The Physiological potentials of Ghrelin in enhancing Feed intake in Livestock

Abstract

Ghrelin is an orexigenic protein with a unique lipid chain modification and is known to be an important gut-brain signal for appetite control and energy balance. It is neuroendocrine hormone secreted mainly by the oxyntic cells of gastric fundus and travels to the brain. There it interacts with both the hypothalamus (the brain’s physiological eating center) and the brain’s pleasure centers to arouse hunger. The ghrelin receptor, growth-hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a, is able to bind acylated ghrelin. The first recognised effect of ghrelin was the induction of growth hormone release from the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. It is also expressed in the pancreatic islets, hypothalamus, pituitary and several tissues in the periphery. The aim of this review is to see some of the effects of ghrelin on feeding behaviour in selected livestock species