Exploring the Link Between Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Body Trait Measurements in Prepubertal Goat Kids in a Humid Subtropical Climate

Background: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is produced throughout life and contributes to the growth of nearly all the organs in the body. Current study investigated the relationship between IGF-1 concentrations with body trait measurements in prepubertal period of male and female Assam Hill Goat kids. Methods: Twenty-four (24) goat kids (12 male + 12 female) were used for the experiment for a period of 7 months (March-September, 2022). Climatic data points were obtained from the State Meteorological Department, Meghalaya and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. The experimental months was grouped into fourteen (14) periods (Period 1-14) based on the severity of heat stress as indicated by the THI values. Blood samples were collected at every 15 days interval for determination of serum IGF-1 levels and on the same day of collection the phenotypic growth trait measurements were recorded. Result: Results showed that the IGF-1 concentration in the experimental kids significantly (P less than 0.05) increased until Period 6; then a steady non-significant (P greater than 0.05) decline till Period 14. Correlations between IGF-1 concentrations and the phenotypic body trait measurements were significant (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, serum IGF-1 level increases with increase in THI which may be attributed to its thermos-protective effect against environmental stressors.