Comparison of serum and salivary cortisol in restrained ewe lambs after (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) ACTH administration

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to compare cortisol concentrations in serum and salivary samples 
taken concurrently from halter-restrained lambs administered ACTH (100 IU, i.v.) or saline. Although cortisol 
appeared elevated in all animals, it tended to increase after ACTH administration in both serum (p = 0.085) and 
saliva (p = 0.078). Additionally, correlation (r = 0.66; p < 0.001) and regression (R2 = 0.44; p < 0.001) analysis 
revealed a relationship between cortisol in serum and saliva. Findings indicate that salivary cortisol is 
indicative of serum cortisol and may provide a viable non-invasive alternative for cortisol quantification.