Parturition Problems Research Articles

Effects of Mid-Gestation Nutrient Restriction, Realimentation, and Parity on the Umbilical Hemodynamics of the Pregnant Ewe

Previous studies have reported that nutritional restriction from days 50 to 130 applied in young nulliparous ewes reduces umbilical blood flow (UBF). We hypothesized that during restriction, UBF and fetal and placentome dimensional measurements would decrease compared to adequately fed ewes, but upon realimentation, ewes would have similar UBF as ewes that were not restricted. We also hypothesized that multiparous ewes would be more resilient to nutrient restriction compared to nulliparous ewes. In experiment 1, second-parity Dorset ewes carrying singletons were assigned to an adequate nutrition group (CON, n = 7) or a restricted (60% of CON) group (RES, n = 8), from days 50 to 90 of gestation. In experiment 2, on day 50 of gestation, adult (15-month) nulliparous (NUL; n = 12) and multiparous (MUL; n = 16) Dorset ewes carrying singletons were randomly assigned to receive 100% of NRC recommendations (CON) or 60% of CON (RES). On day 90, all ewes were fed 100% of nutritional recommendations according to body weight. Ewe body weight and conceptus measurements via ultrasonography were recorded every 10 days from days 50 to 130 of gestation. We measured 10 random placentomes, fetal biparietal and abdominal length, and kidney length and width. Doppler mode was used to obtain UBF, pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI). Lamb weight and parturition problems were recorded. In experiment 1, on day 80, UBF decreased (P ≤ 0.05 means separation of unprotected F test), placentome size tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.10), and PI and RI tended to increase in RES vs. CON ewes (P ≤ 0.10). In experiment 2, there were no three-way interactions or main effects of treatments on UBF, PI, RI, and placentome size (P ≥ 0.57). There was a parity-by-day interaction (P < 0.05) for RI, but UBF was not affected by parity or diet. After realimentation, there was no effect of treatment on ultrasound measurements in both experiments. At birth, lambs and placental measurements were not different (P ≥ 0.43). Restriction from days 50 to 90 does not seem to influence umbilical hemodynamics or conceptus growth in adult white face sheep, regardless of parity.

Impact of maternal feed rationing during pregnancy on meat quality attributes of rabbit offspring

Abstract Young rabbits does fed ad libitum diets often show parturition problems such as dystocia and abnormal presentation, resulting in reduced numbers of kits. This can be linked to excessive fatness of the does. Several studies have documented the effect of feed restriction on rabbits, but only limited information exist on the carryover effect of maternal feed restriction exerts on meat quality attributes of the offspring produced from such restriction. This study evaluated the influence of maternal feed restriction and vitamin E inclusion during pregnancy on meat quality of rabbit kits. Seventy-five rabbits, consisting of sixty 20-week-old does and 15 mature bucks, were used in the experiment. Treatments consisted of two levels of feed restriction (0 and 15 %) applied at three different periods during pregnancy (15 – 19, 20 – 24, or 25 – 29 days) with or without vitamin E dietary inclusions (0 and 300 mg/kg). The pregnant does were divided into twelve treatment groups, each containing five replicates of one rabbit each. The experiment was in a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial layout in a completely randomised design. After kindling (between days 28 – 31 of pregnancy) the resulting kits (a total of 180 kits) were arranged on treatment basis of their mothers and managed for a period of 56 days; that is 15 kits per treatment, each replicated 5 times (each replicate contained 3 kits). After 56 days of experiment, the data were collected on meat pH, total cholesterol, crude fat, crude protein, thermal shortening and refrigeration loss. Feed restriction during pregnancy with or without dietary vitamin E (no addition and 300 mg/kg) resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) influence on meat quality attributes of growing rabbits as total cholesterol (555.00 ± 6.06) decreased in the meat of rabbits whose mothers were feed-restricted during pregnancy. On the other hand, maternal feed rationing with or without vitamin E did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the crude protein and thermal shortening of their slaughtered offspring. In conclusion, maternal feed rationing during pregnancy can be adopted as a feeding strategy in manipulating meat quality indicators of growing rabbits as total cholesterol concentrations decreased which is a good indicator that the meat is safer and better for consumers in order to prevent health-related challenges.

Behavioral responses and reproductive performances of cross bred dairy cows on soil and concrete bedded floors in small holders’ production system in Assam

The behavioral response to the selected micro environment is one of the important tools for scientific assessment of welfare of the dairy animals. The study was conducted in 5 number of soil bedded sheds and 5 number of concrete bedded sheds in Kamrup (Metro) District of Assam to assess the behavioral responses of the cross bred dairy cattle in small holders’ production system. From each shed 5 number of dairy cows were selected preferably of 1-2 months of lactation stage. The selected animals were observed for three occasions at 30 days interval for 3 hours daily on 12 hours basis. The time spent (Mean±SE) for rumination, resting and sleeping were recorded as 184.60±1.54, 262.70±0.87 and 53.78±1.38 minutes and 190.40±1.50, 265.60±0.72 and 49.40±1.26 respectively. There was a highly significant difference between both the types of floor (P≤ 0.01) for rumination and resting time. The overall prevalence of post parturition problems were higher (40%) in soil bedded floor than that of concrete bedded floor (20%). The animal welfare issues were compromised on the soil bedded floor type in comparison to concrete bedded floor type of shed.

Seipin deficiency leads to defective parturition in mice.

Seipin is an integral endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein encoded by Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (BSCL2/Bscl2) gene. Seipin deficiency results in lipodystrophy, diabetes, muscle hypertrophy, and male infertility in both human and mouse. Seipin function in female reproduction is unknown. Bscl2-/- dams had normal embryo implantation and body weight gain during pregnancy but reduced delivery rates from 2nd to 4th pregnancies and reduced numbers of pups delivered from 1st to 4th pregnancies. Characterization of first pregnancy revealed increased gestation period and parturition problems, including uterine prolapse, difficulty in delivery, undelivered fetuses, and undelivered tissues in Bscl2-/- females. Bscl2-/- uterine weight was comparable to control at 3 weeks old but significantly increased with myometrial hypertrophy at 10 months old. In situ hybridization revealed relatively low level of Bscl2 mRNA expression in myometrium throughout pregnancy and postpartum but high level of expression in uterine luminal epithelium, suggesting that systemic effect (e.g. elevated glucose and insulin levels) rather than local seipin-deficiency in myometrium might be a main contributing factor to myometrial hypertrophy. On near-term gestation day 18.5 (D18.5), Bscl2-/- females had normal levels of serum progesterone and 17β-estradiol, indicating functional ovary and placenta. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) staining showed minimal myometrial cell proliferation in both D18.5 Bscl2+/+ and Bscl2-/- uteri. There was strong LC3 immunostaining in Bscl2+/+ and Bscl2-/- peripartum myometrium and increased LC3 staining in Bscl2-/- peripartum uterine luminal epithelium, suggesting a potential role of seipin in regulating autophagy in uterine luminal epithelium but not myometrium. This study demonstrates an association of seipin with myometrium and parturition.

Parturition problems

Parturition problems

Effects of selenium on animal health

Selenium is an essential trace element in the diet of humans and domesticated animals. It is a component of more than 30 selenoproteins, which play a significant role in the body. Selenoproteins protect cells from damage inflicted by free radicals, the cause of many chronic diseases. They also participate in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, control reproductive functions and exert neuroprotective effects. In addition to its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, selenium stimulates the immune system. The role of selenium is aided by vitamin E and sulfur-containing amino acids. Selenium deficiency contributes to pathological changes in farm animals, which incur large financial losses each year. Low selenium levels can lead to the development of nutritional muscular dystrophy, also known as white muscle disease, in lambs, kids, foals, calves and poultry from birth to 3 months of age. Selenium deficiency may also cause exudative diathesis in poultry as well as dietary necrotic liver degeneration and mulberry heart disease in pigs. Parturition problems resulting from reduced tension of the muscular layer of the uterus, postparturient paraplegia, placental retention and purulent inflammations of the uterine lining are also attributed to low selenium levels. Selenium deficiency contributes to the formation of ovarian cysts and increased embryonic mortality in the first 3-4 weeks after insemination. Selenium and vitamin E facilitate neutrophil migration to the mammary gland, and they enhance the bactericidal effects of neutrophils, thus shortening and alleviating the symptoms of clinical mastitis. Selenium poisoning is rarely encountered, and it most often results from an overdose of selenium supplements. The most common forms of selenosis are chronic selenosis, referred to as alkali disease, and acute selenosis, popularly known as blind staggers.

Mummified papyraceous fetuses in the abdominal cavity of an elderly female dog with pyometra

This paper reports on a rare case of fetal papyraceous mummification after asymptomatic uterine rupture in an elderly female dog with pyometra. The patient had a history of mating six months before the examination but no apparent signs of gestation or parturition. Exploratory laparotomy was used to identify a rupture of the left uterine horn and the presence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra. Two mummified papyraceous fetuses were observed in the abdominal cavity and had adhered to the spleen, pancreas, intestine and omentum. Ovariehysterectomy and corrective surgery were performed. The patient had remained healthy after uterine rupture until a new estrous cycle and the development of pyometra. Bitches that are 10 years old or more are predisposed to implantation failure, pregnancy or parturition problems and they should not be breed to avoid complications.

Questionnaire-based survey of parturition in the queen

The lack of scientific data concerning whether parturition in the queen proceeds normally or not may prevent veterinarians and cat owners from recognizing parturition problems in time. A questionnaire-based study of parturition in 197 queens was performed to determine several parameters of parturition and their influence on its progress. The mean length of gestation was 65.3 days (range 57 to 72 days) and it decreased with increasing litter size (P = 0.02). The median litter size was 4.5 kittens (range 1 to 9), with more males (53%) than females (46%) (P = 0.05). Sixty-nine percent of the kittens were born in anterior presentation and 31% in posterior presentation, indicating that either can be considered normal in the cat. Males were born in posterior position (34%) more often than females (26%) (P = 0.03). The mean birth weight was 98 g (range of 35 to 167 g) and decreased with increasing litter size (P < 0.01). Mean birth weight was higher in males and kittens born in posterior presentation (P < 0.01). Forty-four (5%) of the 887 kittens were stillborn. This was not correlated with the presentation at expulsion but stillborn kittens were more often female (P = 0.02) and weighed less than those born alive (P = 0.04). The median interkitten time was 30 min (range 2 to 343 min) and 95% were born within 100 min after expulsion of the preceding kitten. The interkitten time as a measure of the progress of parturition was not influenced by the kitten's gender, presentation at expulsion, birth weight, or stillbirth, or by the parity of the queen. The results of this study can be used to develop reference values for parturition parameters in the queen, both to determine whether a given parturition is abnormal and as the basis for a parturition protocol.

Endocrine changes in late bovine pregnancy with special emphasis on fetal well-being

During late bovine pregnancy, several hormones are involved to maintain and develop a successful result with a live calf. These hormones are e.g., progesterone, high levels during the whole pregnancy period, originating from the corpus luteum, maternal adrenals and placenta. Oestrone sulphate, oestrone in its conjugated form, shows elevated levels from about mid-pregnancy until the third stage of parturition (expelling of the fetal membranes). For the onset of normal parturition and the parturition process as such, a change from progesterone to oestrone synthesis is crucial. The increasing levels of oestrone are time-related to an increased synthesis of prostaglandin F 2α (reflected as elevated levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF 2α) causing prepartal luteolysis and several hormones are then involved in the labour process such as prostaglandin F 2α, cortisol and oxytocin. Cortisol might also be an indicator of stressful events for the dam. Levels of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs), originating from the trophoblastic binucleate cells, are increasing during the last 10 days prior to parturition. All the mentioned hormones have certain functions during pregnancy, more or less understood. However, could deviations from the expected profiles during late bovine pregnancy indicate impaired fetal well-being or be of importance for reproductive performance during the postpartum period? Abortions, stillbirths or dystocia are situations where endocrine profiles might predict the status of the calf. There are two possible approaches to study the endocrine changes in late pregnancy—to follow spontaneous cases of normal or impaired pregnancies or to experimentally disturb the gestation or induce parturition. We have in one study followed pregnant animals to depict reproductive disturbances, both animals with expected normal parturitions and animals where the sire of the calf has given rise to a high incidence of stillborn calves. The number of stillborn calves or dystocia has been small and so far it has not been possible to obtain a clear picture of the usefulness of endocrine parameters to follow fetal well being, but some of the hormonal parameters show a deviating profile. In a small group of animals with induced parturition (PGF 2α), two out of three had parturition problems and one of these animals had a stillborn calf. All three animals had retained fetal membranes. It was possible to demonstrate a deviating endocrine profile in the cow having the stillborn calf in the sense of higher levels of progesterone, cortisol and 15-ketodihydro-PGF 2α at the time of parturition. In both animals with dystocia the levels of oestrone sulphate after parturition were more sustained. Increasing and high levels of PAGs were only demonstrated in the animal with a normal parturition. These studies are ongoing, aiming at finding changes in endocrine profiles related to impaired pregnancies.

Behavioural Aspects of Breeding Dogs

The veterinary profession tends to take great interest and care in the aspects of breeding which involve physical health and hereditary problems. Some vets and their staff are more knowledgeable and experienced than others, of course, but they are all trained to have a working knowledge of the care of breeding stock and should be competent in dealing with common mating, infertility and parturition problems. Veterinary nurses are likely to be involved only at whelping time, particularly when caesarean sections are carried out, and are usually extremely enthusiastic about caring for the newborn puppies. There is one area, however, which tends to be rather neglected, both by veterinary staff and breeders themselves, and this is the behavioural side of dog breeding. In the second of a series of articles on breeding, Caroline Bower discusses some of the important behavioural considerations when breeding from a bitch.

Animal welfare and sustainability of production under extensive conditions: a non-EU perspective

Public attitudes to extensive livestock husbandry systems are favourable and welfare is perceived to be good primarily because animals are free to express their normal behaviour patterns. In many cases, such as agroforestry, this conclusion is fully justified. Nevertheless, there are a number of welfare issues confronting extensive farming. Identification procedures must be non-injurious and those causing suffering (such as fire-branding) should not be used. Steps should be taken to reduce the incidence of parturition problems and, when this is not feasible, the animals should be appropriately supervised. In the case of procedures where public opinion is unfavourable, but scientific assessments suggests that suffering is minimal or readily avoided improved dissemination of information is required. Examples of such problems include velvet removal from male deer, transport of deer and tail-docking in lambs. There is a need to develop integrated measures of welfare that take account of longevity, disease, reproductive success, nutritional and thermal challenges, pain and behavioural freedom. Only with the help of such measures can acceptable practices be defended, unacceptable systems be phased out and the consumer be assured that extensive farming is animal friendly. Extensive farming systems are sustainable only where public attitudes are positive and appropriate premiums can be justified so that the systems remain viable.

Bovine parturition problems – practice policy can help

In PracticeVolume 14, Issue 3 p. 152-153 Professional Indemnity Bovine parturition problems – practice policy can help John Tindall, John TindallSearch for more papers by this author John Tindall, John TindallSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1992 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.14.3.152AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume14, Issue3May 1992Pages 152-153 RelatedInformation

Genetic Interrelationships of Parturition Problems and Production

Data were 5091 calvings from 3904 cows for milk fever, retained placenta, mastitis within 48-h postpartum, calving difficulty, and 48-h calf livability collected from 27 large California dairies analyzed for genetic interrelationships among parturition problems. Heritability of each trait was small; however, retained placenta had large positive genetic correlations with milk fever (.34) and mastitis (.33). Adding difficulty-mortality classes to models to study genetic relationships of parturition problems had little effect on estimates but did influence incidence of parturition problems.With calving difficulty, incidence of milk fever increased by 4.9% and retained placenta by 5.3%. With calf mortality, milk fever increased by 4.4% and retained placenta by 13%. A combination of difficulty and mortality was related to a 9.6% increase of milk fever and a 20.2% increase of retained placenta.Genetic correlations of all problems with mature equivalent milk indicated that selection for increased production would be accompanied by lower incidence of retained placenta, 48-h mastitis, and milk fever. Genetic correlations of retained placenta with milk fever and 48-h mastitis were positive. Selection for increased milk yield should not increase incidence of parturition problems, and prescreening of bulls on parturition performance of daughters would be feasible.

Interrelationships of Parturition Problems, Production of Subsequent Lactation, Reproduction, and Age at First Calving

Data of 22,691 observations on parturition related problems (dystocia, calf mortality, milk fever, retained placenta, and mastitis) were collected from 27 cooperating California dairy herds. Age at first calving did not affect calving difficulty; thus, an optimal age for first calving was not identified. Decisions on breeding virgin heifers should be based on size of cow because of the effect of size of cow on difficulty at first parity. Small calves experienced greatest mortality at parities greater than one; however, large calves had greater mortality at first parity. Greater mortality for large calves at first parity was partially due to the increased difficulty associated with larger calves.Calving difficulty resulted in impaired reproductive performance (more days open, more services, and more days to first breeding) and decreased 30-day milk production but had no effect on 90-day milk production and 305-day mature-equivalent milk production. Dystocia, milk fever, and retained placenta occurred as a complex. Incidence of dystocia and calf mortality decreased with parity, and all other problems increased with parity.

Pelvic relaxation in sheep.

PELVIC relaxation in pregnant females has been studied for several species of small animals and for primates1. Experimental investigations on the hormonal control of this process in mice and guinea pigs are encountered frequently in the current literature. Less attention has been given to this aspect of reproductive physiology in farm animals. Work is at present in progress at Ruakura on pelvic relaxation in sheep. Study of the factors involved are important in the understanding of parturition problems such as dystocia and vaginal prolapse.