Relationship between transport-induced stress and the expression levels of some genes in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway in Kivircik lambs

This study investigated the relationship between expression levels of SCD, LPL PPARα, PPARγ and PCK2 genes in the PPAR signaling pathway and blood stress parameters and meat quality in Kivircik lambs. Two trial groups were formed from 4 to 5-month-old lambs, by 0.2 m2/lamb and 0.3 m2/lamb stocking density during transport. The differences between the groups in terms of neutrophil: leukocyte and glucose in the pre-transport period were significant. The difference between the groups regarding expression levels of SCD gene was significant. A strong positive correlation was found between PCK2 gene expression level and glucose-post-transport, 0.3 m2/lamb. In conclusion, the study presented the existence of a relationship between meat quality characteristics and the expression levels of SCD, PPARɣ, LPL and PCK2 genes in the PPAR signaling pathway, as well as the expression levels of SCD and PCK2 genes and concluded that the stress responses of lambs due to transportation were related to the expression levels of the SCD and PCK2 genes. •Stocking density is important during transport in lambs.•Some PPAR pathway genes expression level, biochemical stress parameters and meat quality in Kıvırcık lambs has got relation.•SCD and PCK2 genes have the potential to investigate the mechanisms of transport stress affecting meat quality in sheep.