EFFECT OF REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN REGARDS TO WORKLOAD ON PERIPHERAL CIRCULATIONS OF BLOOD CORTISOL AND LEPTIN IN THE OPEN MARE

<p>ABSTRACT</p> <p>Effect of Reproductive Efficiency in Regards to Workload on Peripheral Circulations of Blood Cortisol and Leptin in the Open Mare</p> <p>(December, 2016)</p> <p>Michaelle Kathleen Coker, B.S., Texas A&M University</p> <p>Thesis Director: Dr. John Michael Mehaffey</p> <p>Quarter and Paint horse mares (n= 9) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups after being blocked based by expected conception date. Groups consist of mares on no work (NW), light work (LW), and moderate work (MW). Blood was taken weekly via jugular venipuncture prior to first heat cycle from each mare. Additionally, blood was taken at time of ovulation and then weekly until a 30 day (d) heartbeat was reported for the fetus. Each blood sample was assayed for leptin and cortisol concentrations, to see if cardiovascular fitness played a role in these reproductive hormones. There was a statistical difference between body weight (BW) (p-value < 0.0001) between the groups based on a week interaction. When blood leptin concentrations were observed for a successful 30d pregnancy between the groups, a statistical difference was seen between LW and MW (p-value < 0.0001). Statistical significance was seen between LW and NW (p-value = 0.0069) for serum cortisol levels for mares with successful 15d pregnancies. This study showed moderate workload could be beneficial on reproductive efficiency, while light work could be harmful to the open mare; however more research is needed.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science - Agriculture

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agriculture

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Coker, Michaelle K

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. John Michael Mehaffey
• Dr. Robin Parker
• Dr. Joey Bray

• Mare
• Reproductive Efficiency
• Exercise
• Workload
• Leptin
• Cortisol
• Other Animal Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/60

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.sfasu.edu:etds-1070