and weaning are crucial physiological stages in the life of bitches, directly affecting the physiological health of bitches and the growth and development of newborn puppies. This study aims to investigate the physiological stress of bitches during pregnancy, lactation, and weaning, as well as the effects of these changes on newborn puppies, by analyzing the variations in hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) of bitches and their newborn offspring during different stages. This study selected 24 female German Shepherd dogs aged 2-3 years who were pregnant and giving birth for the first time and their 118 surviving newborn offspring as experimental subjects. Hair samples were collected from the right shoulder and neck of the bitches and their offspring at four key time points: the day of mating (T0), the day of delivery (T1/NT1), the first day of weaning (T2/NT2), and the 60th day after weaning (T3/NT3). The HCCs was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess their physiological stress. The results showed that the maternal HCCs significantly increased during pregnancy and lactation, reaching a peak during lactation. The HCCs of puppies also significantly increased during the weaning period. Meanwhile, there was a significant but moderate correlation between the cortisol levels in maternal hair and puppies' hair during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, the maternal HCCs during pregnancy and lactation were affected by the litter size, the higher the litter size, the higher the hair cortisol level, while the cortisol levels in the hair of puppies were not affected by the litter size. Bitches may face higher physiological and psychological pressures during reproduction and nurturing offspring, especially when the litter size is large. At the same time, the physiological status of bitches may have a certain impact on puppies. Therefore, care and attention during pregnancy, lactation, and puppy weaning periods should be strengthened to ensure that bitches and puppies receive good feeding management and environmental support, maintain their physiological and psychological health, and further enhance animal welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 106921"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143422534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}