Preliminary investigation of the influence of long-term dietary isoflavone intake on puberty onset and oestrous cycles in domestic cats (Felis catus)

Abstract

Preliminary investigation of the influence of long-term dietary isoflavone intake on 3 puberty onset and oestrous cycles in domestic cats (Felis catus) 4Summary 5 Genistein and daidzein are isoflavones which are reported to influence the reproductive 6 system in a variety of mammalian species. This pilot study aimed to determine if dietary 7 isoflavones could potentially influence reproductive parameters in domestic cats, when 8 consumed during the postnatal development period. Cats (n = 12) were maintained on 9 either a treatment (150 μg/g DM genistein and 150 μg/g, n=4) or control (isoflavone free, 10 n=8) diet from weaning, up to 414 (± 17.2) days post-weaning. Vaginal smears were 11 taken thrice weekly and examined for oestrogen-induced cellular degradation in all cats. 12Behavioural indicators of oestrous were routinely scored for the presence or absence of 13 six key behaviours. Genistein and daidzein did not alter puberty onset or oestrous cycle 14 parameters in these cats (P > 0.05). Behavioural scores were higher in cats in the 15 treatment group than control. Incidence of apparent spontaneous ovulation (inferred from 16 extended inter-oestrous periods) was greater in treated cats than control cats, although 17 serum hormone profiles were not available to confirm this observation. Further testing is 18 warranted. 19