Mares In Lactation Research Articles

129 Ovarian dynamics and gonadotropins during selection of the dominant follicle in postpartum lactating versus non-postpartum cycling mares

The mare, compared to other livestock, has the shortest interval from partum to the first ovulation. In monovulatory species, the follicle deviation process in a wave is characterised by the continued growth of the dominant follicle (DF) and regression of the subordinate follicle. Although follicle diameter deviation, a key event of follicle selection, has been investigated during the oestrous and menstrual cycles, the occurrence of this phenomenon before the first postpartum ovulation seems to be unclear in all species. This study aimed to compare the follicular dynamics and gonadotropin profiles around the follicle diameter deviation day in postpartum lactating (PP Lactating; n=24) versus non-postpartum cycling (NPP Cycling; n=15) mares. On the day of parturition, every PP Lactating mare was paired with an NPP Cycling mare, and ovarian follicles (>4mm) were tracked daily by transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected. Data were analysed in the PP Lactating group according to the length of the partum-ovulation interval (POI; ≤22 and >22 days) and the postpartum interovulatory interval (PPIOI), and in the NPP Cycling group during two interovulatory intervals (1st and 2nd IOI). In addition, regardless of group, all four intervals were compared. We performed the FSH and LH assays using radioimmunoassay. Ovarian and hormonal parameters were analysed using ANOVA for sequential data. The day and diameter of the DF at the deviation (overall mean: 14.9±2.5 days; 21.7±0.4mm, respectively) were not different (P>0.05) between PP Lactating and NPP Cycling mares. However, when considering the length of POI, follicle deviation occurred 4.4±0.8 days earlier (P<0.001) in mares with POI ≤ 22 days than in mares with POI>22 days. No difference was found between PP Lactating and NPP Cycling mares within and between groups for the intervals from deviation to maximum diameter of the DF (10.4±0.4 days), for the intervals from deviation to ovulation (12.1±0.5 days), or for the growth rates of the DF from deviation to maximum diameter (2.6±0.1mm per day). The growth rate of the DF from deviation to ovulation (2.4±0.1mm per day) did not differ between PP Lactating and NNP Cycling mares; however, this growth rate was lower (P<0.03) in the POI, PPIOI, and 1st IOI compared with the 2nd IOI. The mean diameter of the DF around deviation (days −3 to 3; 22.5±0.3mm), and systemic FSH (days −4 to 4; 10.3±0.2ngmL−1) were not different between PP Lactating and NPP Cycling mares. Level of LH was lower (P<0.0001) around deviation (days −4 to 4) in the PP Lactating (0.7±0.0ngmL−1) versus the NPP Cycling mares (1.8±0.1ngmL−1). Results demonstrated that a partum effect occurs only on the day of deviation in mares during the foal heat (POI ≤ 22 days) and that low levels of LH during both intervals in PP Lactating mares were not detrimental to prevent ovulation.

Changes in milk insulin concentration of Thoroughbred mares in early lactation

To evaluate the effect of the peripherally acting α2-adrenoceptor antagonist vatinoxan (MK-467) on the sedative properties of medetomidine (MED) when injected intramuscularly (IM) in the same syringe and on reversal of this sedation with atipamezole in sheep.Randomized, blinded, crossover experimental trial.Eight healthy adult female sheep.Sheep received MED (30 μg kg–1 IM) alone or combined in the same syringe with vatinoxan (300 μg kg–1 IM, MED+VAT) with a 2 week washout period. Atipamezole (150 μg kg–1 IM) was administered 30 minutes later for reversal. Sedation was assessed using two sedation scores, a visual analog score and a descriptive scale before treatments (T0) and at intervals up to 5 hours thereafter. Pulse rate (PR) was counted at T0 and at 30 (T30) and 90 (T90) minutes. Rectal temperature was measured at T0 and T90 postinjection. Plasma samples were analyzed for drug concentrations at T30 and T90.The first signs of sedation were seen significantly earlier after MED+VAT (4.6 ± 1.7 minutes versus 9.4 ± 2.6 minutes after MED) and the sedation scores were significantly higher after MED+VAT than MED. All animals laid with head down 10.0 ± 3.4 minutes after MED+VAT, whereas three MED animals did not become recumbent before atipamezole was administered. The plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine were significantly higher at T30 (2.47 ± 0.2 ng mL–1) and significantly lower at T90 (1.23 ± 0.3 ng mL–1) with MED+VAT than with MED (1.19 ± 0.8 and 1.83 ± 0.4 ng mL–1, respectively). While no significant differences were observed between treatments in PR at T30, PR at T90 was significantly higher with MED+VAT than with MED.When administered IM in the same syringe, vatinoxan hastened and intensified the initial sedative effects of MED and enhanced the sedation reversal by atipamezole.

Estudo dos métodos de rotina diagnóstica de mastite no leite de éguas

Routine diagnosis methods used in bovine mastitis were studied in 55 mares in lactation. The findings of strip cup test, California Mastitis Test-CMT, electronic somatic cell count-CCS, microbiological culture, and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility profile of isolates were discussed. Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp, and enterobacteria were the most common microorganisms isolated in health and CMT-positive mammary glands. Staphylococcus aureus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were identified in two mares presenting clinical mastitis. Mean somatic cell count of eight mares without presence of microorganisms in milk was 247.57x103/mL and 1.621,86x103/mL in 47 mares with positive microbiological culture. Moderate concordance (63.8%) between positive reactions in CMT (1 to 3+) and microbiological culture was observed. Amicacin (78.9%), ceftiofur (74.7%), sulpha-trimetoprim (69,0%) and norfloxacin (69.0%), were the most effective drugs, while resistance of isolates was mainly observed against penicillin (64.8%), gentamycin (35.2%), azithromycin (35.2%), enrofloxacin (28.2%), and florfenicol (28.2%).

Effect of Dietary Energy Manipulation on Mares and their Foals: Determination of Voluntary Dry Matter Intake of Mares During Late Pregnancy Using a Dual Marker System

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 31 (2011) 230-356 265 energy and protein requirements (NRC, 2007). There was a significant increase in VDMI in the Lactation Phase compared to the Gestation Phases (P < .05). On average, mares consumed 10.97 .13 kg/d during gestation compared to 14.58 .42kg/d during lactation. The average VDMI of 2.45 .07% BW for the lactating mares was greater (P < .05) than the average VDMI of 1.92 .11% BW for the non-pregnant mares during the Lactation Phase. Conclusion: High forage diets can be used to meet the energy and protein needs of mares in mid-gestation. Mares in late gestation and early lactation can also be fed high forage diets if high quality forage is used.

Efeito da suplementação dietética com óleo de babaçu sobre o desempenho de éguas em lactação

A exigência nutricional das éguas é mais alta nos primeiros três meses de lactação. A energia é importante para que possam manter a condição corporal e produzir leite para os potros. Investigou-se o efeito da variação do peso corporal de éguas em lactação mantidas sob uma dieta suplementada por um concentrado com quatro níveis (0, 4, 8 e 16%) de óleo de babaçu. Foram utilizadas 16 éguas sem raça definida e em lactação e com peso vivo médio de 441,2 kg. O concentrado usado na suplementação dos animais foi de 1,5% do peso vivo, sendo composto de quirera de milho, farelo de soja e farelo de trigo com 16% de proteína bruta. A água e o volumoso constituído de Napier e suplemento mineral foram fornecidos ad libitum. As éguas foram colocadas em baias individuais (4 x 5 m) onde receberam as 4 dietas, uma vez ao dia. As dietas foram oferecidas durante 42 dias. Ao término do experimento observou-se que a suplementação com óleo de babaçu não afetou condição corporal das éguas. Os resultados indicaram que, em condições tropicais, pode-se suplementar a alimentação com até 4% de óleo de babaçu.

Temporal folate status during lactation in mares and growth in foals

To identify changes in folate status of mares and foals during lactation and growth, respectively. 20 Thoroughbred mares and foals. Pregnant mares, and following foaling the same mares with their foals, were maintained on mixed grass-legume pasture and fed either a traditional dietary supplement rich in sugar and starch (SS) or a dietary supplement high in fat and fiber (FF). Blood samples were collected monthly from mares and foals up to 6 months after foaling. Total folate concentration in feed and forage was determined. Analyses of plasma folate, RBC folate, plasma homocysteine (HCY), and milk folate concentrations were performed. Mare plasma folate concentrations declined moderately during 6 months of lactation. Mare RBC folate concentrations initially increased after foaling up to 3 months but declined toward the end of the study. Plasma HCY concentration was higher for mares fed the SS supplement, compared with mares fed the FF supplement from foaling to 6 months of lactation. Milk folate concentrations decreased during the first 3 months and then increased. Foal plasma folate initially declined but then increased. Stable concentrations of RBC folate were observed in foals. Plasma HCY concentrations in foals were unaffected by growth during the last 5 months. References range values for plasma folate, RBC folate, milk folate, and plasma HCY concentrations in healthy lactational mares and young growing foals were determined. Folate status was not impaired in lactating mares and growing foals under the conditions in our study. It appears that folate supplementation is not necessary.

Determination of the digestible energy intake and apparent absorption of macroelements in pasture-fed lactating Thoroughbred mares

AIM: To measure the nutritive value of pasture in terms of digestible energy (DE) intake (DEI) and dry matter (DM) digestibility, and to determine the apparent absorption of macroelements in lactating Thoroughbred mares grazed on pasture. METHODS: DM intake (DMI) and DEI were determined from daily faecal DM output measured in grazing mares, divided by the DM indigestible fraction (1-digestible DM), measured in a digestibility trial using pasture-fed mares. Eight lactating mares and their foals, that had a mean age of 40 days, were grazed separately on 50x100 m areas of pasture and daily faecal DM outputs were recorded for 8 days. Five mares and their foals were then placed in individual bare 20x20 m corrals containing custom-made feeding stations for 14 days to determine the indigestible DM fraction. DM, gross energy content, crude protein (CP), soluble carbohydrate, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), lipid, and macroelement composition of the pasture offered and faeces were determined and their digestibility and/or apparent absorption calculated. RESULTS: DM digestibility of the pasture was 0.6 and the DMI and DEI of a grazing 560 kg mare in early lactation nursing a foal growing at 1.34 kg/day was 13.6 (SE 0.8) kg/day and 146.9 (SE 8.4) MJ DE/day, respectively. Apparent absorptions of the macroelements measured were: Ca 0.75, P 0.43, Mg 0.63, Na 0.78, and K 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: Good quality ryegrass-white clover pasture that had a DE content of 10.8 MJ/kg DM, and a macroelement composition (g/kg) of Ca 3.33, P 3.0, Mg 1.67, Na 1.67, and K 24.2, will provide adequate DMI, DEI, and macroelement intake to lactating Thoroughbred mares.

Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in mares in late pregnancy and early lactation.

The disposition of drugs may differ between pregnant and nonpregnant animals, necessitating a change in dosage. We hypothesized that volume of distribution or clearance may be different for aminoglycoside antibiotics in pregnant mares vs. nonpregnant lactating mares. To examine this hypothesis, we administered gentamicin sulfate to seven Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse mares on two occasions, followed by plasma drug gentamicin assay and pharmacokinetic analysis. The first dose was administered 1-4 weeks before parturition (mean weight 578 kg) and the second dose was administered in the period 1-4 weeks after parturition (mean weight 518 kg). The dose administered at each time was approximately 6.6 mg/kg, intravenously (i.v.). Plasma gentamicin concentrations were determined using fluorescence polarization immunoassay and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a two-compartment open model. The plasma concentration vs. time profiles and total area-under-the-curve were almost identical for mares at late gestation vs. early lactation. Mean volume of distribution at steady-state was 0.15 (+/-0.02) and 0.16 (+/-0.03) L/kg, systemic clearance was 1.06 (+/-0.17) and 1.11 (+/-0.17) mL/kg/min, and mean (harmonic) elimination half-life was 2.2 and 2.1 h, for pregnant and nonpregnant mares, respectively. We concluded that there were no differences in drug distribution and clearance between pregnant and nonpregnant lactating mares. Gentamicin was also assayed in plasma of newborn foals after an injection of 6.6 mg/kg to three of the mares within 60 min of parturition. Gentamicin was undetectable in plasma samples from these foals and, therefore, apparently does not cross the placenta of mares at term.