Retention Of Fetal Membranes Research Articles

Incidence of canine reproductive cases presented to veterinary college Gadag, during 2021-2023

A study on the incidence of gynaecological cases in canines was presented between April 2021andMarch 2023 at the Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Veterinary College Gadag. A total of 374 gynaecological cases were presented. The highest incidence was found to be Exfoliative Vaginal Cytology (36.10%), followed by Pregnancy Diagnosis (26.74%), Birth control (7.49%), Tumour (7.22%), Assisted mating and AI (7.22%), Pyometra (6.15%), Anoestrous (4.28%), Mismating (2.41%), Dystocia (1.34%) and Retention of Fetal Membranes (1.07%). Breed-wisepredilection indicated that Labrador Retriever(32.89%), Golden Retriever (10.70%), German Shepherd (10.70%), Rottweiler (9.63%) and others(36.10%).The majority of cases were presented during Winter (29.94%), followed by Monsoon (25.94%), Autumn (22.73%) and Summer (21.39%).

Detectable immunological response in Brucella abortus s 19 vaccinated herds of cattle in vilachchiya veterinary range, north central province, Sri Lanka

Brucellosis a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative, intracellular, coccobacillus. Brucellosis, an economically important disease in livestock with zoonotic implications has been reported worldwide. It is transmitted via contaminated animals and their products. Clinical signs of animal brucellosis are abortions, reduced fertility, retention of fetal membranes, endometritis, and substantial decline in milk production over an animal’s lifespan. Orchitis, epididymitis and chronic hygroma had been reported in bulls. The current study focused on to studying the detectable immunological responses to Brucella S 19 live attenuated vaccine using serological tests in cattle of dry zone farms. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in selected farms with and without a previous history of abortion respectively. Animals that were in 1st to 5th lactation in the 18 farms were selected for screening by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positives were confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Three farms each with and without history of abortion were selected for Brucella S19 vaccination from the RBPT and CFT negative farms. Sixty non pregnant heifers over 6 months were selected, and 1ml each of S19 vaccine was given subcutaneously to 30 animals while 30 animals were kept as controls. The serum samples were collected and screened for Brucellosis by RBPT and CFT at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of post vaccination. The second week after the vaccination, 71.42% of the animals showed over 1:4 CFT levels while 28.57% of them did not show any antibody titres for Brucellosis in the Brucella endemic farms. In Brucella non-endemic farms, 68.75% of animals showed over 1:4 CFT titre at 2 weeks after the vaccination. However, 31.25% of animals did not show any CFT titre. No persistent and detectable antibody responses were found 10 weeks post vaccination in heifers of endemic and non-endemic herds. The titers of CFT indicate IgG or IgM humeral response, cell mediated immune response of live attenuated vaccine has not been monitored in the study. Thus, seropositivity after the 10 weeks post vaccination may indicate an infection of Brucellosis since no antibodies from vaccination were found. Further investigation with highly sensitive tests such as ELISA is recommended to have a better insight into this aspect in the future.

Additionalintracervical prostaglandin reduces induction to calving time in buffaloes affected with incomplete cervical dilatation post-uterine detorsion.

Conventional induction protocol (CIP) of calving in buffaloes employs the intramuscular (IM) administration of dexamethasone (40mg) and cloprostenol sodium (500μg). If there is no progression in terms of cervical dilatation, then a second dose of cloprostenol sodium (500μg) is administered intramuscularly. This protocol possesses certain demerits: (1) a wide range of response time intervals, and (2) increased risk of fetal membrane retention. Considering the cervix as a caudal continuation of the myometrium with its own contractile potential, and the limitations of CIP, we developed intracervical (IC) drug administration route in buffaloes. The proposed technique was evaluated for its use in a total of 22 cases of incomplete cervical dilatation in uterine torsion-affected buffaloes (IC-14 and IM-8). In addition to CIP, the IC group received an intracervical injection of cloprostenol sodium (500μg) at the start of the experiment whereas the IM group received an extra intramuscular dose of cloprostenol sodium (500μg) either after 24h or when no progression in cervical dilatation is noticed. Surprisingly, the average response time during the experiment in the IC group was 5.8h shorter (p < 0.000) than in the IM group (IC-5.7 ± 0.17h vs. IM-11.9 ± 0.74h). The duration from calving to fetal membrane expulsion (IC-12.8 ± 0.60h vs. IM-17.5 ± 1.40h; p < 0.002) and incidence of retentionof fetal membrane were also less in the IC group (57.1% vs. 87.5%). The proposed intracervical drug administration potentiates cervical dilatation and can be regarded as a safe, effective, and feasible technique for attaining reliable results.

A pilot study on the relationship between thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) in the bovine placenta during early mid-pregnancy as well as parturition with normally released and retained placenta.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to create appropriate conditions for the development of the placenta and the fetus. However, during parturition, the placenta must be separated and subsequently removed as soon as possible to not expose the female to the possibility of infection. In this study, the relationship between thrombospondin-1(THBS1)and transforming growth factor beta1(TGFβ1) concentrations was described during bovine pregnancy (second, fourth, and sixth months; n = 3/each month), at normal parturition (NR) and parturition with fetal membrane retention (R). The presence of THBS1 and TGFβ1 was confirmed in bovine placental tissues of both maternal and fetal parts. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showedstatistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in THBS1 concentrations (pg/mg protein) between examined parturient samples (maternal part: 5.76 ± 1.61 in R vs. 2.26 ± 1.58 in NR; fetal part: 2.62 ± 1.94 in R vs. 1.70 ± 0.23 in NR). TGFβ1 concentrations (pg/mg protein) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the retained fetal membranes compared to the released fetal membranes in the maternal part of the placenta (26.22 ± 7.53 in NR vs. 17.80 ± 5.01 in R). The participation of THBS1 in the activation of TGFβ1 in parturient bovine placental tissues leading to the normal release of fetal membranes may be suggested.

Efficacy of PGF2α, Calcium, Phosphorus, Oxytetracycline and Meloxicam on Fetal Membrane Retention and Postpartum Ovarian Activity in Buffaloes

Present study was conducted on buffaloes (n=24) which were classified into two groups. In group I, 12 buffaloes after normal calving were randomly classified in treatment (n=6) and control (n=6) sub groups. Whereas in group II, 12 buffaloes after normal calving having RFM/ROP 12 hours after calving were randomly classified in treatment (n=6) and control (n=6) sub groups. In group I and II , the buffaloes in treatment group were administered Dinoprost (25 mg); Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg body wt., Oxytetracycline @5 mg/kg body wt. i/m and calcium i/v immediately after and after 12 hours of calving, respectively. However, the buffaloes in control group were not given any treatment.There was lower incidence of RFM (16.66% vs 50.00%; P&lt;0.05); early expulsion of fetal membranes (4.05±0.31 vs 4.66±0.99h; P&gt;0.05), early disappearance of fetid discharge (1.83±0.10 vs 2.66±0.33 days; P&gt;0.05), early disappearance of muco-purulent discharge (3.25±0.65 vs 4.66±0.61 days; P&gt;0.05), early uterine involution (32.83±4.43 vs 36.00±6.91 days, P&lt;0.05) and early resumption of ovarian activity (100.16±3.19 vs 109.83±6.34 days; P&lt;0.05) in treatment than control group in the buffaloes of Group I. There was low incidence of RFM in treatment and control groups (00.00% vs 16.66%), early expulsion of fetal membrane (5.33±0.38 vs 8.3±0.86 h; P &lt;0.05), early disappearance of fetid discharge (5.13±0.54 vs 7.16±0.95 days; P&gt;0.05), early disappearance of muco-purulent discharge (5.00±0.52 vs 8.00±0.74 days; P&lt;0.05), early uterine involution (34.00±0.62 vs 44.5±1.57 days; P &lt;0.01) and early resumption of ovarian activity (103.66±2.09 vs 125.33±5.64 days, P&lt;0.01) in treatment than control in the buffaloes of Group II with RFM 12 hours after calving. It could be concluded that immediate treatment regimen after calving reduces the incidence of retention of fetal membrane in buffaloes.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS IN SMALLHOLDER DAIRY COWS OF MYMENSINGH DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Most of the smallholder animal farmers in rural Bangladesh depend on livestock for their livelihoods but significant percentage of these animals do not achieve their potential mainly due to inadequate nutrition and disease and occasionally transmit zoonotic disease like brucellosis. Brucellosis has been recognized as a neglected zoonotic disease in the low-income countries that produce few or no clinical signs in the affected animals making it more difficult for the dairy farmers to use preventive measures. However, sero-monitoring could help to detect the occurrence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farm management system. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for positivity of bovine brucellosis by using sero-screening and milk ring test supported with questionnaire Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on bovine brucellosis was conducted in smallholder dairy cows in the district of Mymensingh during the period from August to December 2019. Serum samples of 460 lactating cows along with their milk samples were collected randomly. Serum samples were screened for brucellosis with Rapid Antigen Kit Test and Rose Bengal Test (RBT), whereas milk samples were tested with Milk Ring Test (MRT). Farm and animal level demographic and risk factor data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall sero-prevalence was found to be 3.9% (95% CI 2.4-6.2) using RBT and Rapid Antigen Kit Test and 2.8% (CI 1.5-4.9) using Milk Ring Test, respectively. The odds of brucellosis was 7.4 times (95% CI: 2.5-21.5) higher in cows with repeat breeding that without repeat breeding. Moreover, the sero-prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher (Odds ratio: 15.7; 95% CI: 5.2-47.4) in cows with retention of fetal membranes than without retention of fetal membranes. Conclusions: The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farms with no adaptation of any preventive measures against this disease in Bangladesh. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis recorded in this study should be interpreted with caution and confirmatory diagnosis is needed to know the accurate status of brucellosis in smallholder dairy farms. The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder farms by using sero-test and milk ring test warrants further molecular test prior to embarking on a control program.

Major Reproductive Disorders and other Determinants of Dairy Cows in West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was undertaken in Ambo, Dandi and Dirre inchini districts of West Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia to assess the major reproductive disorders and other determinants of dairy cows. A total of 240 household (80 household from each district) were selected for formal survey by using purposive sampling techniques. The study was based on both primary and secondary sources of data. The major reproductive disorders reported in the areas were repeat breeder, abortion, retention of fetal membrane, anoestrous, dystocia and stillbirth. The overall percentage of repeat breeder, abortion, retention of fetal membrane, anoestrous, dystocia and stillbirth, reported in the areas were 29.6%, 11.3%, 12.9%, 25%, 7.9% and 4% , respectively. The major constraints of dairy cattle reported in the districts were inadequate animal feed, genetic limitation, shortage of land, milk market constraint and inadequate extension service. Thus, it is suggested that, awareness creation to animal owners, and improved management such as proper feeding, accurate heat detection and health management should be improved to reduce the incidence of these reproductive problems. Feed scarcity was a serious problem (1 st rank) in the study districts, especially during dry season. Therefore, to avoid and/or reduces shortages of feeds happening in the dry season, feed conservation strategy needs to be given due attention as there were abundant pastures in the districts during wet season. Keywords: Dairy Cows, Determinants, Reproductive disorder, West Shoa DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-7-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2022

Intrauterine proteolytic enzymes therapy hastens expulsion of fetal membranes in dystocia affected buffaloes.

Difficult calving (dystocia) in buffalo cows is a major obstetrical problem which further leads to metritis complex, encompassing the retention of fetal membranes (RFM), puerperal metritis, endometritis and pyometra with impaired future fertility. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the administration of intrauterine proteolytic enzymes on the expulsion of fetal membranes and postpartum fertility in dystociac buffaloes. Proteolytic enzymes consisting of Trypsin (16 mg), Chymotrypsin (16 mg), and Papain (8 mg) were dissolved in 500 ml normal saline were administered after 1 h of assisted delivery in dystociac buffaloes along with the conventional therapy. The treated animals (n=15) expelled fetal membranes within a shorter period of time (P=0.043) compared to the control group (n=15) with none in the treatment group retaining it for more than 24 hours. Fewer (26.67 vs 73.33%; P=0.027) postpartum uterine infections developed in the treated animals compared to the control group. The interval between first postpartum estrus (P=0.067), service period (P=0.554), and open days (P=0.557) was shorter in the treatment group compared to the control group where postpartum anestrus developed less frequently (26.67 vs 66.67%; P=0.066) in the animals treated with enzymatic therapy. Systemic illness (neutrophillia) was reduced in the treatment group compared to the control on day 20 (64.55 ± 1.14% vs 70.23 ± 0.99%; P=0.001) and 45 (55.05 ± 1.63% vs 64.92 ± 1.45%; P<0.001) postpartum. It is concluded that proteolytic enzymes therapy after assisted delivery in dystociac buffalo cows could help in the early expulsion of fetal membranes and reduce uterine infections with decreased neutrophils count.

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in bovine placentas in Hungary and Slovakia: Detection of a novel sequence type - Short communication.

Cotyledons (n = 167) from 30 Hungarian and 5 Slovakian dairy cattle herds were analysed for Coxiella burnetii by real-time PCR targeting the IS1111 gene. Eighty (88.9%) out of the 90 cotyledons from retained placentas and 31 (40.3%) out of the 77 cotyledons from normally separated placentas tested positive. Seventeen out of the 80 positive samples (21.3%) originating from retained placentas were found to be highly loaded with C. burnetii with a cycle threshold (Ct) value lower than or equal to 27.08, ranging between 11.92 and 27.08. The rest of the positive samples from retained fetal membranes and from normally separated placentas were moderately loaded with C. burnetii DNA. Five out of the ten samples showing the strongest positivity (Ct 11.92-18.28) from retained placentas were genotyped by multispacer sequence typing based on ten loci, which revealed sequence type (ST) 61, a type that had not been detected in Hungary and Slovakia previously. Retained placenta was more likely in cows with C. burnetii PCR-positive cotyledons (odds ratio: 12.61, P = 0.0023). The high C. burnetii DNA load found in retained fetal membranes may be a potential risk factor for human infection and may also be associated with the retention of fetal membranes.

Treatment of retention of fetal membranes in ruminants with pyrogenium 200

One of the most common postpartum disorders encountered in cows is retention of foetal membranes. The foetal membranes should be retained, if it is not expelled during the first 8 hrs after parturition. Retained foetal membranes in livestock have adverse effects on fertility and production. Diverse therapeutics has been employed for treatment of retention of foetal membranes. Manual removal, administration of intra-uterine and/or systemic antibiotics, injection of oxytocin, PGF2α and β2-receptor blockers. Manual removal of the retained membranes is no longer recommended and is potentially harmful. The methods tried were costly, required long duration and services of veterinarians and para veterinarians are and demonstrated that the methods were ineffective. An attempt is made to try homeopathic remedy Pyrogenium 200C in 143 animals and found very effective, economical remedy and the administration of the remedy does not call for the assistance of technical persons.

Greater Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows with Moderate Length of Anogenital Distance at First Service Postpartum

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated negative association of anogenital distance (AGD) with fertility in dairy cows; however, the mechanism of inverse relationship is not completely understood. In this regard, postpartum uterine infections and their corresponding risk factors could diminish fertility of cows, yet there has been no research exploring the relationship between AGD and postpartum disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between AGD and postpartum reproductive performance in dairy cows. METHODS: AGD of Holstein dairy cows of a commercial dairy herd (n = 290) was measured at the first postpartum examination (days 28 to 32 postpartum) in millimeter. Cows were classified into three categories based on AGD length, including short anogenital distance (20% of cows with lowest values), intermediate anogenital distance (60% of cows with moderate values) and long AGD (20% of cows with highest values). Additionally, data of postpartum reproductive variables were retrieved form herd database. Dara were analysed using SAS software version 9.4.RESULTS: Rate of dystocia, twinning, retention of fetal membranes, puerperal metritis and clinical endometritis, calf birth weight and days to first service did not differ among the various AGD categories (P > 0.05). However, proportion of male offspring was lower in short AGD cows than intermediate and long AGD cows (P < 0.05). Furthermore, first service conception rate was greater in intermediate anogenital distance group than short and long anogenital distance groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study showed suboptimal first postpartum conception rate in cows with minimal and maximal length of anogenital distance and indicated that this inferior fertility was not mediated through alteration in rate of postpartum reproductive disorders.

The effect of Seasonal heat stress on oxidants\u2013antioxidants biomarkers, trace minerals and acute-phase response of peri-parturient Holstein Friesian cows supplemented with adequate minerals and vitamins with and without retained fetal membranes

BackgroundThe global warming has become a worldwide problem affecting adversely the human being and the productivity of the livestock. This study aimed to investigate the effect of seasonal heat stress on the incidence of retained fetal membranes, oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers, haptoglobin, mineral status, milk production, inseminations/conception, estradiol, and days open of Holstein Friesian cows raised under Egyptian environmental conditions. Blood samples were collected one week before parturition and one day after parturition from two dairy farms. Total proteins, albumin, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione reduced (GSH), haptoglobin, estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc were measured in the blood serum for cows delivered during the hot months (May to September) and the cold months (December to April).ResultsCows delivered during the hot months had the highest prevalence of retained placenta and were older (P = 0.0001) of mean parity (4.93 ± 2.24), required more services/conception (P = 0.0001; 3.14 ± 1.20), produced higher (P = 0.0001) milk yield/Ton (8.43 ± 1.29) compared to those retained during the cold months (8.00 ± 1.03). All cows retained their placentae had low estradiol ((P = 0.0001) compared to those dropped their placenta within the same season. All cows retained their fetal membranes had high NO (P = 0.0002) but low GSH (P = 0.008), and globulin (P = 0.041). During the hot months, cows with retained placenta obtained low calcium, corrected calcium and calcium/phosphorus ratio. The type of placental drop and its interaction with season influenced (P < 0.01) services /conception, milk yield, NO, estradiol and copper.ConclusionsThe retention of fetal membranes decreased the productive and reproductive parameters and its effects deteriorated reproduction and immunological status during the hot months.

The role of placental immunological, pro-inflammatory, and proteolytic factors in the process of fetal membrane expulsion in mares

The placenta is a temporary organ necessary for prenatal life and the development of eutherian mammals. In the mare it should be expelled within 3 hours of expulsion of the fetus. A delay in its separation can have serious or fatal consequences for mares. The preparation of the mare for the expulsion of the fetal membranes most likely requires immunological interactions between placental antigen and the mare’s immune system. The latest results suggest that fetal membrane retention is related to disorders of inflammatory processes in the placenta, including a lower expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2. These disorders in the pro-inflammatory response and disturbances in the activity of the proteolytic enzyme network may lead to adhesion between the fetal and the maternal parts of the placenta. The resulting adhesion may cause the fetal membranes to be thicker and less flexible, making them difficult to expel. Understanding the mechanism of placental retention may contribute to the development of effective methods to prevent and treat this condition.

Phytobioactives as An Alternate Approach to Prevent Retention of Fetal Membrane

Background: Postparturient apathy has always been a matter of concern for livestock owners keeping in view the associated problems and its consequential effects on production. In the present study, the efficacy of a polyherbal preparation on timely expulsion of fetal membranes was attempted in periparturient cows.Methods: The dairy animals were divided into 3 groups; first group of animals received herbal preparation once a day for 5 days as a prophylactic measure. The second group of animals was given herbal tonic as a therapy/treatment in cases where expulsion of fetal membranes was delayed. The third group served as control. Blood was collected at regular interval to assess innate immune response. Result: The herbal formulation succeeded in complete expulsion of fetal membranes within 3hrs and emerged as a promising prophylactic tool in preventing retention of placenta, with added effect in enhancing innate immunity as monitored by evident rise in leucocytic population. The animals in which the herbal formulation was given as therapy responded with expulsion of fetal membranes within 7-8 hours post treatment while in the control group complications were evident and required technical assistance in many cases. Administration of herbal liquid reduced the cases of ROP, enhanced local immune response as well as brought about an upgradation in the general health condition of the animals.

Association of peripartum progesterone, estradiol, cortisol, PGFM and relaxin concentrations with retention of fetal membranes in crossbred dairy cows

Retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in bovines not only lowers fertility and productivity but also leads to significant economic loss to the dairy farms. The present study compared peripartum progesterone, estradiol, cortisol, Prostaglandin F2 metabolite (PGFM) and relaxin concentrations in crossbred cows with normal parturition (NP) and with RFM. Blood samples were collected from 33 dairy cows at weekly interval from 30 days prepartum till 7th day before calving, followed by every alternate days till calving and 1st and 2nd day postpartum. Significantly higher plasma cortisol concentrations was observed between day 3 prepartum and day 2 postpartum in RFM cows (n=6) compared to NP cows (n=6). Plasma estradiol level was significantly lower in RFM group than in NP group on the day of calving while progesterone concentrations did not differ between the groups. In RFM cows, PGFM level was significantly lower on day 1 and day 2 postpartum compared to NP cows. On the day of calving and on day 1 postpartum, relaxin concentration was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in NP cows compared to RFM cows. The ROC analysis, commonly used for development of diagnostic threshold value, revealed that cows with cortisol concentration above 7.35 ng/ml and PGFM concentration below 1,072 pg/ml on day-1 were associated with 5.99 times higher risk of RFM. It may be inferred that peripartum plasma cortisol and PGFM concentrations may be useful for identification of crossbred cows at the risk of developing RFM.

Expression profile of proinflammatory mediators in the placenta of mares during physiological detachment and retention of fetal membranes

Physiological parturition is characterized by sterile, inflammatory-like processes. During parturition, the placenta expresses various proinflammatory mediators, such as chemokines and IL-17. Nevertheless, inflammatory processes present in the parturient mare are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of selected chemokines and IL-17 in the allantochorion and the endometrium of mares that retained fetal membranes (RFM) and expelled them physiologically. We hypothesized that the expression of these mediators may be altered in the placenta of mares with RFM and result in RFM occurrence.Differences in mRNA expression in the placenta of investigated groups of mares were detected for CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL8, CXCL1, CXCL8, CXCL10, CX3CL1 and IL-17. There were no differences in mRNA expression of CCL5 and CXCL6. Gene ontology network analysis showed enrichment in genes related to leukocyte migration, cell chemotaxis and response to chemokine in tissues of RFM mares. Analysis of association network suggested denotations between CXCL6, CXCL8, CXCL1, CCL5, CCL4, CX3CL1 and CXCL10. Moreover, possible inhibition of CXCL10 by IL-17A and prostaglandin peroxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) by CXCL1 was detected.Our results suggest that, based on differences in chemokines and IL-17 expression, recruited subsets of leukocytes might differ between the analyzed groups of mares, which in turn may impair the separation of fetal membranes in the group of RFM mares. In addition, the results of the expression analysis suggest that macrophages might be one of the most abundant cells infiltrating the equine placenta during the expulsion of fetal membranes. Furthermore, we suspect that the synthesis of PTGS2 might be inhibited in mares with RFM.

Prevention of Retention of Placenta in Lactating Friesian Cows with Dystocia and its Relation with their Productive and Reproductive Efficiency and Blood Constituents

Twenty-eight of lactating Friesian cows about 5 – 10 years and 575 – 725 kg weight had dystocia and single-calf parturition were used in the present study. The experimental animal were divided into four groups (7 animals /group). Cows in the first group were administrated with 10 ml of saline solution (0.9 NaCl) intramuscularly injection and kept as a control. The second, third, and fourth groups were treated with oxytocin (OX) at a level of 50 I.U., prostaglandin F2 alpha (PG) at a level of 500μgand methargin (MT) at a level of 20 mg, with 10 ml of saline solution, intramuscularly injection, respectively. The results showed that, cows administrated with OX, PG or MT recorded decrease (P<0.05) in the period from parturition to complete fetal membranes drop and uterine involution, ovarian structure, first estrus postpartum, days open and service period as well as number of services per conception and calving interval, and increase (P<0.05) the heat period length as compared to in the untreated cows, moreover cows that had received PG or MT had better values than cows that had received OX. Also, OX, PG and MT treatments increased (P<0.05) the actual milk yield compared with untreated. Values of total leukocytic count, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, total protein and albumin and thyroid hormones T3 and T4 as well as glucose were increased (P<0.05) in all treated groups, while values of cortisol were decreased (P<0.05) as compared to in the untreated group, moreover the best values were recorded with cows that were treated with PG or MT compared with cows that were administrated with OX. The highest percentages of the incidence of postpartum reproductive disorders were recorded for untreated cows, which can be decreased by administration of cows with OX, or avoided by PG or MT treatments within ½ hour postcalving. In conclusion, it can be recommended to administer lactating Friesian cows with dystocia with prostaglandin F2 alpha at a level of 500 μg, or methergin at a level of 20 mg, with 10 ml of saline solution (0.9% NaCl) intramuscularly injection, respectively, within ½ hour after expulsion of the fetus to avoid retention of fetal membranes, postpartum complications and improve subsequent reproductive performance and blood constituents as well as milk yield and its economic efficiency under the Egyptian conditions.

Prevalence of Various Reproductive Disorders in the Foothills of Himalaya

The study was carried out to investigate the incidence of reproductive disorders in Assam region of India. A total of 554 crossbred cows were screened and survey was made to rule out prevalence of reproductive diseases. The risk factors such as age and parity were also taken into account to find the relation with occurrence of reproductive disorders. The anestrus (51.12%), repeat breeding (RB; 33.71%), retention of fetal membrane (RFM; 5.06%), dystocia (4.50%), abortion and cervico-vaginal prolapse (2.81%) were recognized as major reproductive disorder in Assam. Age had non-significant (P>0.05) effect in the prevalence of the diseases. However, incidences of anestrus, dystocia and RB, abortion, cervico-vaginal prolapse and RFM were found highest in age group of ≤ 3 and 4-7 and ≥ 8 years, respectively. Parity had significant effect on incidences of anestrus (P<0.05) and RB (P<0.01) however, had no significance effect on other disorders. The result specified adverse climatic condition, low pH of soil, poor managemental practices by dairy producers had contributed in the occurrence of reproductive disorders. Therefore, knowledge regarding the prevalence and factor associated with reproductive diseases could be fruitful to alleviate the problem.

The oxytocin-prostaglandins pathways in the horse (Equus caballus) placenta during pregnancy, physiological parturition, and parturition with fetal membrane retention

Despite their importance in mammalian reproduction, substances in the oxytocin-prostaglandins pathways have not been investigated in the horse placenta during most of pregnancy and parturition. Therefore, we quantified placental content of oxytocin (OXT), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha during days 90–240 of pregnancy (PREG), physiological parturition (PHYS), and parturition with fetal membrane retention (FMR) in heavy draft horses (PREG = 13, PHYS = 11, FMR = 10). We also quantified OXTR and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2) mRNA expression and determined the immunolocalization of OXT, OXTR, and PTGS2. For relative quantification of OXT and OXTR, we used western blotting with densitometry. To quantify the prostaglandins, we used enzyme immunoassays. For relative quantification of OXTR and PTGS2, we used RT-qPCR. For immunolocalization of OXT, OXTR, and PTGS2, we used immunohistochemistry. We found that OXT was present in cells of the allantochorion and endometrium in all groups. PTGS2 expression in the allantochorion was 14.7-fold lower in FMR than in PHYS (p = 0.007). These results suggest that OXT is synthesized in the horse placenta. As PTGS2 synthesis is induced by inflammation, they also suggest that FMR in heavy draft horses may be associated with dysregulation of inflammatory processes.

Serological and Molecular Detection of Bovine Brucellosis at Institutional Livestock Farms in Punjab, Pakistan.

Bovine brucellosis remains a persistent infection in ruminants in Pakistan. A total of 828 (409 buffaloes and 419 cattle) sera were collected from 11 institutional-owned livestock farms in Punjab, Pakistan. The samples were tested by rose bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The seroprevalence along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined. Univariable and multivariable analysis of the epidemiological background data was conducted and odds ratio (OR) was calculated to understand any association between the risk factors and the seroprevalence. An overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (Positive/Tested = 32/828) and 3.3% (27/828) was detected by RBPT and iELISA, respectively. The seroprevalence of 5.6% (CI 3.6–8.3) and 4.7%, (CI 2.8–7.2) and the odds ratio of 2.63 (CI 1.20–5.77) and 2.50 (CI 1.08–5.78) for testing positive by RBPT and iELISA, respectively were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in buffaloes than in cattle. Breed, sex, history of abortion and retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in the animals were not found statistically significantly associated with the infection. RBPT and iELISA based results agreed almost perfect (k = 0.877). In total, Brucella abortus-DNA (9/27) was amplified from seropositive samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction. This study identified for the first time the etiological agents of brucellosis at a molecular level at institutional-owned livestock farms in Pakistan.