*2.7. Statistical Analysis*

Means, medians and standard deviations (SD) were calculated using data analysis functions in Microsoft Office® Excel. Data were investigated for normal distribution and *log* transformed before analysis. The analysis was generated using SAS software, Version 9.4 of the SAS system for Windows version 6.2.92002 [22].

#### 2.7.1. Samples from Tverrvatnet

First, a non-parametric comparison was performed using the npar1way command with "Animal" as a class variable and "FCM" as the response variable. Using transformed data, the effect of "hour since ACTH administration" on FCM concentrations was analyzed using a mixed model of analysis of variance with "Hour" (1–44) and "Animal" (1–8) as class variables. "Animal" was specified as a random effect and degrees of freedom were calculated using the Satterthwaite's approximation. Differences between means were investigated using the LSmeans command with the Tukey–Kramer approximation.

#### 2.7.2. Samples from Stjernevatn

Using transformed data, the effect of handling on FCM levels was investigated using a general linear model of analysis of variance with "Time of day" (morning or afternoon, reflecting the time periods 0–2 h or 8–10 h after handling) and "Age" (adult/calf) as class variables.
