Non-invasive determination of the immune physiological state of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in the greater Khingan mountains, China

Abstract

Immunoglobulin and cortisol levels are good indicators of well-being and living status in animals. In this study, the concentrations of fecal immunoglobulins A ([IgA F ]), G ([IgG F ]), and M ([IgM F ]), and cortisol ([cortisol F ]) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in reindeer of the Greater Khingan Mountains of Inner Mongolia, China. [IgA F ] was significantly higher than [IgG F ] and [IgM F ], and [IgG F ] was significantly higher than [IgM F ] (P < 0.05). Both [IgA F ] and [IgG F ] were higher in the Adult group than in Aged or Infant groups, and higher in the Young than Infant group (P < 0.05). The four age group [IgM F ]s were not significantly different (P > 0.05). [IgA F ], [IgG F ], and [IgM F ] in each age group were higher in females than in males, with a significant difference in the Young group (P < 0.05). The Infant group had the highest [cortisol F ], and the Adult group the lowest; [cortisol F ] was significantly higher in the Infant group than in other age groups (P < 0.05). In each age group, [cortisol F ] was higher in females than males, and there were significant differences among the Infant, Young, and Aged groups (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between [cortisol F ] and [IgA F ] and [IgG F ] (P > 0.05). Overall physical condition was better in the Adult and Young groups than in the Aged and Infant groups as determined by the comprehensive analysis of fecal Ig levels in the four age groups, with the Infant group the worst.