Heat stress affects the expression of key genes in the placenta, placental characteristics, and efficiency of Saanen goats and the survival and growth of their kids

Heat stress is detrimental during gestation; however, the effects of heat on goat placental characteristics and kid survival remain unclear. The objective this study was to evaluate at final gestation cortisol concentration, placenta characteristics, expression genes related placenta. Forty-six primiparous multiparous Saanen goats were subjected control (CT; under a thermoneutral environment: air temperature between 12°C 25°C relative humidity from 45 73%, n = 23) or (HS; climatic chamber: 37°C 60 70% 0800 1600 h, last d pregnancy until first colostrum suckling. challenge imposed HS prepartum period increased their rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, levels in plasma amniotic fluid versus CT goats. In placenta, treatment also HSPA1A gene. Heat-stressed showed significantly lower HSD11B2 greater MC2R NR3C1 than goats, suggesting that decreased effectiveness by which enzyme converts cortisone responsiveness cortisol. took longer release with lighter cotyledons, had ratio kid's weight birth There no effect kids' weights birth, but kids presented lesser concentration mortality rates weaning Finally, overexpression suggests protective response However, negatively affected placenta's expulsion length, cotyledons number, area, weight, signaling. Indeed, upregulation downregulation caused associated concentrations Although adequate rate weeks life, kids, persists can change ability respond challenge.