Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Kynurenine Pathway, and Lipid-Profiling Alterations as Potential Animal Welfare Indicators in Dairy Cattle
Author:
Favole Alessandra1ORCID, Testori Camilla1ORCID, Bergagna Stefania1, Gennero Maria Silvia1, Ingravalle Francesco1, Costa Barbara2, Barresi Sara2, Curti Piercarlo2, Barberis Francesco2, Ganio Sandra3, Orusa Riccardo1ORCID, Vallino Costassa Elena4, Berrone Elena1ORCID, Vernè Marco4, Scaglia Massimo4, Palmitessa Claudia1, Gallo Marina1, Tessarolo Carlotta1ORCID, Pederiva Sabina1ORCID, Ferrari Alessio1, Lorenzi Valentina5ORCID, Fusi Francesca5ORCID, Brunelli Laura6, Pastorelli Roberta6ORCID, Cagnotti Giulia7ORCID, Casalone Cristina1, Caramelli Maria1, Corona Cristiano1ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy 2. Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Cuneo (CN), 12100 Cuneo, Italy 3. Azienda USL Valle d’Aosta, Aosta (AO), 11100 Aosta, Italy 4. Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Turin, 10129 Turin, Italy 5. Italian Reference Centre for Animal Welfare (CReNBA), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy 6. Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy 7. Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Turin, Italy
Abstract
Complete animal welfare evaluation in intensive farming is challenging. With this study, we investigate new biomarkers for animal physical and mental health by comparing plasma expression of biochemical indicators in dairy cows reared in three different systems: (A) semi-intensive free-stall, (B) non-intensive tie-stall, and (C) intensive free-stall. Additionally, protein levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor form (proBDNF) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) specific activity were evaluated in brain samples collected from 12 cattle culled between 73 and 138 months of age. Alterations in plasma lipid composition and in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism were observed in the tie-stall-reared animals. The total plasma BDNF concentration was higher in tie-stall group compared to the two free-housing groups. Brain analysis of the tie-stall animals revealed a different mBDNF/proBDNF ratio, with a higher level of proBDNF (p < 0.001). Our data are similar to previous studies on animal models of depression, which reported that inhibition of the conversion of proBDNF in its mature form and/or elevated peripheral kynurenine pathway activation may underlie cerebral biochemical changes and induce depressive-like state behavior in animals.
Funder
Italian MInistry of Health
Subject
General Veterinary,Animal Science and Zoology
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