Prediction of Cortisol and Progesterone Concentrations in Cow Hair Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Abstract

Concentrations of different steroid hormones have been used in cows as a measure of adrenal or gonadal activity and, thus, as indicators of stress or reproductive state. Detecting cortisol and progesterone in cow hair provides a long-term integrative value of retrospective adrenal or gonadal/placental activity, respectively. Current techniques for steroid detection require a hormone-extraction procedure that involves time, several types of equipment, management of reagents, and some assay procedures (which can also be time-consuming and can destroy the samples). In contrast, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a multi-component predictor technique, characterized as rapid, nondestructive for the sample, and reagent-free. However, as a predictor technique, NIRS needs to be calibrated and validated for each matrix, hormone, and species. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the NIRS technique for hair cortisol and progesterone quantification in cows by using specific enzyme immunoassay as a reference method. Hair samples from 52 adult Friesian lactating cows from a commercial dairy farm were used. Reflectance spectra of hair samples were determined with a NIR reflectance spectrophotometer before and after trimming them. Although similar results were obtained, a slightly better relationship between the reference data and NIRS predicted values was found using trimmed samples. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy demonstrated its ability to predict cortisol and progesterone concentrations with certain accuracy (R= 0.90 for cortisol and R= 0.87 for progesterone). Although NIRS is far from being a complete alternative to current methodologies, the proposed equations can offer screening capability. Considering the advantages of both fields, our results open the possibility for future work on the combination of hair steroid measurement and NIRS methodology.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a Method for Biological Sex Discrimination in the Endangered Houston Toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis)

“…The ability of NIRS to accurately detect biochemical differences between sexes as well as in females with varying degrees of gravidity provides novel insight into their underlying reproductive state. Previous research in mammal species, including red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), fallow deer ( Dama dama ), giant pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ), alpacas ( Lama pacos ), and several livestock species, has also demonstrated the utility of NIRS as an analytical technique to assist in the management decisions surrounding breeding programs [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. One major difference between applications of NIRS in mammals versus in amphibians is that mammal studies require the collection of biological samples, such as feces, hair, or blood plasma, to conduct analyses; on the other hand, as shown here, NIR spectra can be collected directly from the skin of live amphibians.…”

Estimating the heritability of nitrogen and carbon isotopes in the tail hair of beef cattle

“…Using the tail hair can access the long-period nutritional history of the animals. In addition, sampling tail hair is easy and quick [ 27 , 28 , 30 ], non-invasive and with minimal animal disturbance [ 28 ], and can be stably stored at room temperature [ 30 ].…”

An Overview on the Use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) on Farms for the Management of Dairy Cows

“…This technique, when combined with other estrus detection systems, can represent an effective means of detecting the right moment of heat. Tallo-Parra et al [119] used the NIRS to detect cortisol and progesterone concentrations in cow hair as indicators of stress and reproductive status, respectively. Near-infrared spectroscopy demonstrated its ability to predict cortisol and progesterone concentrations with certain accuracy (R 2 = 0.90 for cortisol and R 2 = 0.87 for progesterone).…”