Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Original article
Austral J. Vet. Sci.
Vol 56, 105-114 (2024)
DOI: 10.4206/ajvs.563.02

Relationship between chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration and welfare of housed dairy goats

1 Highlands Teaching and Research Farm (CEIEPAA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FMVZ), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tequisquiapan, Mexico.
2 Department of Livestock Sciences, Faculty of Higher Studies, Cuautitlán, UNAM, State of Mexico, Mexico.
3 Department of Reproduction, FMVZ, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico.
Keywords: chronic stress caprine arthritis and encephalitis paratuberculosis leptospirosis

Submitted: 2024-03-20

Accepted: 2024-08-05

Published: 2024-09-24

*Corresponding author:
ieca@unam.mx

How to Cite

Sierra Garcia, M., Domínguez Hernández, Y. M., De la Peña Moctezuma, A., Terrazas García, A. M., Perera Marín, J. G., Rodríguez Cortez, A. D. ., & Candanosa, I. (2024). Relationship between chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration and welfare of housed dairy goats. Austral Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 56(3), 105–114. https://doi.org/10.4206/ajvs.563.02

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Mayra Sierra Garcia, Yesmin María Domínguez Hernández, Alejandro De la Peña Moctezuma, Angélica María Terrazas García, José Gerardo Perera Marín, Ana Delia Rodríguez Cortez, Irma Candanosa

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and welfare of dairy goats housed throughout a productive cycle. Sixty multiparous dairy goats, over four years old, were selected. An animal welfare assessment was conducted using health indicators for goats, according to the AWIN protocol. Blood samples were also collected for haematology and determination of seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair samples for determination of HCC, milk samples for chemical composition and somatic cell counts, and faecal samples for parasite load. Small Ruminant Lentivirus (SRLv) had a prevalence of 71.66%, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) of 5%, Leptospira interrogans of 40% and Ovine Gammaherpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) of 50%. The percentages of goats that tested positive for one, two or three diseases were 31.67%, 50% and 11.66% respectively. Haematological alterations included hyperproteinaemia (84.94±1.58 g/L) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (6.11±0.65 g/L) for those with one or two diseases, with significant differences being found (P < 0.05). The welfare indicators related to health and the number of diseases were poor body condition, poor coat, poor udder conformation, and mucosal lesions (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between HCC and the number of chronic diseases in dairy goats (P > 0.05). Higher concentrations of cortisol in hair were found at 150 days of lactation (16.65±1.39 pg/mg) compared to the mating season (9.55±0.04 pg/mg) (P < 0.05). No associations were found (P > 0.05) between the production, composition, and somatic cell counts in milk and cortisol concentrations and diseases. It was concluded that the presence of chronic diseases in goats did not influence hair cortisol concentrations, possibly due to an effect of adaptive tolerance to diseases, as occurs in other domestic species; however, there was an effect of the productive stage. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

  1. Alberti, G. E., Zanzani, A. S., Ferrari, N., Bruni, G., & Manfredi, M. T. (2012). Effects of gastrointestinal nematodes on milk productivity in three dairy goat breeds. Small Ruminant Research, 106S, S12–S17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.04.027
  2. Arsoy, D. (2020). Herd management and welfare assessment of dairy goats farms in Northern Cyprus by using breeding, health, reproduction and biosecurity indicators. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 52, 71-78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-019-01990-3
  3. AWIN. 2015. AWIN Welfare Assessment Protocol for Goats. European Animal Welfare Indicators Project (AWIN). https://doi.org/10.13130/AWIN_GOATS_2015
  4. Battini, M., Peric, T., Ajuda, I., Vieira, A., Grosso, L., Barbieri, S., Stilwell, G., Prandi, A., Comin, A., Tubaro, F., & Mattiello, S. (2015). Hair coat condition: A valid and reliable indicator for on-farm welfare assessment in adult dairy goats. Small Ruminant Research, 123(2-3), 197-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2014.12.009
  5. Braun, U., Michel, N., Baumgartner, M. R., Hassig, M., & Binz, T.M. (2017). Cortisol concentration of regrown hair and hair from a previously unshorn area in dairy cows. Research in Veterinary Science, 114, 412–415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.07.005
  6. Braun, U., Wiest, A., Lutz, T. A., Riond, B., Hilbe, M., Baumgartner, M., & Binz, T. (2019). Hair cortisol concentration in clinically healthy slaughter calves with and without chronic bronchopneumonic lesions. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde, 161(10), 639-647. https://doi.org/10.17236/sat00226
  7. Burnett, T. A., Madureira, A. M. L, Silper, B. F., Tahmasbi, A., Nadalin, A., Veira, D. M., & Cerri, R. L. A. (2015). Relationship of concentrations of cortisol in hair with health, biomarkers in blood, and reproductive status in dairy cows. Journal Dairy Science, 98(7), 4414–4426. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8871
  8. Caroprese, M., Casamassima, D., Giacomo, S., Napolitano, F., & Sevi, A. (2009). Monitoring the on-farm welfare of sheep and goats. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 8(1), 343-354. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2009.s1.343
  9. Casal, N., Manteca, X., Peña, R., Bassols, A., & Fabrega, E. (2017). Analysis of cortisol in hair samples as an indicator of stress in pigs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.01.002
  10. Comin, A., Peric, T., Corazzin, M., Veronesi, M. C., Meloni, T., Zufferli, V., Cornacchia, G., & Prandi, A. (2013). Hair cortisol as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in Friesian dairy cows clinically or physiologically compromised. Livestock Science, 152, 36–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2012.11.021
  11. Daramola, J. O., Adeloye, A. A., Fatoba, T. A., Soladoye, A. O. (2005). Haematological and biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf goats. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 17(8), 95. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd17/8/dara17095.htm
  12. Davenport, M. D., Tiefenbacher, S., Lutz, C. K. Novak, M. A., & Meyer, J. S. (2006). Analysis of endogenous cortisol concentrations in the hair of rhesus macaques. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 147(3), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.01.005
  13. Di Cerbo, A. R., Manfredi, M. T., Zanzani, S., & Stradiotto, K. (2010). Gastrointestinal infection in goat farms in Lombardy (Northern Italy): Analysis on community and spatial distribution of parasites. Small Ruminant Research, 88(2-3), 102–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2009.12.017
  14. Doeschl-Wilson, A., Knap, P. W., & Opriessing, T. (2021). Review: Livestock disease resilience: from individual to herd level. Animal, 15 (Suppl 1), 100286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2021.100286
  15. Duguna, A. (2016). Practical manual on veterinary clinical diagnostic approach. Journal Veterinary Science Technology, 7 (4), 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7579.1000337
  16. Etim, N. N., Williams, M. E., Evans, E. I., & Offiong, E. E. (2013). Physiological and Behavioural Responses of farm animals to stress: Implications to animal productivity. American Journal of Advanced Agricultural Research, 1(2), 53-61.
  17. Figueroa-Castillo, J. A., Jasso-Villazul, C., Liébano-Hernández, E., Martínez-Labat, P., Rodríguez-Vivas, R. I., & Zárate-Ramos, J. J. (2015). Capítulo 3: Examen coproparasitoscópico En: Técnicas para el diagnóstico de parásitos con importancia en salud pública y veterinaria. Rodríguez Vivas R. I. Ed, AMPAVE-CONASA, Mexico, DF, pp: 78-128.
  18. Fischer-Tenhagen, C., Ladwig-Wiegard, M., Heuwieser, W., & Thone-Reineke, C. (2018). Short communication: Is hair cortisol a potential indicator for stress caused by chronic lameness in dairy cows? Journal Dairy Science, 101(6), 5439–5443. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-13967
  19. Fontaine, M. C., & Baird, G. J. (2008). Caseous lymphadenitis. Small Ruminant Research, 76(1-2), 42–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2007.12.025
  20. Ghassemi-Nejad, J., Bae-Hun, L., Ji-Yung, K., & Byong-Wan, K. (2019). Comparing hair cortisol concentrations from various body sites and serum cortisol in Holstein lactating cows and heifers during thermal comfort zone. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 30, 92-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.12.007
  21. González de la Vara, M. R., Valdez, R. A., Lemus-Ramírez, V., Vázquez-Chagoyán, J. C., Villa-Godoy, A., & Romano, M.C. (2011). Effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge and age on hair cortisol concentrations in dairy cattle. Canadian Journal Veterinary Research, 75(3), 216-221.
  22. Gow, R., Thomson, S., Rieder, M., Van Uum S., & Koren G. (2010). An assessment of cortisol analysis in hair and its clinical applications. Forensic Science International, 196(1-3), 32-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.12.040
  23. Guzmán, R. C., Santillán, F. M. A., & Córdoba, L. D. (2016). Prevalence and possible risk factors for caprine paratuberculosis in intensive dairy production units in Guanajuato, México. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, 8(11), 156-162. https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2016.0497
  24. Heimburge, S., Kanitz, E., & Otten, W. (2019). The use of hair cortisol for the assessment of stress in animals. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 270, 10-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.09.016
  25. INEGI. 2021. Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. Dirección General de Geografía y Medio Ambiente. Catálogo Único de Claves de Áreas Geoestadísticas Estatales, Municipales y Localidades. https://www.inegi.org.mx/app/ageeml/
  26. Kaba, J., Strzatkowska, N., Jozwik, A., Krzyzewski, J., & Bagnicka, E. (2012). Twelve-year cohort study on the influence of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection on milk yield and composition. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(4), 1617-1622. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2011-4680
  27. Knap, P. W., & Doeschl-Wilson, A. (2020). Why breed disease-resilient livestock, and how? Genetics Selection Evolution, 52, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-020-00580-4
  28. Koren, L., Mokady, O., Karaskov, T., Klein, J., Koren, G., & Geffen, E. (2002). A novel method using hair for determining hormonal levels in wildlife. Animal Behaviour, 63, 403–406. https://doi.org/10.1006/anbe.2001.1907
  29. Licitra, F., Perillo, L., Antoci, F., Piccione, G., Giannetto, C., Salonia, R., Giudice, E., Monteverde, V., & Cascone, G. (2021). Management factors influence animal welfare and the correlation to infectious diseases in dairy cows. Animals, 11(11), 3321. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113321
  30. Luna, A. M., Socci, E. G., & Morales, A. J. (2018). Anticuerpos contra Leptospira spp en caprinos lecheros en Guanajuato, México. Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Perú, 29(2), 611-618. http://dx.doi.org/10.15381/rivep.v29i2.14525
  31. Madrigal-Valencia, T., Saavedra-Montañez, M., Pérez-Torres, A., Hernández, J., Segalés, J., Domínguez Hernández, Y., Candanosa-Aranda, I. E., Pérez-Guiot, A., & Ramírez-Mendoza, H. (2023). First identification and characterization of ovine gammaherpesvirus type 2 in horses and artiodactyla from an outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Mexico. Plos One, 18(9), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290309
  32. Manfredi, M. T., Di Cerbo, A. R., Zanzani, S., & Stradiotto, K. (2010). Breeding management in goat farms of Lombardy, northern Italy: risk factors connected to gastrointestinal parasites. Small Ruminant Reseach, 88(2), 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2009.12.018
  33. Martínez, H. I., Villagoméz, C. J., & Hernández, R. G. (2020). Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo para artritis encefalitis caprina en el estado de Veracruz, México. Agrociencia, 54(1), 15-29.
  34. Martínez, N. B., Peris, C., Gómez, E. A., Peris, B., Roche, M., Caballero, C., Goyena, E., & Berriatua, E. (2013). Quantitative estimation of the impact of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus infection on milk production by dairy goats. The Veterinary Journal, 197(2), 311-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.12.020
  35. Martínez-Miró, S., Tecles, F., Ramón, M., Escribano, D., Hernández, F., Madrid, J., Orengo, J., Martínez-Subiela, S, Manteca, X., & Cerón, J. J. (2016). Causes, consequences and biomarkers of stress in swine: an update. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 171. https://doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0791-8
  36. Moya, D., Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K.S., & Veira, D.M. (2013). Standardization of a non-invasive methodology to measure cortisol in hair of beef cattle. Livestock Science, 158(1-3), 138–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2013.10.007
  37. Muri, K., Leine, N., & Valle, P.S. (2016). Welfare effects of a disease eradication program for dairy goats. Animal, 10(2), 333–341. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731115000762
  38. Nair, M. R. R., Sejian, V., Silpa, M. V., Fonseca, V. F. C., Melo-Costa C. C., Devaraj, C., Krishnan, G., Bagath, M., Nameer, P. O., & Bhatta, R. (2021). Goat as the ideal climate-resilient animal model in tropical environment: revisiting advantages over other livestock species. International Journal Biometeorology, 65, 2229–2240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-021-02179-w
  39. Nájera-Rivera, H., Rodríguez-Cortez, A., Anaya-Santillán, M., Díaz-Aparicio, E., Ramos-Rodríguez, A., Siliceo-Cantero, I., Vázquez-Franco, N., Nieto-Patlán, E., De Las Peñas, A., Valdés-Vázquez, L., & Cobos-Marín, L. (2023). Multiplex assay for the simultaneous detection of antibodies against small ruminant lentivirus, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, and Brucella melitensis in goats. Veterinary World, 16(4), 704–710. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.704-710
  40. Nakov, D., Hristov, S., Stankovic, B., Pol, F., Dimitrov, I., Ilieski, V., Mormede, P., Hervé, J., Terenina, E., Lieubeau, B., Papanastasiou, D. K., Bartzanas, T., Norton, T., Piette, D., Tullo, E., & van Dixhoorn, I. D. E. (2019). Methodologies for assessing disease tolerance in pigs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 329. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00329
  41. Noordzij, M., Dekker, F. W., Zoccali, C., & Jager, K. J. (2009). Study designs in clinical research. Nephron Clinical Practice, 113(3), c218–c221. https://doi.org/10.1159/000235610
  42. NRC. (2007). Nutrient requirements of small ruminants: sheep, goats, cervids, and New World camelids. In National Research Council of the National Academies (Washington, DC, The National Academies Press), 2007.
  43. Russell, E., Koren, G., Rieder, M., & Van-Uum, S. (2012). Hair cortisol as a biological marker of chronic stress: Current status, future directions and unanswered questions. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(5), 589-601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.09.009
  44. Spigarelli, C., Zuliani, A., Battini, M., Mattiello, S., & Bovolenta, S. (2020). Welfare assessment on pasture: A review on animal-based measures for ruminants. Animals, 10(4), 609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040609
  45. Stalder, T., Steudte, S., Miller, R., Skoluda, N., Dettenborn, L., & Kirschbaum, C. (2012). Intraindividual stability of hair cortisol concentrations. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(5), 602-610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.08.007
  46. Tekin, M., Camara, D. R., Binz, T. M., Bruckmaier R. M., Bollwein, H., & Wagener, K. (2023). Relationship between periparturient diseases, metabolic markers and the dynamics of hair cortisol concentrations in dairy cows. Research Veterinary Science, 158, 134-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.016
  47. Waller, P. J. (2006). Sustainable nematode parasite control strategies for ruminant livestock by grazing management and biological control. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 126(3), 277–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2005.08.007
  48. WHO–World Health Organization, 2012. Leptospirosis. In http://www.wpro.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs_13082012_leptospirosis/en/ (accessed 26.05.14).

Make a Submission

Make a Submission

Journal Metrics (2023) & Ranking

Impact Factor
→
0.5 (2024)
5 years Impact Factor
→
0.8
JCR Quartile
→
Q4
JIF Rank
→
134/170 (Veterinary Sciences)
SJR (2024)
→
0.244
SNIP (2024)
→
0.35

 

 

SCImago Journal & Country Rank

Indexed in

Publisher


This journal is published by the Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile

Keywords