Serum Leptin Concentrations in Some Ruminant Species and Breeds

Leptin, a 16-kDa protein secreted from white adipocytes has been implicated in the regulation of food intake, energy expenditure and whole-body energy balance in animals and humans. It was the focus of this study to establish serum leptin values for several animal species and breeds. To this purpose, serum leptin concentrations were measured using a double antibody Radio Immuno Assay (RIA) kit containing guinea pig multispecies leptin antibody. Serum leptin concentrations were determined in healthy subjects of various species and breeds including Brown Swiss and Holstein bull, Awessi sheep, Saanen and Turkish hair goat. They were as follows (avarege values in ng mL-1±SEM): Brown Swiss bull (12 months of age): 2.35±0.34, Holstein bull (12 months of age): 3.55±0.53, Awessi sheep (16 months of age): 2.16±0.29, Saanen goat (16 months of age): 2.23±0.46, Turkish hair goat (16 months of age): 0.94±0.10.