Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Variation in physiological profiles may explain breed differences in neonatal lamb thermoregulation

K. J. Plush A B C D , M. L. Hebart A B , F. D. Brien A B and P. I. Hynd A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.

B School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

C Present address: South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: kate.plush@sa.gov.au

Animal Production Science 56(4) 746-756 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN14957
Submitted: 23 November 2014  Accepted: 8 July 2015   Published: 21 December 2015

Abstract

Ability to adapt rapidly from the uterine environment to self-thermoregulation following birth is a vital requirement for neonatal lamb survival. This investigation reports factors that could explain differences in thermoregulation among breeds that differ in lamb survival. Breeds such as the Merino and Border Leicester have previously been shown to be divergent for birthweight, cold resistance and lamb survival. Cross-bred (Poll Dorset Border Leicester (PDBL, n = 9) and Poll Dorset Merino (PDM, n = 25)) and pure-bred (Border Leicester (BL, n = 35) and Merino (M, n = 46)) lambs were recorded for the thermogenic measures rectal temperature at birth, cold resistance (time for rectal temperature to fall to 35°C while in a cooled water bath) and cold recovery (time to restore rectal temperature after cold exposure) at 1 day of age. In pure-bred lambs, 1 kg increase in weight resulted in a 0.25°C increase in rectal temperature at birth (P < 0.001) and 4.2 min increase in cold resistance (P < 0.001). In contrast, cross-bred lambs did not exhibit any relationship between birthweight and rectal temperature at birth, although they displayed a 3.2 min greater cold resistance for every 1 kg increase in birthweight (P < 0.001). BL-derived lambs were more cold resistant than M lambs (cross-bred: PDBL, 67.1 ± 2.5 min; PDM, 56.4 ± 1.6 min; P < 0.01; and pure-bred: BL, 58.1 ± 1.5 min; M, 53.2 ± 1.3 min; P < 0.01). The quadratic relationship of glucose concentration over time during cold exposure differed with lamb breed. PDBL exhibited higher peak glucose concentrations than did PDM (11.0 mmol/L and 8.9 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.01). BL took longer to reach peak glucose concentration (50 min) than did M (40 min) and this peak value was higher (BL, 9.4 mmol/L; M, 7.7 mmol/L; P < 0.001). In conclusion, variations in birthweight and glucose metabolism are associated with breed differences in thermogenesis of neonatal lambs.

Additional keywords: cold resistance, exposure, lamb survival, physiology.


References

Abelenda M, Ledesma A, Rial E, Puerta M (2003) Leptin administration to cold-acclimated rats reduces both food intake and brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Journal of Thermal Biology 28, 525–530.
Leptin administration to cold-acclimated rats reduces both food intake and brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXmsVGks70%3D&md5=059383d4eaf7bbc3e047d6a28d6b17a3CAS |

Alexander G (1962a) Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. IV. The effect of wind and evaporation of water from the coat on metabolic rate and body temperature. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 13, 82–99.
Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. IV. The effect of wind and evaporation of water from the coat on metabolic rate and body temperature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alexander G (1962b) Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. V. Summit metabolism. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 13, 100–121.
Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. V. Summit metabolism.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alexander G, McCance I (1958) Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. I. Changes in rectal temperature within the first six hours of life. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 9, 339–347.
Temperature regulation in the new-born lamb. I. Changes in rectal temperature within the first six hours of life.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alexander G, Williams D (1968) Shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis during summit metabolism in young lambs. The Journal of Physiology 198, 251–276.
Shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis during summit metabolism in young lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaF1M%2Fjs1Kmug%3D%3D&md5=5b1aa7e8d8773ec24e15ae34f1a6371bCAS | 5698273PubMed |

Alexander G, Bell AW, Hales JRS (1973) Effects of cold exposure on tissue blood flow in the new-born lamb. The Journal of Physiology 234, 65–77.
Effects of cold exposure on tissue blood flow in the new-born lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaE2c%2FmsVOisw%3D%3D&md5=cdace77b611f94d61ad18aaef03aa015CAS | 4766222PubMed |

Blache D, Tellam RL, Chagas LM, Blackberry MA, Vercoe PE, Martin GB (2000) Level of nutrition affects leptin concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in sheep. The Journal of Endocrinology 165, 625–637.
Level of nutrition affects leptin concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXktl2qtrw%3D&md5=0f40112b8afc8fa4bf95522537a29eefCAS | 10828846PubMed |

Brien FD, Hebart ML, Smith DH, Hocking Edwards JE, Greef JC, Hart KW, Refshauge G, Bird-Gardiner TL, Gaunt G, Behrendt R, Robertson MW, Hinch GN, Geenty KG, van der Werf JHJ (2010) Opportunties for genetic improvement of lamb survival. Animal Production Science 50, 1017–1025.
Opportunties for genetic improvement of lamb survival.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Budge H, Bispham J, Dandrea J, Evans E, Heasman L, Ingleton PM, Sullivan C, Wilson V, Stephenson T, Symonds ME (2000) Effect of maternal nutrition on brown adipose tissue and its prolactin receptor status in the fetal lamb. Pediatric Research 47, 781–786.
Effect of maternal nutrition on brown adipose tissue and its prolactin receptor status in the fetal lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3cvit1eisg%3D%3D&md5=4f6211b740d651324fb6118cb5cf65f3CAS | 10832738PubMed |

Carstens GE, Mostyn PM, Lammoglia MA, Vann RC, Apter RC, Randel RD (1997) Genotypic effects on norepinephrine-induced changes in thermogenesis, metabolic hormones, and metabolites in newborn calves. Journal of Animal Science 75, 1746–1755.

Cinti S, Frederich RC, Zingaretti MC, De Matteis R, Flier JS, Lowell BB (1997) Immunohistochemical localization of leptin and uncoupling protein in white and brown adipose tissue. Endocrinology 138, 797–804.

Clarke L, Symonds ME (1998) Thermoregulation in newborn lambs: influence of feeding and ambient temperature on brown adipose tissue. Experimental Physiology 83, 651–657.
Thermoregulation in newborn lambs: influence of feeding and ambient temperature on brown adipose tissue.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXntFOns7w%3D&md5=f1021270c8e35e9cc6b7b979ea2d7643CAS | 9793785PubMed |

Clarke L, Darby CJ, Lomax MA, Symonds ME (1994) Effect of ambient temperature during 1st day of life on thermoregulation in lambs delivered by cesarean section. Journal of Applied Physiology 76, 1481–1488.

Clarke L, Heasman L, Firth K, Symonds ME (1997a) Influence of feeding and ambient temperature on thermoregulation in newborn lambs. Experimental Physiology 82, 1029–1040.
Influence of feeding and ambient temperature on thermoregulation in newborn lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXitVCmsA%3D%3D&md5=39db6a6ceabe865cad7fb9a21fe899eeCAS | 9413734PubMed |

Clarke L, Heasman L, Firth K, Symonds ME (1997b) Influence of route of delivery and ambient temperature on thermoregulation in newborn lambs. American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 272, R1931–R1939.

Cloete SWP, Scholtz AJ (1998) Lamb survival in relation to lambing and neonatal behaviour in medium wool Merino lines divergently selected for multiple rearing ability. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 38, 801–811.
Lamb survival in relation to lambing and neonatal behaviour in medium wool Merino lines divergently selected for multiple rearing ability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cloete SW, Van Halderen A, Schneider DJ (1993) Causes of perinatal lamb mortality amongst Dormer and SA Mutton Merino lambs. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 64, 121–125.

Cloete SWP, Gilmour AR, Olivier JJ, van Wyk JB (2004) Genetic and phenotypic trends and parameters in reproduction, greasy fleece weight and liveweight in Merino lines divergently selected for multiple rearing ability. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44, 745–754.
Genetic and phenotypic trends and parameters in reproduction, greasy fleece weight and liveweight in Merino lines divergently selected for multiple rearing ability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cloete JJE, Cloete SWP, Olivier JJ, Hoffman LC (2007) Terminal crossbreeding of Dorper ewes to Ile de France, Merino Landsheep and SA Mutton Merino sires: ewe production and lamb performance. Small Ruminant Research 69, 28–35.
Terminal crossbreeding of Dorper ewes to Ile de France, Merino Landsheep and SA Mutton Merino sires: ewe production and lamb performance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Collins S, Kuhn CM, Petro AE, Swick AG, Chrunyk BA, Surwit RS (1996) Role of leptin in fat regulation. Nature 380, 677
Role of leptin in fat regulation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XisFOis7s%3D&md5=c229cc99dfa3286552c4fa79b3188851CAS | 8614460PubMed |

Dawkins MJ, Hull D (1964) Brown adipose tissue and the response of new-born rabbits to cold. The Journal of Physiology 172, 216–238.
Brown adipose tissue and the response of new-born rabbits to cold.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaF2M%2FgvFeqtA%3D%3D&md5=ce070f9751e467d4066af1904df3f206CAS | 14205018PubMed |

Dwyer CM (2008) The welfare of the neonatal lamb. Small Ruminant Research 76, 31–41.
The welfare of the neonatal lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dwyer CM, Morgan CA (2006) Maintenance of body temperature in the neonatal lamb: effects of breed, birth weight, and litter size. Journal of Animal Science 84, 1093–1101.

Eales FA, Small J (1981) Effects of colostrum on summit metabolic rate in Scottish blackface lambs at five hours old. Research in Veterinary Science 30, 266–269.

Eales FA, Gilmour JS, Barlow RM, Small J (1982) Causes of hypothermia in 89 lambs. The Veterinary Record 110, 118–120.
Causes of hypothermia in 89 lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL2c%2FhvFWgug%3D%3D&md5=c7b64f62384ecfcdffa7fba576796c79CAS | 6892265PubMed |

Ehrhardt RA, Greenwood PL, Bell AW, Boisclair YR (2003) Plasma leptin is regulated predominantly by nutrition in preruminant lambs. The Journal of Nutrition 133, 4196–4201.

Gabaldon AM, Florez-Duquet ML, Hamilton JS, McDonald RB, Horwitz BA (1995) Effects of age and gender on brown fat and skeletal muscle metabolic responses to cold in F344 rats. American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 268, R931–R941.

Gama LT, Dickerson GE, Young LD, Leymaster KA (1991) Effects of breed, heterosis, age of dam, litter size, and birth weight on lamb mortality. Journal of Animal Science 69, 2727–2743.

Gilmour AR, Cullis BR, Gogel B, Welham SJ, Thompson R (2005) ‘ASReml User Guide.’ (VSN International: Hemel Hempstead, UK)

Greenwood PL, Hunt AS, Hermanson JW, Bell AW (1998) Effects of birth weight and postnatal nutrition on neonatal sheep: I. Body growth and composition, and some aspects of energetic efficiency. Journal of Animal Science 76, 2354–2367.

Greenwood PL, Hunt AS, Slepetis RM, Finnerty KD, Alston C, Beermann DH, Bell AW (2002) Effects of birth weight and postnatal nutrition on neonatal sheep: III. Regulation of energy metabolism. Journal of Animal Science 80, 2850–2861.

Hamadeh SK, Hatfield PG, Kott RW, Sowell BF, Robinson BL, Roth NJ (2000) Effects of breed, sex, birth type and colostrum intake on cold tolerance in newborn lambs. Sheep and Goat Rsearch Journal 16, 46–51.

Hatcher S, Atkins KD, Safari E (2009) Phenotypic aspects of lamb survival in Australian Merino sheep. Journal of Animal Science 87, 2781–2790.
Phenotypic aspects of lamb survival in Australian Merino sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtFSqu7nJ&md5=53d92ac5f16475d78c4d59f9c785644aCAS | 19502501PubMed |

Haughey KG (1991) Perinatal lamb mortality – its investigation, causes and control. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 62, 78–91.

Hefco E, Krulich L, Illner P, Larsen PR (1975) Effect of acute exposure to cold on the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid system. Endocrinology 97, 1185–1195.
Effect of acute exposure to cold on the activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE28XhsFansg%3D%3D&md5=4ffb36eeff6ddb79fd68386e39a5f4f8CAS | 1183407PubMed |

Justo R, Frontera M, Pujol E, Rodríguez-Cuenca S, Lladó I, García-Palmer FJ, Roca P, Gianotti M (2005) Gender-related differences in morphology and thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue mitochondrial subpopulations. Life Sciences 76, 1147–1158.
Gender-related differences in morphology and thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue mitochondrial subpopulations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhtFCqtL3I&md5=38f567cb4805143fb5f21bb92e575022CAS | 15620578PubMed |

Kosaki A, Yamada K, Kuzuya H (1996) Reduced expression of the leptin gene (ob) by catecholamine through a GS protein-coupled pathway in 3T3–L1 adipocytes. Diabetes 45, 1744–1749.
Reduced expression of the leptin gene (ob) by catecholamine through a GS protein-coupled pathway in 3T3–L1 adipocytes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XntlGjtbY%3D&md5=fa4b4ff15366c0d025b9e10fc421687aCAS | 8922360PubMed |

McCutcheon SN, Holmes CW, McDonald MF (1981) Lambs will die as quick as look at you. New Zealand Journal of Agriculture May, 7–11.

McCutcheon SN, Holmes CW, McDonald MF, Rae AL (1983) Resistance to cold stress in the newborn lamb 2. Role of body weight, birth rank, and some birth coat characters as determinants of resistance to cold stress. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 26, 175–181.
Resistance to cold stress in the newborn lamb 2. Role of body weight, birth rank, and some birth coat characters as determinants of resistance to cold stress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mellor DJ, Cockburn F (1986) A comparison of energy metabolism in the new-born infant, piglet and lamb. Quartlery Journal of Experimental Physiology 71, 361–379.
A comparison of energy metabolism in the new-born infant, piglet and lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL28XlsFShtbs%3D&md5=19274ce3e28ca0a6bedf096d11f260f1CAS |

Mortimer SI, Atkins KD (1997) Improvement of Merino reproductive performance through bloodline substitution and crossing. Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics 12, 404–407.

Mostyn A, Bispham J, Pearce S, Evens Y, Raver N, Keisler DH, Webb R, Stephenson T, Symonds ME (2002) Differential effects of leptin on thermoregulation and uncoupling protein abundance in the neonatal lamb. The FASEB Journal 16, 1438–1440.

Ponzoni RW, Grimson RJ, Jaensch KS, Smith DH, Hynd PI (1997) Birthcoat: Is it worth taking it into consideration in merino sheep genetic improvement programs? Wool Technology and Sheep Breeding 45, 12–26.

Puerta M, Abelenda M, Rocha M, Trayhurn P (2002) Effect of acute cold exposure on the expression of the adiponectin, resistin and leptin genes in rat white and brown adipose tissues. Hormone and Metabolic Research. Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung. Hormones et Metabolisme 34, 629–634.
Effect of acute cold exposure on the expression of the adiponectin, resistin and leptin genes in rat white and brown adipose tissues.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXis1altLw%3D&md5=fb59c300a21f14cd65d91f69af10989aCAS | 12660872PubMed |

Ricci MR, Fried SK, Mittleman KD (2000) Acute cold exposure decreases plasma leptin in women. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental 49, 421–423.
Acute cold exposure decreases plasma leptin in women.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXisVerur0%3D&md5=85d61fae5ea3939c7e2eb7ba9ad781a7CAS |

Rodríguez-Cuenca S, Pujol E, Justo R, Frontera M, Oliver J, Gianotti M, Roca P (2002) Sex-dependent thermogenesis, differences in mitochondrial morphology and function, and adrenergic response in brown adipose tissue. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 277, 42958–42963.
Sex-dependent thermogenesis, differences in mitochondrial morphology and function, and adrenergic response in brown adipose tissue.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12215449PubMed |

Samson DE, Slee J (1981) Factors affecting resistance to induced body cooling in newborn lambs of 10 breeds. Animal Production 33, 59–65.
Factors affecting resistance to induced body cooling in newborn lambs of 10 breeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sawalha RM, Conington J, Brotherstone S, Villanueva B (2007) Analysis of lamb survival of Scottish Blackface sheep. Animal 1, 151–157.
Analysis of lamb survival of Scottish Blackface sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC38vptFCqsA%3D%3D&md5=30b587ca6345e7d0b4f3487602785764CAS | 22444218PubMed |

Scriba D, Aprath-Husmann I, Blum WF, Hauner H (2000) Catecholamines suppress leptin release from in vitro differentiated subcutaneous human adipocytes in primary culture via beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors. European Journal of Endocrinology 143, 439–445.
Catecholamines suppress leptin release from in vitro differentiated subcutaneous human adipocytes in primary culture via beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXntVShsL4%3D&md5=7b78f438a159939aa29b6c196369f152CAS | 11022189PubMed |

Siegrist-Kaiser CA, Pauli V, Juge-Aubry CE, Boss O, Pernin A, Chin WW, Cusin I, Rohner-Jeanrenaud F, Burger AG, Zapf J (1997) Direct effects of leptin on brown and white adipose tissue. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 100, 2858–2864.
Direct effects of leptin on brown and white adipose tissue.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXotVegs7g%3D&md5=4080134644a8696b0e08f953317f92c9CAS | 9389752PubMed |

Silva JE (1995) Thyroid hormone control of thermogenesis and energy balance. Thyroid 5, 481–492.
Thyroid hormone control of thermogenesis and energy balance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK28vgtlyhsQ%3D%3D&md5=6d1c55ad5c6ea5a2ad55a460256d3007CAS | 8808101PubMed |

Slee J, Springbett A (1986) Early post-natal behaviour in lambs of ten breeds. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 15, 229–240.
Early post-natal behaviour in lambs of ten breeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Slee J, Griffiths RJ, Samson DE (1980) Hypothermia in newborn lambs induced by experimental immersion in a water bath and by natural exposure outdoors. Research in Veterinary Science 28, 275–280.

Slee J, Alexander G, Bradley LR, Jackson N, Stevens D (1991) Genetic aspects of cold resistance and related characters in newborn Merino lambs. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 31, 175–182.
Genetic aspects of cold resistance and related characters in newborn Merino lambs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stott AW, Slee J (1985) The effect of environmental-temperature during pregnancy on thermoregulation in the newborn lamb. Animal Production 41, 341–347.
The effect of environmental-temperature during pregnancy on thermoregulation in the newborn lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Trayhurn P (1993) Brown adipose tissue: from thermal physiology to bioenergetics. Journal of Biosciences 18, 161–173.
Brown adipose tissue: from thermal physiology to bioenergetics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXltlKju7Y%3D&md5=547aff4b0d3a8f9e446f9a11f7a014d4CAS |

Trayhurn P, Duncan JS, Rayner DV (1995) Acute cold-induced suppression of ob (obese) gene expression in white adipose tissue of mice: mediation by the sympathetic system. The Biochemical Journal 311, 729–733.

van der Werf JHJ, Kinghorn BP, Banks RG (2010) Design and role of an information nucleus in sheep breeding programs. Animal Production Science 50, 998–1003.
Design and role of an information nucleus in sheep breeding programs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wrutniak C, Cabello G (1989) Influence of tri-iodothyronine or lipid administration on the response of the pituitary-thyroid axis to exposure to cold in the newborn lamb. The Journal of Endocrinology 121, 361–365.
Influence of tri-iodothyronine or lipid administration on the response of the pituitary-thyroid axis to exposure to cold in the newborn lamb.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL1MXhvVKnsbo%3D&md5=4196fe3b777e43f69c493ca24efac69aCAS | 2754368PubMed |