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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 September 2013

Katherine M. Whitehouse-Tedd ,
Nicholas J. Cave ,
Claudia E. Ugarte  and
David G. Thomas
Katherine M. Whitehouse-Tedd
Affiliation:
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
Nicholas J. Cave
Affiliation:
Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
Claudia E. Ugarte
Affiliation:
Central City Vets, Pitt Street, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
David G. Thomas
Affiliation:
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
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Summary

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

Keywords

catdaidzeingenisteinpubertyoestrusbehaviour
Type
Pilot Study
Information
Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition , Volume 1 , 2012 , e10
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition Ltd. 2013 

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