Gestation Cycle Research Articles

On farm precision feeding of gestating sows based on energy and amino acids on farrowing performances and feeding behavior over 3 consecutive gestations.

Gestating sows are often fed a single diet throughout their gestation cycle, leading to situations of nutrients deficiency or excess at the individual level. The purpose of this study was to characterize, over 3 consecutive cycles, the impact of a precision feeding (PF), i.e., dietary supplies adjusted at individual level in terms of quantity (energy intake) and quality (standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) intake), on gestating sows' productive performance, feeding behavior, environmental outputs, and health status compared with sows fed a conventional feeding (CF, i.e., fixed SID Lys intake). At the start of the trial, 2 batches of 20 Landrace × Large White gestating sows were allocated to one of the 2 feeding strategies (PF vs. CF), based on their parity (1, 2, or 3 and more), body weight, and backfat thickness (BT) 3 days after insemination. The PF strategy consisted in mixing with automatic feeders 2 iso-energetic diets (9.8 MJ/kg of net energy with 3.3 and 8.5g SID Lys/kg, respectively) in variable proportions at individual and daily levels, whereas for the CF strategy these proportions remained constant throughout gestation (73% and 27%, respectively, resulting in an SID Lys concentration of 4.7g/kg). Sows were followed over 3 consecutive gestations and the sows remained allocated to the same strategy throughout the study. Some sows were culled before the end of the study and were replaced by other sows who therefore performed only 1 or 2 gestations during the study. Thus, 106 gestations and lactations from 51 sows were fully studied and their data analyzed. The PF strategy allowed the sows to reach more closely the expected BT values at farrowing across cycles than the CF strategy (P < 0.001). The PF sows consumed 16% less SID Lys per gestation than the CF sows (P < 0.001), resulting in a 4% improvement in N efficiency (P < 0.001), with no impact on performance at farrowing (P > 0.10). The sows consumed their daily ration in a single visit whatever the feeding strategy (P = 0.41), but CF sows spent more time in the feeder in cycles 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). Thus, compared to the CF strategy implemented by farmers, the individual and daily nutritional supplies implemented with the PF strategy were more efficient in enabling sows to achieve body condition objectives at farrowing over the long term, also with a reduced SID Lys intake and an improved N efficiency without negative impact on farrowing performances.

Surgical outcomes and complications associated with ovariectomy in the southern stingray Hypanus americanus.

Southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) are relatively large rays that are common and popular in public aquariums because of their size and gentle nature. In aquariums, as well as in the wild, female southern stingrays are fecund. They have a short gestation cycle and can sustain multiple pregnancies each year, each culminating with 2-10 young. This reproductive rate could quickly outpace capacity in managed care and result in a ray surplus. To prevent overpopulation, many aquaria have resorted to single sex groups with a preference for female-only populations. This is an effective way to control population growth, but forces the maintenance of two separated populations of rays; for females this interrupts normal reproductive cycling and replaces it with a protracted non-pregnant condition. An additional consideration is development of reproductive disease in females which is recognized by an enlarged, misshapen, and congested ovary with an abundance of cystic structures and an enlarged uterus with a thickened wall that is often filled with histotroph despite a non-pregnant status. There are no effective long-lasting medical treatments for this type of reproductive disease and mortality is often the result. This report describes a surgical technique for ovariectomy in southern stingrays including outcomes and complications. Ovariectomy as a surgical method prevents unwanted reproduction and has the benefit of reducing reproductive pathologies commonly observed in southern stingrays as they age. Seven stingrays 1-5.2 years old and 42-83.5 cm disc width underwent ovariectomy. After anesthesia, the ovary and a small amount of epigonal was excised via a left para-lumbar incision. Four of the seven rays survived five or more years post-procedure. Two rays died acutely of coelomitis and one ray died of complications unrelated to the procedure. This report details a surgical procedure for ovariectomy in southern stingrays including outcomes, complications, and recommendations.

Cellular Plasticity in Mammary Gland Development and Breast Cancer

Cellular plasticity is a phenomenon where cells adopt different identities during development and tissue homeostasis as a response to physiological and pathological conditions. This review provides a general introduction to processes by which cells change their identity as well as the current definition of cellular plasticity in the field of mammary gland biology. Following a synopsis of the evolving model of the hierarchical development of mammary epithelial cell lineages, we discuss changes in cell identity during normal mammary gland development with particular emphasis on the effect of the gestation cycle on the emergence of new cellular states. Next, we summarize known mechanisms that promote the plasticity of epithelial lineages in the normal mammary gland and highlight the importance of the microenvironment and extracellular matrix. A discourse of cellular reprogramming during the early stages of mammary tumorigenesis that follows focuses on the origin of basal-like breast cancers from luminal progenitors and oncogenic signaling networks that orchestrate diverse developmental trajectories of transforming epithelial cells. In addition to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, we highlight events of cellular reprogramming during breast cancer progression in the context of intrinsic molecular subtype switching and the genesis of the claudin-low breast cancer subtype, which represents the far end of the spectrum of epithelial cell plasticity. In the final section, we will discuss recent advances in the design of genetically engineered models to gain insight into the dynamic processes that promote cellular plasticity during mammary gland development and tumorigenesis in vivo.

219 Effects of Precision Feeding and the “Bump Feeding” Strategy in Gestating Sows on Performances and Body Condition in Sows Monitored for the First Two Gestation-Lactation Cycles

Abstract The introduction of precision feeding in sows depends on a precise estimation of its potential benefits. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of precision feeding and feed intake during gestation on gilt performances during two gestation cycles. Four isoenergetic treatments were compared: two constant-concentration feeding strategies (0.53% Lys DIS), one with constant feed intake (FF; flat feeding) and the other variable (BF; “bump feeding”, with decreased feed intake before 90 days of gestation, then greater feed intake until parturition), and two precision-feeding strategies based on the InraPorc model, one by parity (APP) and the other considering the body weight of the gilt at breeding (API). A total of 333 gilts were followed from breeding to weaning for two gestation and lactation cycles. Body weight and backfat depth were measured at breeding, 90 days of gestation, parturition, and weaning. Feed consumption was monitored daily. Litter variables were measured as birth and weaning weight, mortality, and overall gain. A mixed model was used to analyze differences between the four treatments using the sow as the experimental unit. Results showed that APP gilts gained more body weight during the gestation than FF gilts (65.1 vs 61.7 kg; P = 0.01) but no difference remained at the end of lactation (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Mobilization of backfat depth was more important during lactation in the APP group compared with FF and BF treatments (3.4 vs 2.9 mm; P = 0.03). BF and APP gilts had greater total birth litter weight than API gilts (400 g and 600 g greater, respectively), with FF gilts being intermediate (P = 0.02). However, the effect faded out with no difference on weaning weight and overall lactation gain weight (P &amp;gt; 0.10). The APP gilts had more weaned piglets than BF or FF gilts (+0.6 piglet, P = 0.01). During the second cycle, API sows gained more body weight during gestation than FF sows (58.8 vs 55.7 kg; P = 0.05). Yet, no significant difference was observed at the end of lactation. For the backfat depth, API sows had greater backfat depth during gestation than FF sows (1.83 vs 1.1 mm; P = 0.05) and a greater mobilization during lactation (2.68 vs 2.0 mm; P = 0.08). No effect was seen on litter mortality. In the same way, no significant effect was observed in the litter performances (P &amp;gt; 0.1). Initial results from this study seem to show a benefit of precision feeding for gilts, but with less effect for their second parity. However, no clear benefit was observed from the bump feeding strategy.

Association patterns across multiple gestation cycles within a dynamic sow pen

The transition of housing gestating sows from individual stalls to group pens allows for a greater freedom of movement and social interactions, but it comes with many challenges to ensure group cohesion and safety of all animals. Previous research on the behavior and welfare of group housed sows has predominately focused on aggression at mixing, feeding systems, and flooring type, with little information on association patterns within the pen. In order to examine the complex direct and indirect relationships among group housed sows, this study recorded dyadic associations (defined as resting in proximity, <1.5 m) among a subset of multiparous sows (n = 129) housed in the same dynamic group pen. Stochastic simulations were used to compare the association patterns observed to random permutations of association patterns given the pen logistics. For this study pen, 13.4 % of the dyads had significantly higher associations than we would expect under the null model of completely random lying patterns, while 43 % of dyads were never recorded to rest in proximity. Distinct subpopulations demonstrating clear preferences for different subareas of the gestation pen were also found. Younger sows demonstrated association preferences above and beyond what would be expected if there were only a mutual preference for a general area of the pen. The older sows, on the other hand, seldom formed strong associations, and their distribution within the pen appears to be driven by preferences for specific lying areas rather than for resting partners. Beyond this age dynamic, our results also indicated that sows that rested most often on the slatted floors, tended to be younger, smaller, had more severe lesions and had higher feed rank scores (i.e., ate last in the day) – all indicators of lower social rank – relative to the sows which were consistently recorded in the sow cubicles (i.e., concrete lying areas). While the results of this observational study have shed some light on the factors which influence positive-to-neutral social interactions amongst sows in group housed pens, we hope that they will ultimately serve as a jumping-off point for future experimental work capable of producing more comprehensive and conclusive insights into these important social dynamics.

In-barn measurements of surface roughness and friction of slatted concrete floors in sow gestation rooms

Claw injuries of pigs due to inadequate floor surface conditions are a major concern in pig operations. Rough and slippery concrete floor surfaces can result in claw disorders. In this paper, the surface roughness and dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of concrete floors used in two sow gestation rooms were studied. The first room had a slatted concrete floor with 105-mm wide slats and 19-mm wide gaps, and the second room had a floor with 125-mm wide slats and 25-mm wide gaps. A portable tester was designed and built to measure the surface roughness and friction of concrete floors. Measurements were conducted weekly during two gestation cycles for a total of 21 weeks. Based on the observations of sow activities, the floor in each room was virtually divided into four areas, namely dunging, high traffic, low traffic and sleeping areas. Surface roughness and friction were measured in the four areas in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the slats. The results showed that the length of time of floor usage by sows had a significant effect on the roughness and DCOF of concrete floors, with a sharp reduction in the DCOF after the first two weeks of use because manure stuck in the pores of the concrete surface reduced the interlocking between the asperities of the contact surfaces. No significant differences in the roughness and DCOF were found among different areas of floor (dunging, high traffic, low traffic and sleeping) or between the two floor configurations in the first 21 weeks of floor usage.

Ultrasound-guided fetometry in Egyptian sheep and she-goats

The aim of the present study was to buildup equation (s) for an intra-uterine fetal aging in Egyptian local sheep and she-goats breed using ultrasound. This study was carried out on a total number of 110 Baladi sheep and 74 she-goats under the field condition of Qalyubia governorate, Egypt. Ultrasound examination was conducted through trans-rectal and/or trans-abdominal routes. Throughout the gestation cycle between Day 26 and 112, Crown rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) were measured at least three times per test for each animal for accurate judgment. The correlation coefficient (R2) of BPD was higher than CRL in sheep and she-goats (0.9601 and 0.9598 vs. 0.898 and 0.903, respectively) at 39 to 112 days. Statistical analysis showed that no differences (P=0.258) between the BPD slopes represent ovine and caprine fetal growth rate. In conclusion, the use of ultrasound estimation in fetal biometry is useful to estimate the gestational age in sheep and she-goats with particular focus on BPD at all stages of pregnancy after breeding beyond Day 39.

PSVIII-14 Impact of altering Lys:energy ratio during gestation on offspring post-wean growth performance

Abstract Lysine and energy supply in gestation can influence preweaning mortality and sow lactation feed intake but little data exists for the impact on offspring post-weaning performance. A study evaluated the effects of dietary Lys:energy during gestation on offspring performance from weaning until market. Both primiparous and multiparous females (n=59 in 2 groups) were blocked by parity, balanced by weight and allotted to one of three gestation feeding regimens: 1.50 g SID Lys/Mcal ME (Control), 1.50 g SID Lys/Mcal ME from d2–89 and 2.11 g SID Lys/Mcal ME from d90–110 d of gestation (PF1) and 1.25, 1.07, and 0.88 g SID Lys/Mcal ME from d2–89 for gilts, parity 1 and parity 2+, respectively and 2.11 g SID Lys/Mcal ME from d90–110 d of gestation (PF2). Offspring (n=682) were weaned into 40 pens by maternal treatment (n=13-15 pigs/pen, mixed gender/pen). Pen feed disappearance and individual pig weights were determined at least once each month until market. Animals were marketed by a technician blinded to treatment; to account for potential marketing bias, adjusted d130 weight was calculated. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block with means separation using Scheffe’s adjustment. The offspring of Control sows had decreased BW at weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.001) versus PF1 offspring and Control offspring had decreased BW (P = 0.001) compared to both PF1 and PF2 at d7 post-weaning. Despite minimal differences in ADG, ADFI, or G:F between treatments, PF2 offspring were heavier (P = 0.02) at market and adjusted d130 weight than Control pigs. While PF1 offspring had similar BW at market than Controls, they spent fewer (138.2 vs. 142.7; P = 0.009) days on feed than Control pigs due to the aforementioned marketing bias. Altered Lys:energy ratio in a single gestation cycle improved offspring post-wean performance.

Influences of family-centered maternity care nursing on puerperal depression of delivery women during puerperal period

Objective: Discuss the preventive effects of family-centered maternity care nursing on puerperal depression of delivery women during puerperal period and relieve burden of natural delivery women and decrease the possibility of delivery women’s postpartum depression. Methods: 120 natural delivery women in the obstetrics of Yuhuangding Hospital from July 2015 to 2016 were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n=60) was endowed with the conventional nursing. Delivery women accepted examination of prepartum, instruction of delivery, and conventional nursing of puerperium. The experimental group (n=60) accepted the family-centered maternity care nursing based on the control group. There was no statistical significance on age, cycle of gestation, education level, personal incomes and frequency of gestation (P>0.05) in both group, showing comparability. Before nursing and after one month of postpartum, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression (EPDS) were applied to do effect evaluation. Incidence of puerperal depression of delivery women in both groups were observed and compared. Results: By making a comparison on SAS and EPDS between two groups, there was no statistical significance at pre-care nursing in both groups, but scores after birthplace in both groups were slightly reduced by comparing with pre-care nursing. Moreover, significance of the experimental group was less than the control group (P<0.05). The depression rate in the control group was up to 53%, while the experimental group was only 37%. The number of the depression in the experimental group was obviously less than the control group. The difference between them had statistical significance (χ2=9.6, P<0.05). Conclusions: Family-centered maternity care nursing has the important role on relieving puerperal depression and improving life quality of delivery women, thus delivery women will pass through delivery period and puerperium without pressure.

The Role of Infections in Preterm Labour and It’s Control: A Review

Preterm labour (PTL) is described as the premature contraction of the uterus before 37 weeks of the gestation cycle, which could results in preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and in most cases may lead to preterm birth. Preterm labour that results in preterm birth is a leading precursor of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Infection in the uterus occurs by the aptness of pathogenic microbes to ascend from the female genital area to the uterus. Lactobacilli species constitute about 95% of the female genital normal flora. But the invasion and colonisation of the genital area by gram-negative anaerobes has endangered the female genital area and exposed it to infection. Pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida albican, adenovirus and many more are indicated to play a role in preterm labour.The symptoms and clinical diagnosis of infections in the female genital area include itching and inflammation of the vaginal area, heavy, copious yellow-grey, fishy smell discharge etc. Routine clinical investigations from the first trimester of gestation cycle and the administration of probiotics, antibiotics as well as proper toiletry hygiene have contributed to reducing the prevalence of preterm labour.&#x0D;

Dynamics of nitrogen retention at two feeding levels in gestating parity 2 and 3 sows.

Parity-2 ( = 39) and -3 ( = 28; same sows from parity-2 sows) Yorkshire sows were used to measure whole body protein deposition (Pd) during gestation (maternal and pregnancy-associated) at 2 feeding levels to test the hypothesis that the pattern of whole body and maternal Pd during gestation does not differ when feeding either 15% above or 15% below estimated ME requirements, both exceeding AA requirements. Initial BW and backfat (BF) at d 26 ± 0.3 of gestation were 195.4 ± 5.2 kg and 15.1 ± 0.5 mm, and 223.1 ± 5.3 kg and 16.0 ± 0.6 mm for parity-2 and -3, respectively. Sows were assigned to 1 of 2 feeding levels (high and low; 15% above and 15% below estimated ME requirements, respectively) of the same diet (3.30 Mcal ME/kg, 17.8% CP, 0.82% SID Lys) from d 31 to 110 of each gestation cycle. Five N balances were conducted throughout each gestation starting at d 36, 51, 65, 85, and 106 ± 0.5 during 4-d periods. Pregnancy-associated Pd was model-derived for each sow and N balance period using the gestating sow model, based on actual litter size (including stillborn) and mean piglet birth weight. Maternal Pd was calculated as the difference between whole body and pregnancy-associated Pd. Whole body Pd and maternal Pd were greater ( 0.002) for sows on the high feeding level. Whole body Pd increased ( 0.001) with day of gestation and maternal Pd did not differ with day of gestation. Whole body and maternal Pd were greater ( ≤ 0.004) for parity-3 sows from d 51 to 54 and 85 to 88 of gestation only. Estimated efficiency of Lys retention for whole body Pd was not different between the 2 feeding levels, greater ( 0.016) for parity-3 sows, and increased quadratically ( 0.027) with day of gestation. During lactation (21.3 ± 0.3 d), there was no effect on sow ADFI and minimal effect on litter performance due to gestation feeding level or parity. Sows on the high feeding level had greater ( 0.009) BW and BF loss during lactation and these parameters were not affected by parity. Feeding 15% above estimated ME requirements during gestation resulted in consistently greater whole body and maternal. Whole body and maternal Pd were particularly greater for parity-3 sows from d 51 to 54 and 85 to 88 of gestation. The pattern of maternal Pd, regardless of feeding level, was not affected by day of gestation and is in contrast to , where maternal Pd is expected to be greater in early gestation.

Alteration in some pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with complete and incomplete gestation cycle of cows

The maternal immune response during pregnancy is regulated by a complex array of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines which provide optimum conditions for the embryo implantation and survival. The possible role of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines during the complete gestation cycle of ruminants and the difference in their circadian rhythmicity between successful and unsuccessful pregnancies is still unknown. To study this, blood samples were collected from three groups of cows, pregnant (P), non-pregnant (NP) and aborted (ABORT) cows starting from the day of Artificial Insemination (AI) till calving in P cows and till stages of non pregnancy in other cows. Various pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines were estimated by bovine-specific ELISA test and compared. Successful pregnancies had lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8) but higher anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) mainly during implantation. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and low IL-10 levels was noticed at abortion and at calving. This study indicates that temporal and spatial aspects of reducing the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and maintaining high anti-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy are essentially required for maintenance of pregnancy. Any disturbance in the cytokine equilibrium may lead to persistent inflammation and pregnancy failure.

Fluctuation in the number, type and activity of blood neutrophils in cows exhibiting successful and unsuccessful completion of gestation cycle

Neutrophils (first line of cellular defense) are capable of detecting presence of foreign genome in the mother’s womb. Role of neutrophils during full gestation cycle of ruminants and the difference in their number, type, and activity in successful and unsuccessful pregnancies is not known. To evaluate this, blood samples were collected at artificial insemination (0 day) and on days 10, 14, 16, 18, and 21 in non-pregnant (NP) cows. However in pregnant (P) cows, samples were collected as indicated above and every 30 days for the complete gestation. In aborted cows, samples were collected as above till abortion. Higher total leukocyte counts were observed in NP and aborted cows at abortion. Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio increased significantly (p < 0.05) in NP and aborted cows. Phagocytic activity (PA) and myeloperoxidase concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) on day 18 post insemination in NP cows. PA and myeloperoxidase also increased significantly (p < 0.05) at abortion in aborted cows. Neutrophils exhibited limited decrease in their number and activity in successful pregnancies during implantation. After that their number and activity were constantly maintained throughout the gestation cycle. Any increase in the number and inflammatory activity of neutrophils may lead to non-pregnancy or loss in pregnancy.

Proteomic Analysis of Fetal Ovaries Reveals That Primordial Follicle Formation and Transition Are Differentially Regulated

Primordial follicle formation represents a critical phase of the initiation of embryonic reproductive organ development, while the primordial follicle transition into primary follicle determines whether oestrus or ovulation will occur in female animals. To identify molecular mechanism of new proteins which are involved in ovarian development, we employed 2D-DIGE to compare the protein expression profiles of primordial follicles and primary follicles of fetal ovaries in pigs. Fetal ovaries were collected at distinct time-points of the gestation cycle (g55 and g90). The identified proteins at the g55 time-point are mainly involved in the development of anatomical structures [reticulocalbin-1 (RCN1), reticulocalbin-3 (RCN3)], cell differentiation (actin), and stress response [heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK)]. Meanwhile, at the g90 stage, the isolated proteins with altered expression levels were mainly associated with cell proliferation [major vault protein (MVP)] and stress response [heat shock-related 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2)]. In conclusion, our work revealed that primordial follicle formation is regulated by RCN1, RCN3, actin, and HNRNPK, while the primordial follicle transformation to primary follicle is regulated by MVP and HSPA2. Therefore, our results provide further information for the prospective understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) involved in the regulation of the ovarian follicle development.

A Conjugate Heat and Mass Transfer Model to Evaluate the Efficiency of Conductive Cooling for Dairy Cattle

Abstract. Heat stress will cause a dairy cow that is highly productive under normal conditions to produce far less milk and also to delay its gestation cycle. The corresponding economic losses have become significant as the dairy industry, following the population growth in the U.S., expands into warmer climatic zones. Global warming, higher energy costs, and ever more scarce water resources will further exacerbate the heat stress problem in the foreseeable future. Currently in use systems designed to mitigate heat stress work well under certain conditions, but as temperature and humidity levels rise, most such systems lose their ability to prevent heat stress. The present study investigates the efficacy of using a heat exchanger placed underneath the stall bedding to alleviate the conditions that lead to heat stress. The computational model incorporates physiological and physical characteristics of a cow as well as specific heat and mass transport mechanisms including non-Darcy flow and sweating. The results show that a system that employs conductive cooling could alleviate heat stress during hot and humid weather even when conventional systems cannot.

Economic and financial feasibility of developing an electronic trading mechanism for carbon emission credits generated by projects under the Kyoto Protocol: a case study of Sri Lanka

This paper explores the existing trading mechanisms for certified emission reductions (CERs), a tradable commodity generated under clean development mechanisms (CDMs) of the Kyoto Protocol and proposes an electronic trading system to improve the trading efficiency and the liquidity of the commodity in Sri Lanka. Currently, 35 CDM projects are in pipeline in Sri Lanka and most of these projects are power generation plants based on renewable energy sources, as hydro, biomass and organic waste. These projects are financially viable, but involve large initial investments, long gestation cycle and long payback periods. These become attractive propositions in the presence of additional financial benefits generated by selling CERs. The proposed ETS is a new technology concept and will entail problems associated in technology development, transfer and assimilation in the systems. The paper examines some of these associated issues.

India's Global Strategy – A Formidable Act on the International Stage

It's not all of a sudden that India has emerged as a formidable challenge to most of the other countries be they the developed countries or the developing ones. The preparation was on. It took its own gestation cycle to churn the results. India has been shaped and honed by stalwarts like CK Prahlad, Amartya Sen, Sumantra Ghoshal, Gita Piramal, Shiv Khera, Promod Batra, Ram Charan, Vijay Govindarajan, Rakesh Khurana, JRD Tata, GD Birla, who have laid a strong foundation to the Indian business and management. Combine these business thinkers' ideals in management with those of the indomitable spirits of APJ Abdul Kalam, the economic advisors, the brilliant professors in the top institutes like IITs, IIMs, and the hardworking researchers and professionals from India. In yesteryears, Chanakya, Ashoka, Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Radhakrishnan, CV Raman, JC Bose and many more, all have bhown that India cares for both knowledge and nationality. Gandhiji managed the entire strategy for India's freedom. Gandhiji's salt movement (Dandi march), Satyagraha and Quit India were the strategic moves. He drove the strategy with British East India Company with the ultimate goal of independence. That very independence gave us the freedom to trade and to manage business in the international landscape. Even when some of them are no more and some of them work overseas, their attitude was⁄ is nevertheless tuned towards India and its success that has set the dice rolling. And that's what makes all the difference. The Indian culture permits assimilation of other cultures to such a great extent that the richness is reflected in its business too now. All the above great thinkers have travelled, worked, operated, managed and excelled in many parts of the globe. How many countries do we find where the citizens have excelled not only in their soils but also in other lands? Hardly any. The same richness when extended to our strategy makes it truly global and competitive with the rest of the world's. What makes it so unique? First, the wisdom and knowledge are not created, it's born here. Second, the ‘Indian’ strategy has gone through several phases and abided by all rules of the game. That gives it the ability to change some too. Third, India has welcomed all changes with doors open. There is hence no chance of missing out on being global. India's global strategy is a blend of business intelligence and management values. There is no other country which can emulate this combination, and hence we are unique. India's global strategy is not merely about its trade and FDIs but much beyond the realms of business. It encompasses the management of the relationships with the other countries, the customers therein, the channels present there and the government ruling there. All these give added advantage of sustainability of India's leadership amongst the emerging markets. It's not a false claim given the recent crisis that affected the whole world directly on face but India has been an indirect victim and not a direct taker of the blow [see Appendix A2.2]. The companies with their multinational, transnational and domestic strategies act as portfolio managers for our economy.

Instructions for gestation course: repercussions in parents who live deeply the first gestation cycle

It is known that pregnancy causes several physical and emotional changes. In this period, many couples look for information incourses that instruct about gestation that purports to lighten anxiety and fears, to explain normal expectations in this phase, besides sharingexperiences with people who live deeply the same situation. This study aimed to identify the expectations of parents in first gestation and childbirth,besides describing the repercussions provoked by the course in the population-target. This is a field research, exploratory, descriptive, andof quantitative nature, developed with people who attended the said Gestation course, offered by a private hospital, in the city of Sao Paulo.The study it counted on the participation of 30 couples and two single mothers-to-be who lived deeply their first gestation. We verify amongother things that participants wanted the course to offer them knowledge and solve doubts mainly regarding childbirth, cares with pregnantwomen and the newborn. We conclude that the course had positive repercussions in the studied population, for more than 50% of subjects hadtheir doubts solved, were more secure and calm after the course as to the moment they were living deeply. Some doubts had remained regardingnewborns crying, choice of pediatric doctor and the ones they believed to solve or to appear after childbirth. Due to this, we believe that it isvital for public and private health institutions to invest in Education in Health.

Salmonella Indiana as a cause of abortion in ewes: Genetic diversity and resistance patterns

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica Indiana, a food-borne serovar uncommon in most countries, was responsible for an outbreak of abortion in a flock of Lacaune dairy ewes in southern Spain. Drinking water and feedstuff samples were analysed in an attempt to determine the source of the infection. Pigeons ( Columba livia) and turtledoves ( Streptopelia turtur) in close contact with the ewes were captured and examined for the bacterium. Seventeen S. Indiana strains were isolated from the ewes and wild birds and the genetic similarity among them analysed by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) after the digestion of their genomic DNA with the restriction enzyme XbaI. The results suggest the wild birds might be responsible for the outbreak in the ewes. The strains recovered were fully susceptible to 15 out of the 16 antimicrobial agents tested: ampicillin, amoxycillin clavulanate, cephalothin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, sulphonamides, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, apramycin, colistin and chloramphenicol. Differences in the resistance pattern to nalidixic acid were observed; 11 strains (64.7%) were nalidixic acid resistant (R-Nx) and 6 (35.3%) sensitive (S-Nx). Among the R-Nx strains, a substitution of Gly to Cys at position 81 (Gly81àCys) of the gyrA gene in 10 strains isolated from wild birds and ovine foetuses, and of Asp to Tyr at position 87 (Asp87àTyr) in one strain isolated from ewe faeces, were revealed by sequencing the gene. To control the outbreak, enrofloxacin treatment was administered for 5 days. The same therapy was used to prevent infection during following gestation cycles, administering the antimicrobial agent at presentation and over 4 weeks before birth. Anti-bird meshes and closed drinking and feeding troughs were also installed to prevent further contact of the ewes with wild birds.

Factors that affecting the behavior of adolescents during delivery

Descriptive exploratory study, from quantitative approach, aiming at investigating factors that affecting on the behavior of adolescents during childbirth. It was conducted at maternity reference in gestation high risk at Recife - Pernambuco (PE), Brazil , whose sample from 41 adolescents in labor answered a questionnaire, implemented from January to March 2007. The data were grouped into tables and pictures, analyzed and discussed according to literature. Among the main results, it was revealed that 48,8% of adolescents in childbirth were in the age group from 16 to 17 years; 56,1% were from Recife; 56,1% were with the fundamental teaching incomplete; 53,0% had partners/husbands; 65,9% without the family support; 58,5% had family income from one to two minimum salaries; 88,0% were the first pregnancy, 58,5% with presence of obstetric events, 93,0% no cases of abortions and 58,5% with unwanted pregnancy; 97,6% participated in the pre-natal, however, 61,0% were not informed about the labor. Given these results, the following conclusions were made: that the socio-demographic data and the first pregnancy may have implication with the timing of the childbirth; the gestation desire, the partner participation and family support contributed in a positive or negative way during the gestation cycle and childbirth, the problems prevalent was the preeclampsis; is in the prenatal that pregnant should be prepared for pregnancy and labor, childbirth, know where the major changes occurring in their bodies and the strategies used in development of childbirth, also. But mostly, the teenagers were not informed by health professionals, as one of the main contributing factors that affecting during childbirth. Descriptors : Adolescent; Childbirth; Factors; Knowledge.