Authors : G.S. Al-Abry, I.Y. Mahmoud, S.N. Al-Bahry and G. Mann
Abstract: Generally, rise in stress hormonal levels can harm animal health meat quality of animals. Effect of transportation under extreme ambient temperatures was monitored in the Dhofari goats during Summer (35-45°C) and Winter (15-20°C) in two age groups, 1 and 1.5 years old. Goats were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental group was transported for 4.5 h in an open truck while the controlled goats remained in a shaded pen. The effect of transportation, extreme ambient temperatures and age factors caused significant stress resulted in high rise in the plasma stress hormones, adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol during both seasons. Adrenaline and noradrenaline plasma levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography while cortisol was measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Rectal temperature varied during the experimental procedure relative to the ambient temperature. This investigation reveals that transportation under extreme temperatures can influence the stress level hormonal levels in both which can be harmful to animal health and meatquality. In conclusion, stressful conditions must be avoided in order to prevent any side effect on goats.
G.S. Al-Abry, I.Y. Mahmoud, S.N. Al-Bahry and G. Mann, 2014. Catecholamine Andcortisol Levels in Relation to Temperature and Transportation Stress in Goats. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 9: 205-215.