Physiological responses of dogs to different housing systems

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that mightcontribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence ofhousing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was toevaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating thedifferences between housing systems, by taking into account the different stabling time and sex.Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N=61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N=25, 13 females and 12males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N=12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups werespayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among <1 year, 2 years and 4 years, anddifferent sex.Discussion: This observational study showed that kennelled males lodged for 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.001) years showedlower cortisol concentrations than males lodged <1 year; males lodged for <1 year (P < 0.001) showed higher cortisol concentrations than females; males lodged for 4 year showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than females. Kennelledfemales lodged for 4 year showed higher PCV values (P < 0.001) than females lodged for <1 year. Paired and unpairedhousehold females and males lodged for 4 years showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than 2 years and <1 year.Paired and unpaired household females and males lodged for short-, medium- and long-term times showed higher glucoseconcentrations (P < 0.001) than kennelled dogs. This study showed significant changes of circulating cortisol, glucoseand PCV...(AU)

Physiological responses of dogs to different housing systems

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that mightcontribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence ofhousing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was toevaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating thedifferences between housing systems, by taking into account the different stabling time and sex.Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N=61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N=25, 13 females and 12males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N=12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups werespayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among <1 year, 2 years and 4 years, anddifferent sex.Discussion: This observational study showed that kennelled males lodged for 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.001) years showedlower cortisol concentrations than males lodged <1 year; males lodged for <1 year (P < 0.001) showed higher cortisol concentrations than females; males lodged for 4 year showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than females. Kennelledfemales lodged for 4 year showed higher PCV values (P < 0.001) than females lodged for <1 year. Paired and unpairedhousehold females and males lodged for 4 years showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than 2 years and <1 year.Paired and unpaired household females and males lodged for short-, medium- and long-term times showed higher glucoseconcentrations (P < 0.001) than kennelled dogs. This study showed significant changes of circulating cortisol, glucoseand PCV...

Comparison of acute versus chronic stress responses to different housing’s systems of cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housing’s systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings. Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housing’s systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P < 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P < 0.001), Platelets (P < 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P < 0.05) values, and lower White Blood Cell (P < 0.001) than group A.Discussion: This observational study showed that cats housed in the households group showed higher cortisol, RBC, PCV, Plt, HR and RR values, and lower WBC rather than cattery’s cats. Another point is that males showed higher RBC, PCV, WBC and Plt than females, irrespective of different housing’s systems.[...]

Comparison of Acute versus Chronic Stress Responses to Different Housings Systems of Cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings.Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P 0.001), Platelets (P 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P 0.0

Comparison of Acute versus Chronic Stress Responses to Different Housings Systems of Cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings.Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P 0.001), Platelets (P 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P 0.0

Comparison of Acute versus Chronic Stress Responses to Different Housings Systems of Cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings.Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P 0.001), Platelets (P 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P 0.0

Comparison of Acute versus Chronic Stress Responses to Different Housings Systems of Cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings.Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P 0.001), Platelets (P 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P 0.0

Comparison of Acute versus Chronic Stress Responses to Different Housings Systems of Cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings.Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P 0.001), Platelets (P 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P 0.0

Comparison of Acute versus Chronic Stress Responses to Different Housings Systems of Cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings.Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P 0.001), Platelets (P 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P 0.0

Comparison of acute versus chronic stress responses to different housings systems of cats

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and functional systems undergo the assessment of stress levels throughout living environments, contributing to avoid side effects to well-being in domestic animals, including pets. Cortisol represents the most important glucocorticoid found in felis and it is frequently used as standard marker in stress research. The purpose of the present study was to compare the adrenal and haematological patterns of cats, by taking into account the effects of different housings systems. The hypothesis was to find a different coping strategies, according to different housings. Materials, Methods & Results: For this study a total of 50 cats were selected on the basis of the breed: European domestic short hair cats, age ranged between 22 and 30 months and housings systems, represented by cattery and/or households, respectively. On these basis, cats were distinguished into two groups, represented by group A: 22 cats living in cattery, and group B: 28 cats living in households. Blood samples were collected twice a week, for two consecutive days, during one month and subsequently analysed for haematological analysis and cortisol concentrations. Group B showed higher cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01), Red Blood Cell (P < 0.05), Packed Cell Volume (P < 0.001), Platelets (P < 0.01), Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate (P < 0.05) values, and lower White Blood Cell (P < 0.001) than group A.Discussion: This observational study showed that cats housed in the households group showed higher cortisol, RBC, PCV, Plt, HR and RR values, and lower WBC rather than catterys cats. Another point is that males showed higher RBC, PCV, WBC and Plt than females, irrespective of different housings systems.[...](AU)

Pituitary-adrenal axis responses to routine management procedures in sheep (Ovis aries)

Background: Shearing is considered as a stressful factor in sheep, capable of causing some behavioural changes including variations of body condition and hormonal and haematochemical parameters. On these basis, circulating ACTH and cortisol concentrations were determined in sheep before and after exposure to aversive stimuli in order to evaluate the potential use of these hormones to objectively measure physical and mental stress responses to isolation, restraint and shearing. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty Pinzirita sheep, used as experimental group, were evaluated in baseline conditions, 24 h before isolation, restraint and shearing (T0), after isolation (T1), after restraint and shearing (T2), by taking into account the influence of previous shearing experience (just shorn). A control group of forty sheep (intact) was evaluated in baseline condition (T0). According to previous experience the experimental subjects were divided in two groups, respectively group A represented by 20 sheep (10 males and 10 females), aged 1-2 years, without previous shearing experience (intact); and group B represented by 20 sheep (10 males and 10 females), aged older than 2 years, previously exposed to shearing (just shorn). A control group C of 40 sheep splitted into two sub-groups represented by 10 intact males and 10 intact females, aged 1-2 years, and 10 males and 10 females just [...](AU)

Pituitary-adrenal axis responses to routine management procedures in sheep (Ovis aries)

Background: Shearing is considered as a stressful factor in sheep, capable of causing some behavioural changes including variations of body condition and hormonal and haematochemical parameters. On these basis, circulating ACTH and cortisol concentrations were determined in sheep before and after exposure to aversive stimuli in order to evaluate the potential use of these hormones to objectively measure physical and mental stress responses to isolation, restraint and shearing. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty Pinzirita sheep, used as experimental group, were evaluated in baseline conditions, 24 h before isolation, restraint and shearing (T0), after isolation (T1), after restraint and shearing (T2), by taking into account the influence of previous shearing experience (just shorn). A control group of forty sheep (intact) was evaluated in baseline condition (T0). According to previous experience the experimental subjects were divided in two groups, respectively group A represented by 20 sheep (10 males and 10 females), aged 1-2 years, without previous shearing experience (intact); and group B represented by 20 sheep (10 males and 10 females), aged older than 2 years, previously exposed to shearing (just shorn). A control group C of 40 sheep splitted into two sub-groups represented by 10 intact males and 10 intact females, aged 1-2 years, and 10 males and 10 females just [...]

Effects of ovariohysterectomy in dogs and cats on adrenocortical, haematological and behavioural parameters

Background: Ovariohysterectomy is considered a prophylactic and therapeutic effect on average better health and reduced mortality rate than intact. Measurement of endocrine, haematological and behavioural responses have been used to evaluate the animal companion response to stressful events. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of ovariohysterectomy on routinely measures of cortisol response and haematological variables in clinically healthy adult dogs and cats, and to determine whether these parameters could be used to identify a stress response and/or an adaptation to this commonly performed surgery.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out on 12 clinically healthy female dogs (6 control group and 6 experimental group), Beagle, English Setter, Alsatian breeds, aged 2-4 years, with a mean (sd) weight of 16 (2) kg, and 12 clinically healthy mixed-breed domestic female cats (6 control group and 6 experimental group), aged 2-3 years, with a mean (sd) weight of 4 (1) kg. Sexually intact bitches and cats were randomly assigned to control groups; at the same time, bitches and cats of experimental groups were randomly submitted to ovariohysterectomy, within 2 months after an estrous cycle. Blood samples of experimental groups were taken from a cephalic vein, and only occasionally from a jugular vein in the morning (09:00 a.m.), immediately before ovariohysterectomy and one hour after. Baseline blood samples of control groups were taken in the morning (09:00 a.m.). Owners were interviewed via questionnaire at the time the female dogs and cats were spayed and 2 months later. Dogs and cats showed only slightly decrease of cortisol concentrations after surgery compared to pre ovariohysterectomy values.[...]

Machine milking impact on dairy cows physiological adjustments: an observational approach according to different breed

Background: Machine milking can induce both physical and psychological stimuli, with physiological adjustments, including adrenocortical, haematochemical and haematological changes, particularly in dairy farms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the physiological patterns of cortisol responses and total protein and haematocrit changes in pregnant dairy cows before and after morning and early afternoon machine milking, by taking into account the effect of different milking times and breed.Materials, Methods & Results: This was a comparative and observational study on the adaptive responses of circulating cortisol concentrations, total protein and haematocrit values to machine milking evaluated in 36 healthy multiparous lactating dairy cows, 5.2 ± 2.54 years of age, at the 4th-5th month of pregnancy, stabled in stall. The animals were divided in three groups according to different breed (group A: 10 Holstein Friesian dairy cows; group B: 10 Swedish Red dairy cows; group C: 16 crossbred (Friesian-cross) dairy cows and were submitted to machine milking 2 times daily at 06:30 a.m. and at 03:30 p.m. Blood samples were collected via the coccygeal vessels in the tail, in the morning: in baseline conditions (before milking) at 06:00 a.m., and after milking at 07:00 a.m.; and in the early afternoon: in baseline conditions, at 03:00 a.m., and after milking at 04:00 p.m. for two consecutive days. One-way RM ANOVA showed significant effects of the machine milking on the cortisol (F=29.66 and F=11.50; P < 0.001), total protein (F=27.24 and F=30.34; P < 0.001) and haematocrit (F=19.44 and F=13.50; P < 0.01) changes in Holstein Friesian dairy cows, both at morning and at afternoon.[...]

Effects of ovariohysterectomy in dogs and cats on adrenocortical, haematological and behavioural parameters

Background: Ovariohysterectomy is considered a prophylactic and therapeutic effect on average better health and reduced mortality rate than intact. Measurement of endocrine, haematological and behavioural responses have been used to evaluate the animal companion response to stressful events. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of ovariohysterectomy on routinely measures of cortisol response and haematological variables in clinically healthy adult dogs and cats, and to determine whether these parameters could be used to identify a stress response and/or an adaptation to this commonly performed surgery.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out on 12 clinically healthy female dogs (6 control group and 6 experimental group), Beagle, English Setter, Alsatian breeds, aged 2-4 years, with a mean (sd) weight of 16 (2) kg, and 12 clinically healthy mixed-breed domestic female cats (6 control group and 6 experimental group), aged 2-3 years, with a mean (sd) weight of 4 (1) kg. Sexually intact bitches and cats were randomly assigned to control groups; at the same time, bitches and cats of experimental groups were randomly submitted to ovariohysterectomy, within 2 months after an estrous cycle. Blood samples of experimental groups were taken from a cephalic vein, and only occasionally from a jugular vein in the morning (09:00 a.m.), immediately before ovariohysterectomy and one hour after. Baseline blood samples of control groups were taken in the morning (09:00 a.m.). Owners were interviewed via questionnaire at the time the female dogs and cats were spayed and 2 months later. Dogs and cats showed only slightly decrease of cortisol concentrations after surgery compared to pre ovariohysterectomy values.[...](AU)

Machine milking impact on dairy cows physiological adjustments: an observational approach according to different breed

Background: Machine milking can induce both physical and psychological stimuli, with physiological adjustments, including adrenocortical, haematochemical and haematological changes, particularly in dairy farms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the physiological patterns of cortisol responses and total protein and haematocrit changes in pregnant dairy cows before and after morning and early afternoon machine milking, by taking into account the effect of different milking times and breed.Materials, Methods & Results: This was a comparative and observational study on the adaptive responses of circulating cortisol concentrations, total protein and haematocrit values to machine milking evaluated in 36 healthy multiparous lactating dairy cows, 5.2 ± 2.54 years of age, at the 4th-5th month of pregnancy, stabled in stall. The animals were divided in three groups according to different breed (group A: 10 Holstein Friesian dairy cows; group B: 10 Swedish Red dairy cows; group C: 16 crossbred (Friesian-cross) dairy cows and were submitted to machine milking 2 times daily at 06:30 a.m. and at 03:30 p.m. Blood samples were collected via the coccygeal vessels in the tail, in the morning: in baseline conditions (before milking) at 06:00 a.m., and after milking at 07:00 a.m.; and in the early afternoon: in baseline conditions, at 03:00 a.m., and after milking at 04:00 p.m. for two consecutive days. One-way RM ANOVA showed significant effects of the machine milking on the cortisol (F=29.66 and F=11.50; P < 0.001), total protein (F=27.24 and F=30.34; P < 0.001) and haematocrit (F=19.44 and F=13.50; P < 0.01) changes in Holstein Friesian dairy cows, both at morning and at afternoon.[...](AU)

Short- and long-term effects of weaning on adrenocortical and functional response of lambs

Background: Weaning period is considered a crucial event in the management of ewes and lambs, resulting in a number ofsignifi cant challenges. Although multiple stresses signifi cantly affected adaptative capability of ewes in terms of changes inphysiological mechanisms insuffi cient knowledges are available to understand the adrenocortical and functional responsesof lambs to adapt to weaning stress. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of weaning associated with maternal separation on circulating cortisol concentrations, respiratory rate and rectal temperature changes afterthe fi rst 24 h weaning period and 2 weeks later in cross-bred lambs.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-four cross-bred lambs were assigned randomly to two treatments: 17 (unstressedcontrol group) were housed in standard farming conditions with their mothers and 17 lambs (treated group) were submitted to weaning and separation from maternal care. Both groups were studied and sampled 2 weeks before (weaning) inbaseline conditions (T0), 24 h (T1) and 2 weeks (T2) after (weaning). In treated group lambs showed decreases of cortisolconcentrations 24 h after (P < 0.001) and 2 weeks after (P < 0.05) weaning, compared to baseline values. Weaning effectswere shown for cortisol changes (P < 0.0001) in treated lambs. The comparison between control and treated lambs showedlower cortisol concentration both 24 h after weaning (P < 0.001) and 2 weeks later (P < 0.05) in treated than control subjects. Treated lambs showed decreases of respiratory rate 24 h after (P < 0.01) and 2 weeks after (P < 0.05), compared tobaseline values, with a signifi cant weaning effects for RR changes (P < 0.001). No signifi cant changes were observed forRT at different times in treated lambs. Negative and signifi cant correlations were observed between RR and RT (r= -0.674;P < 0.05) for all measurement periods in control group...

Short- and long-term effects of weaning on adrenocortical and functional response of lambs

Background: Weaning period is considered a crucial event in the management of ewes and lambs, resulting in a number ofsignifi cant challenges. Although multiple stresses signifi cantly affected adaptative capability of ewes in terms of changes inphysiological mechanisms insuffi cient knowledges are available to understand the adrenocortical and functional responsesof lambs to adapt to weaning stress. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of weaning associated with maternal separation on circulating cortisol concentrations, respiratory rate and rectal temperature changes afterthe fi rst 24 h weaning period and 2 weeks later in cross-bred lambs.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-four cross-bred lambs were assigned randomly to two treatments: 17 (unstressedcontrol group) were housed in standard farming conditions with their mothers and 17 lambs (treated group) were submitted to weaning and separation from maternal care. Both groups were studied and sampled 2 weeks before (weaning) inbaseline conditions (T0), 24 h (T1) and 2 weeks (T2) after (weaning). In treated group lambs showed decreases of cortisolconcentrations 24 h after (P < 0.001) and 2 weeks after (P < 0.05) weaning, compared to baseline values. Weaning effectswere shown for cortisol changes (P < 0.0001) in treated lambs. The comparison between control and treated lambs showedlower cortisol concentration both 24 h after weaning (P < 0.001) and 2 weeks later (P < 0.05) in treated than control subjects. Treated lambs showed decreases of respiratory rate 24 h after (P < 0.01) and 2 weeks after (P < 0.05), compared tobaseline values, with a signifi cant weaning effects for RR changes (P < 0.001). No signifi cant changes were observed forRT at different times in treated lambs. Negative and signifi cant correlations were observed between RR and RT (r= -0.674;P < 0.05) for all measurement periods in control group...(AU)