What is it about?
The study investigated changes in metabolism, observed by metabolomics, in young male cats as they grew. It also studied the impact of age when neutered.
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Why is it important?
This was the first report showing the important influences on metabolism in growth and development of male cats. The significant impact of synthesising the pheromone felinine (secreted in urine to mark territories) on other metabolic pathways was observed. In addition, whilst profound differences in metabolism post-neuter were observed, dependent on age when neutered, by 1 year of age all male neutered cats had similar metabolic profiles.
Perspectives
This was a very complex study, involving a number of PIs, including a lecturer on sabbatical and with a number of different objectives. In addition, it required amazing logistical support and the expertise and support from all those who cared for the kittens every day. I feel very proud that the efforts of all those involved resulted in some insightful findings through the metabolomics analysis.
Dr David Allaway
Mars Inc
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Metabolic Profiling Reveals Effects of Age, Sexual Development and Neutering in Plasma of Young Male Cats, PLoS ONE, December 2016, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168144.
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