The effect of different types of transportation on plasma cortisol and testosterone concentrations in male goats

Abstract Plasma cortisol and testosterone concentrations were measured in three male goats before and after transportation for 15 min in a quiet trolley, a noisy trolley or a motorized van. Cortisol concentrations remained within the basal range (1–5 ng/ml) during the control periods and during the trip in the quiet trolley. However, maximum values of cortisol (13–24 ng/ml) were achieved by 15 min after transport in the noisy trolley; concentrations of greater than 27 ng/ml were recorded immediately after motorized van transport. Plasma testosterone values ranged between 0·5 and 4·0 ng/ml and were unaffected by any mode of transport tested. It is concluded that adrenal cortex activity in male goats is stimulated more by noise than motion.