Pancreatic hormones (insulin and glucagon) in calves: Ontogenetic changes and nutritional effects

The review summarizes general aspects (synthesis, regulation of secretion, metabolism, effects) of pancreatic hormones (insulin, glucagon, somatostati n, pancreatic polypeptide, pancreastatin, amylin) in calves. Furthermore, i t concentrates on ontogenetic changes of insulin and pancreatic glucagon (d uring the fetal stage and neonatal stage, in veal calves, in suckling calve s, and during weaning). In addition, factors regulating the secretion of in sulin and glucagon and the influence of nutrition (energy, carbohydrates, p roteins and amino acids, fats, minerals and trace elements) on the insulin and glucagon status in calves are reviewed. Moreover, the review deals with changes of the insulin status in metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, i nsulin resistance) of calves, in genetic dwarfs, and in calves with reduced growth performance due to subacute and chronic infections.