Postpartum Interval Research Articles

Effect of 2, 4, and 5-hour intervals between 2 prostaglandin F2α injections administered with 5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol on pregnancy rate in beef cows

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> The objective of this study was to compare fixed-time AI (TAI) pregnancy rates resulting from intervals of 2, 4, or 6 h between 2 prostaglandin (PG) F_2αinjections administered in a 5-d CO-Synch + controlled internal drug-release device (CIDR) estrus synchronization protocol. Angus and Angus-crossbred cows (n = 901) maintained on native pasture at 3 locations were randomly assigned to treatments after blocking for BCS and postpartum interval. All cows received gonadotropin-releasing hormone and a CIDR insert on d –5, PG and CIDR removal on d 0, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone with TAI at 72 h. Cows also received a second injection of PG either2, 4, or 6 h after the first injection of PG. Pregnancy rates were determined by transrectal ultrasonography 40 ± 2 d following TAI. Body condition score and postpartum interval did not differ (P > 0.72) between estrus synchronization protocols, averaging 4.3 and 81 d, respectively. Fixed-time AI pregnancy rate was least (P ≤ 0.05) in cows receiving 2 PG injections separated by 2- and 4-h intervals (average 51%) compared with cows receiving 2 PG injections separated by a 6-h interval (59.7%). Reducing the interval between PG injections from 6 to 2 h resulted in a 9-percentage-point (15%) reduction in TAI pregnancy rates for cows synchronized with a 5-d COSynch + CIDR protocol.

Pregnancy establishment and maintenance in cattle1

A single ovulation, reciprocal embryo transfer study was used to investigate effects of oocyte competence and maternal environment on pregnancy establishment and maintenance in beef cows. Estrous cycles were synchronized in suckled beef cows and embryo donors were inseminated on d 0 (n = 810). Cows were classified on d 0 as having a small (<12.5 mm) or large (≥12.5 mm) ovulatory follicle and randomly chosen as donors or recipients to remove confounding effects of ovulatory follicle size on fertility. Embryos (n = 393) or oocytes (n = 44) were recovered on d 7, and all viable embryos were transferred into recipients (n = 354). All statistical analyses were conducted using the GLM procedure of SAS. Path analysis (with significance set at P < 0.10) was used to examine potential cause-effect relationships among the measured variables. Greater donor cow BW, circulating estradiol concentration at insemination, postpartum interval, and ovulatory follicle size directly increased (P < 0.10) fertilization success. Greater donor cow age was the only factor that directly decreased (P < 0.10) fertilization success. Viability of d-7 embryos was directly inhibited (P < 0.10) by rapid follicular growth rate from d -2 to 0 and heavier BW. Direct beneficial effects to embryo viability were increased serum progesterone concentration on d -2 and ovulatory follicle size. Pregnancy maintenance from d 7 to 27 was enhanced (P < 0.10) by increased serum estradiol concentration on d 0 and progesterone concentration on d 7 in the recipient cow. Increased follicular diameter in the recipient cow on d 0 was detrimental to pregnancy maintenance from d 7 to 27. This manuscript defines the complex interplay and relative contributions of endocrine and physical factors both prior and subsequent to fertilization that influence both oocyte competence and maternal environment and their roles in establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.

Feeding behaviors of transition dairy cows fed glycerol as a replacement for corn

Feed sorting is a natural behavior of dairy cows that can result in inconsistencies in the nutritive value of a total mixed ration (TMR). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of replacing high-moisture corn with glycerol on feed sorting and the feed intake pattern of transition dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows (n=26) were paired by expected calving date, housed in individual tie stalls, and fed diets containing either glycerol or high-moisture corn once daily from d −28 to +56 relative to calving. Glycerol was included at 11.5 and 10.8% of the ration dry matter for the pre- and postpartum diets, respectively. The feed consumption pattern was determined by measuring TMR disappearance during the intervals from 0 to 4h, 4 to 8h, 8 to 12h, and 12 to 24h relative to feed delivery. Feed sorting was determined on d −16, −9, 9, 16, and 51 relative to calving at 4, 8, 12 and 24h after feeding. The TMR particle size profile was determined at feed delivery and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 after feed delivery by using the Penn State Particle Separator (Nasco, Fort Atkinson, WI) to yield long (>19mm), medium (<19mm, >8mm), short (<8mm, >1.18mm), and fine (<1.18mm) particles. Overall feed intake did not differ between diets and was 14.7±0.4 and 20.2±0.5 kg/d for the pre- and postpartum intervals, respectively. During the prepartum period, glycerol decreased the amount of feed consumed during the first 4h after feed delivery (7.22 vs. 5.59±0.35 kg; control vs. glycerol, respectively) but increased feed consumed from 12 through 24h after feed delivery (2.22 vs. 3.82±0.35 kg; control vs. glycerol, respectively). Similar effects on the feed consumption pattern were observed after calving. During the prepartum period, cows fed the control diet sorted against long particles, whereas cows fed glycerol did not sort against long particles (77.2 vs. 101.5±3.50% of expected intake for control vs. glycerol; significant treatment effect). The data indicate that addition of glycerol to the TMR alters the feed consumption pattern to increase feed consumption late in the day at the expense of feed consumed immediately after feeding, and it reduces sorting behavior against long particles. Together, these may reduce diurnal variations in the rumen environment to promote greater rumen health in transition cows.

Does telephone lactation counselling improve breastfeeding practices?: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding rates in Malaysia remains low despite the implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) policy in government hospitals. It has been suggested that any form of postnatal lactation support will lead to an increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates. ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of telephone lactation counselling on breastfeeding practices. DesignSingle blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT). SettingMaternity wards in a public hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants357 mothers, each of whom had delivered a full term, healthy infant via spontaneous vaginal delivery. MethodsMothers were followed up for 6months. The intervention group (n=179) received lactation counselling via telephone twice monthly by certified lactation counsellors in addition to receiving the current conventional care of postnatal breastfeeding support. The control group (n=178) received the current conventional care of postnatal breastfeeding support. Definitions of breastfeeding practices were according to World Health Organization (WHO) definitions. Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire during recruitment and were later followed up at one, four and 6-month intervals during the postpartum period via a telephone-based questionnaire. ResultsAt 1month, a higher percentage of mothers in the intervention group practiced exclusive breastfeeding, compared to the control group (84.3% vs. 74.7%, OR 1.825 95%, p=0.042, CI=1.054, 3.157). At 4 and 6months postpartum, similar percentages of mothers from the two groups practiced exclusive breastfeeding (41.98% vs. 38.99%; 12.50% vs. 12.02%, no significant differences, both p>0.05). Slightly higher numbers of mothers in the control group had completely stopped breastfeeding at the 1, 4 and 6month marks, compared to the intervention group (7.4% vs. 5.4%; 12.6% vs. 9.9%; 13.9% vs. 9.4%; all p>0.05). The reason cited by most mothers who had completely stopped breastfeeding during the early postpartum period was a low breast milk supply, while returning to work was the main reason for stopping breastfeeding later in the postpartum period. ConclusionsTelephone lactation counselling provided by certified lactation counsellors from the nursing profession was effective in increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first postpartum month but not during the 4 and 6month postpartum intervals.

Studies on Treatments Results from Cows with Ovarian Disorders in Relation to Year and Season

Abstract The studies were performed in the dairy farm from Dancu Research and Development Station for Cattle Breeding, Iaşi, Romania, for a period of 5 consecutive years (2007- 2011), an effective annual rolled of 450 cows Bălţată cu Negru Românească (Romanian Black Spotted) breed.The experimental groups were composed of cows with anoestrus in 60 days postpartum interval, diagnosed by rectal examination with various ovarian disorders: persistent corpus luteum - group E1-162 cows and luteal cysts- group E2-138 cows. The treatments according to diagnosis were applied: PGF2α-,500 mcg/cow- group E1 and Gn-RH, (Receptal, 5 ml/cow-group E2). In relation to the year in which treatments were applied some variations in reproduction indices were found. Regarding to average intervals from treatment to first insemination and from treatment to conception respectively, significant differences were not found. Regarding to average conception rates after treatments, significant differences were found: in E1group, conception rate at the first insemination was 30,9% (with annual variations between 15,0% in 2008 and 41,1% in 2009) (p&lt;0,01); per total insemination was 64,42 % (with annual variations between 44,7% - 2011 and 76,9% - 2007) (p&lt;0,001) and pregnancy index was of 2,4 (with annual variations between 1,9 - 2009 and 2,8 - 2008); in E2 group, conception rate to first insemination was 25,96% (with annual variations between 16,66% - 2011 and 40% - 2010) (p&lt;0,01); per total insemination was 77,88% (with annual variation between 52,17% - 2008 and 85,0% - 2010) (p&lt;0,001) and pregnancy index of 2,4 (with annual variations between 2,1 - 2007 and 2,6 - 2008 and 2009). In relation to season in which treatments were applied, we found different variations in conception rates: in group E1, the average conception rates at the first insemination were between 24,24 % (autumn) and 40,7% (summer) (p&lt;0,05) and per total inseminations between 75,0% (spring) and 85,71% (autumn) (p&lt;0,05); in group E2, the average conception rates at the first insemination were between 5,3% (summer) and 48,5% (spring) (p&lt;0,001) and per total inseminations between 68,4% (summer) and 81,8% (spring) (p&lt;0,05). We believe that annual and seasonal variations found in this work are due to some deficiencies of management system in dairy farms, such as the stalls prolonged maintenance and lack of active movement in the cold season, inadequate microclimate of shelters, heat stress and deficiencies in cows feeding , especially those with higher milk production.

Evaluation of beef cow and calf separation systems to improve reproductive performance of first-calf cows

A two-year study was conducted with the objective to compare the effects of a traditional 48-h calf withdrawal to early-weaning and repeated 48-h calf withdrawals on postpartum interval and measures of performance of first-calf cows. A total of 112 primiparous, Brahman×British cow–calf pairs were randomly allotted to three treatments over two consecutive years: early weaning (EW; permanent cow and calf separation); interval weaning (IW—48-h calf withdrawal; five times, 20 days apart); and control (CON; single 48-h calf withdrawal). Early-weaned calves were kept in an annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pasture and were fed supplemental concentrate (16% crude protein) daily at 1% of body weight. During the 48-h calf withdraw IW- and CON-calves were provided hay, water and free-choice access to the same concentrate supplement. Treatments were initiated at the start of a 90-day breeding season (average days postpartum=97±19). Blood samples were collected over 90 days on 10-day intervals for determination of progesterone concentrations. Resumption of cyclicity was defined as two consecutive samples with concentrations of progesterone ≥1.5ng/mL. Cow body weight was determined at the start (day 0), middle (day 41), and end (day 90) of the study, and cow body condition score was estimated using a nine-point scale where 1=emaciated and 9=obese on same days, only on year 2. Calf body weight was determined at the start and end of the study. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography at approximately 45 days after the end of the breeding season. Cow body weight and body condition score at the beginning of the breeding season did not differ (369±38.2kg and 4.5±0.59, respectively); however, by day 90 body weight was greater (P<0.01) and body condition score tended to be greater (P=0.08) for EW versus IW and CON (385, 356, and 359kg; SEM=2.6; and 4.6, 4.1, and 3.9; SEM=0.20 for EW, IW, and CON cows, respectively). Calf BW was also greater (P<0.01) for EW calves versus IW and CON calves at the end of the study (170, 127, and 132kg for EW, IW, and CON calves, respectively; SEM=3.1). Cows in the EW and IW treatments had resumption of cyclicity earlier than CON cows (average days to resume cyclicity=65, 67, and 75 for EW, IW, and CON cows, respectively; SEM=0.2). By day 20 of the breeding season (corresponding to an average of 117 days postpartum), more (P=0.06) EW cows were cycling than CON-cows with IW cows intermediate. Cows exposed to IW had a greater (P=0.05) pregnancy rate than CON cows. Compared to a traditional, single-time, 48-h calf withdrawal, repeated 48-h calf withdrawal resulted in greater cow pregnancy rate with a reduced period of postpartum anestrus.

Management of Thyroid Dysfunction during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

The aim was to update the guidelines for the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and postpartum published previously in 2007. A summary of changes between the 2007 and 2012 version is identified in the Supplemental Data (published on The Endocrine Society's Journals Online web site at http://jcem.endojournals.org). This evidence-based guideline was developed according to the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, grading items level A, B, C, D, or I, on the basis of the strength of evidence and magnitude of net benefit (benefits minus harms) as well as the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The guideline was developed through a series of e-mails, conference calls, and one face-to-face meeting. An initial draft was prepared by the Task Force, with the help of a medical writer, and reviewed and commented on by members of The Endocrine Society, Asia and Oceania Thyroid Association, and the Latin American Thyroid Society. A second draft was reviewed and approved by The Endocrine Society Council. At each stage of review, the Task Force received written comments and incorporated substantive changes. Practice guidelines are presented for diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyroid-related medical issues just before and during pregnancy and in the postpartum interval. These include evidence-based approaches to assessing the cause of the condition, treating it, and managing hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, gestational hyperthyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity, thyroid tumors, iodine nutrition, postpartum thyroiditis, and screening for thyroid disease. Indications and side effects of therapeutic agents used in treatment are also presented.

Early weaning in Northern Great Plains beef cattle production systems: I. Performance and reproductive response in range beef cows

A study was conducted to determine if early weaning spring born calves can be an alternative management strategy during drought and if early weaning facilitates rebreeding of young cows. Our objectives were to determine effects of early weaning at the start of breeding on cow body weight, body condition score, and reproductive performance with or without estrous synchronization and AI in two herds in the Northern Great Plains, USA. In Exp. 1 and 2, crossbred cows were stratified within cow age by postpartum interval, and calf sex, and were assigned within strata to one of two weaning treatments at the start of breeding when calves averaged 80-d of age: (1) early weaned (permanent calf removal); or (2) no weaning (calves suckled cows until normal weaning approximately 210-d of age). Cows in Exp. 1 were exposed to natural service whereas cows in Exp. 2 were exposed to estrous synchronization for AI using a CIDR for 7d with GnRH at CIDR insertion and PGF2α at CIDR removal followed by natural service. In Exp. 3, cows were stratified within breed by age, postpartum interval, calf sex, and AI sire and were assigned within strata to one of two weaning treatments at the start of breeding, as described for Exp. 1 and 2. Estrous cycles of all cows were synchronized for AI using one of two protocols including 14d CIDR+PGF2α 16d following CIDR removal (primiparous cows) or a CIDR insert for 7d with GnRH at CIDR insertion and PGF2α at CIDR removal (multiparous cows). Cows in Exp. 2 and 3 were bred by AI approximately 12h after observation of estrus or by timed AI at 80h after PGF2α concurrent administration of GnRH. Artificial insemination (Exp. 2), breeding season pregnancy rate, and day of conception was not influenced (P>0.10) by weaning treatment for Exp. 1 and 2. However, early weaned cows in Exp. 3 had 12.0% greater (P=0.03) AI pregnancy rates and conception occurred 3.78d earlier (P=0.03) than normal weaned cows. At the time of normal weaning, cows that had their calves removed at early weaning were heavier and had greater body condition (P<0.01) than normal weaned cows in each experiment. We conclude that early-weaning beef cows at the start of the breeding season improved BW gain and BCS allowing those females to enter winter in greater BCS then NW cows, but improvements in reproductive performance were inconsistent.

Management of Postpartum Anestrus in Beef Cows

It is estimated that in Florida alone the cost of infertility of beef cows exceeds $86 million annually. Infertility occurs when cows become pregnant but fail to calve, become pregnant late in the breeding season and fall out of the annual production cycle or fail to become pregnant during the breeding season. The latter two causes of infertility are a direct result of the length of the post-partum interval. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Kalyn Bischoff, Vitor Mercadante, and G. Cliff Lamb, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, March 2012. AN277/AN277: Management of Postpartum Anestrus in Beef Cows (ufl.edu)

Reproductive efficiency of captive Chinese- and Indian-origin rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) females.

Reproductive and survival records (n=2,913) from 313 Chinese-origin and 365 Indian-derived rhesus macaques at the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) spanning three generations were studied. Least-squares analysis of variance procedures were used to compare reproductive and infant survival traits while proportional hazards regression procedures were used to study female age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from last birth to death. Chinese females were older at first parturition than Indian females because they were older when placed with males, but the two subspecies had similar first postpartum birth interval (1st PPBI) and lifetime postpartum birth interval (LPPBI). Females that gave birth to stillborn infants had shorter first postpartum birth intervals (1st PPBI) than females giving birth to live infants. Postpartum birth intervals decreased in females from age 3 to 12 but then increased again with advancing age. Chinese infants had a greater survival rate than Indian infants at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year of age. Five hundred and forty-three females (80.01%) had uncensored, or true records for age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from the birth until death whereas 135 females (19.91%) had censored records for these traits. Low- and high-uncensored observations for age at death were 3 and 26 years for Chinese, and 3 and 23 years for Indian females. Uncensored number of infants born per female ranged from 1 to 15 for Chinese females and 1 to 18 for Indian females. Each of these traits was significantly influenced by the origin×generation interaction in the proportional hazards regression analyses, indicating that probabilities associated with age at death, number of infants born per female, and time from last birth to death for Chinese and Indian females did not rank the same across generations.

Update of the management of rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy

As the maternal age increases, and with the emergence of more effective therapies, clinicians are seeing more women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contemplating pregnancy. Newer evidence shows that RA remains active in pregnancy; active RA correlates well with adverse obstetric outcomes. Preeclampsia is common, as are operative and preterm deliveries in women with RA. Women with active RA are also more likely to have babies of lower birthweight. This article discusses the latest findings on population-based studies of women with RA and the various drugs used to manage RA. Controversies regarding biological agents are addressed, and guidance on prepregnancy counseling, antenatal care, delivery and breastfeeding based on our experience are detailed here. With appropriate prepregnancy counseling and planning, most women with RA can safely fall pregnant and continue to enjoy good disease control in pregnancy and the postpartum interval.

Genome-wide associations for fertility traits in Holstein–Friesian dairy cows using data from experimental research herds in four European countries

Genome-wide association studies for difficult-to-measure traits are generally limited by the sample population size with accurate phenotypic data. The objective of this study was to utilise data on primiparous Holstein–Friesian cows from experimental farms in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden to identify genomic regions associated with traditional measures of fertility, as well as a fertility phenotype derived from milk progesterone profiles. Traditional fertility measures investigated were days to first heat, days to first service, pregnancy rate to first service, number of services and calving interval (CI); post-partum interval to the commencement of luteal activity (CLA) was derived using routine milk progesterone assays. Phenotypic and genotypic data on 37 590 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were available for up to 1570 primiparous cows. Genetic parameters were estimated using linear animal models, and univariate and bivariate genome-wide association analyses were undertaken using Bayesian stochastic search variable selection performed using Gibbs sampling. Heritability estimates of the traditional fertility traits varied from 0.03 to 0.16; the heritability for CLA was 0.13. The posterior quantitative trait locus (QTL) probabilities, across the genome, for the traditional fertility measures were all <0.021. Posterior QTL probabilities of 0.060 and 0.045 were observed for CLA on SNPs each on chromosome 2 and chromosome 21, respectively, in the univariate analyses; these probabilities increased when CLA was included in the bivariate analyses with the traditional fertility traits. For example, in the bivariate analysis with CI, the posterior QTL probability of the two aforementioned SNPs were 0.662 and 0.123. Candidate genes in the vicinity of these SNPs are discussed. The results from this study suggest that the power of genome-wide association studies in cattle may be increased by sharing of data and also possibly by using physiological measures of the trait under investigation.

Influences of Metabolic Traits on Subclinical Endometritis at Different Intervals Postpartum in High Milking Cows

Seventy pluriparous high-yielding cows were used to investigate the impact of metabolic traits and body condition score (BCS) during early lactation on subclinical endometritis diagnosed at weeks 5, 6 and 7 postpartum (pp). Blood samples were collected from animals with no peripartum problems from the second (W2) to seventh (W7) weeks pp to estimate some blood metabolites including non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood glucose, total cholesterol (T-chol) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Reproductive tract examination was carried out at weeks 5, 6 and 7 pp by endometrial cytology (percentage of polymorphonuclear cells; PMN%). Based on PMN%, animals having <5% were defined as subclinical endometritis group (ENDM group) while animals unaffected by endometritis were defined as no subclinical endometritis group (NOENDM group). Animals with endometritis during week 5 were identified as ENDM5, during week 6 identified as ENDM6 and during week 7 identified as ENDM7 or animals with no endometritis during weeks 5 (NOENDM5), 6 (NOENDM6) and 7 (NOENDM7) pp. Animals diagnosed at week 5; BUN and BCS were lower p < 0.05 in ENDM 5 than NOENDM5 group at W2, W4, W6 and W7. Cows diagnosed at week 6; T-chol was significantly higher (p = 0.05) in ENDM6 group (279.2 ± 12.5 mg/dl) than NOENDM6 group (246 ± 9.5 mg/dl) at W7. Moreover, blood glucose was significantly low (p < 0.05) in ENDM6 group when compared to NOENDM group at W4 pp (49.2 ± 1.8 vs 53.8 ± 1.3 mg/dl). BCS was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in animals suffered from endometritis during week 7 when compared to NOENDM7 cows at W3, W4, W5, W6 and W7. In conclusion, lower blood glucose, BUN and BCS could be a risk factor for cytologically diagnosed endometritis at weeks 5, 6 and 7 pp.

Circulatory and renal consequences of pregnancy in diabetic NOD mice

ObjectivesWomen with diabetes have elevated gestational risks for severe hemodynamic complications, including preeclampsia in mid- to late pregnancy. This study employed continuous, chronic radiotelemetry to compare the hemodynamic patterns in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice who were overtly diabetic or normoglycemic throughout gestation. We hypothesized that overtly diabetic, pregnant NOD mice would develop gestational hypertension and provide understanding of mechanisms in progression of this pathology. Study designTelemeter-implanted, age-matched NOD females with and without diabetes were assessed for six hemodynamic parameters (mean, systolic, diastolic, pulse pressures, heart rate and activity) prior to mating, over pregnancy and over a 72 h post-partum interval. Urinalysis, serum biochemistry and renal histopathology were also conducted. ResultsPregnant, normoglycemic NOD mice had a hemodynamic profile similar to other inbred strains, despite insulitis. This pattern was characterized by an interval of pre-implantation stability, post implantation decline in arterial pressure to mid gestation, and then a rebound to pre-pregnancy baseline during later gestation. Overtly diabetic NOD mice had a blood pressure profile that was normal until mid-gestation then become mildly hypotensive (−7 mmHg, P < 0.05), severely bradycardic (−80 bpm, P < 0.01) and showed signs of acute kidney injury. Pups born to diabetic dams were viable but growth restricted, despite their mothers’ failing health, which did not rebound post-partum (−10% pre-pregnancy pressure and HR, P < 0.05). ConclusionsPregnancy accelerates circulatory and renal pathologies in overtly diabetic NOD mice and is characterized by depressed arterial pressure from mid-gestation and birth of growth-restricted offspring.

Genetic variants affecting meat and milk production traits appear to have effects on reproduction traits in cattle

Polymorphisms located in the genes ABCG2, DGAT1, LEP, PRLR, RORC, CAPN1 and CAST previously have been associated with milk or meat production traits. In this study, these polymorphisms were examined for significant effects on reproductive traits [age at puberty (AGECL), post-partum anoestrus interval (PPAI) and the ability ovulate prior to weaning (PW)] and on a panel of correlated traits such as weight, growth and serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor I. The effects of the polymorphisms were examined in two samples of tropically adapted beef cattle: Brahman (N = 932) and Tropical Composites (N = 1097). A polymorphism in the gene DGAT1 was associated with age at puberty in the combined sample (P = 0.042), and two polymorphisms in CAPN1 were associated with PPAI (P = 0.033) and with the ability ovulate PW (P = 0.017). The favourable allele for reproductive traits was not always the favourable allele associated with production traits. The effects of these polymorphisms on reproductive traits were small compared to their effects on the traits for which they were originally discovered.

Effects of reducing postpartum re-mating timeperiod on reproductive performance of the doe

Rabbits being induced ovulators can be rebred within 24 hours after parturition. However, reproductive efficiency and the doe’s physiology can be affected by postpartum re-mating interval. This study evaluated the effects of reducing the re-mating interval after parturition on sexual activity, fertility, gestation, parturition and litter characteristics using 90 does. Three groups of crossbred (New Zealand White × Chinchilla) does were used in a randomized complete block design. Does were re-mated 1-9, 10-20 and 21-28 days after parturition in the dry and rainy seasons in Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria. Acceptance of mating decreased with increasing postpartum re- mating interval. Conception rate was highest in the 21-28 days group (98.8%) and lowest in the 10- 20 days group (68.4%). Gestation length was significantly shorter (p<0.05) in the 10-20 days group (30.7 days), than 1-9 days group (31.6 days) and 21-28 days group (31.7 days). Litter size and weight at birth were not significantly affected. Kit’s mortality was lower (p<0.05) in the 21-28 days group (25.6%) compared to 10-20 days group (57.4%) and 1-9 days group (58.8%). Litter weight (total and alive at birth) was heavier (p<0.05) during the rains (295.9 and 294.9 g) than dry season (250.1 and 243.3 g). Reducing the re-mating interval after parturition enhanced sexual activity. Fertility was comparable in does re-mated 1-9 and 21-28 days after parturition.

Effects of lipid-encapsulated conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on milk production, bioenergetic status and indicators of reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces mammary milk fat synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Our objective was to determine the effects of lipid-encapsulated CLA (LE-CLA) supplementation on milk production, reproductive performance and metabolic responses in lactating dairy cows fed a grass silage-based diet. Seventy-two Holstein-Friesian cows (32 primiparous and 40 multiparous) were used in a completely randomized block design. Cows received either 80 g of LE-CLA daily or 60 g of calcium salts of palm fatty acids daily (control) from parturition until 60 days in milk. LE-CLA contained a 50:50 mix of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, resulting in a daily intake of 6 g of each isomer. Milk production and dry matter intake were recorded daily, and blood samples were collected 3-times a week. Blood samples were analysed for circulating concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Progesterone was measured in blood samples collected after the first post-partum insemination. Ovarian ultrasound examinations commenced at 8-10 d post partum and were carried out 3-times a week until first ovulation. LE-CLA treatment resulted in decreased milk fat concentration, with consequent improvements in energy balance and body condition score (BCS). The peak concentration of NEFA in blood was reduced by LE-CLA, but circulating concentrations of insulin, glucose, IGF-I, BHBA and progesterone were not affected. There was no effect of LE-CLA supplementation on the post-partum interval to first ovulation. Services per conception tended to be reduced. The reduction in milk energy output and improvement in energy status and BCS in LE-CLA-supplemented cows provides a strong rationale for further studies with greater cow numbers to test effects on reproductive performance.

113 EFFECT OF SOME FACTORS ON CONCEPTION RATE IN ALPACAS UNDER PERUVIAN HIGHLAND CONDITION

Alpacas are a domestic species of South American camelids with a great importance to highland people because of their high-quality fibre production. However, their reproductive performance has been reported to be poor, with a birth rate of 50% under the Andean community’s conditions. Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of some factors on the pregnancy rate of alpacas at first service in lactating, 3- to 8-years old, without parity problems. The objective of the first experiment (n = 85) was to evaluate the effect of age (G1: 3, G2: 4 to 5, G3: ≥ 6 years old); mating time (G1: 15 min, G2: 16–24 min, G3: ≥ 25 min), and interval from parturition to mating (G1: 20 days, G2: ≥ 20 days) on first service conception rate. A second experiment (n = 174) evaluated the effect of month of calving (January, February, or March) on conception rate in females with a postpartum interval ≥20 days. Animals were mated with male of good fertility after a receptivity test and confirmation of presence of a dominant follicle ≥7 mm by ultrasonography. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 25 days after mating. Proportional data were compared by Fisher’s exact test. In the first experiment, conception rates were 57.9, 66.7, and 47.2% in females of G1, G2, and G3, respectively (P ≤ 0.05); 50.0, 54.5, and 59.0% in females with mating time of 15, 16–24, or ≥ 25 min of mating; 48.0 and 59.4% in those with a postpartum interval &lt;20 days and ≥20 days (P ≤ 0.05). In the second experiment, conception rates were 58.3, 70.7, and 82.1% in alpacas calving in January, February, and March, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). The results suggest that age of female, postpartum interval, and month of calving are factors that affect conception rates in alpacas. Therefore, a reproductive management system that includes these factors would improve the pregnancy rate in alpacas under highland Peruvian conditions. Consejo Superior de Investigacion – UNMSM.

Periodic assessment of plasma sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations and its association with placental morphometry in gestational hypertension (GH) - a prospective follow-up study

BackgroundHypertensive disorders in pregnancy contributes to about 12% of maternal deaths in Malaysia and similarly worldwide. Early detection and adequate management are preventable strategies. Biochemical markers of abnormal angiogenesis would be more specific in early detection than routine blood pressure and proteinuria measurements. The aim of this study was to estimate maternal plasma PlGF and sFlt-1 levels in pregnant women with gestational hypertension at three intervals of pregnancy and correlate these biomarker levels with placental morphometry.MethodsVenous blood samples (antepartum, intrapartum and post partum periods) were drawn to estimate for sFlt-1 and PlGF levels while placental tissue samples were examined for placental morphometry.ResultsPlGF levels were lower in gestational hypertension (GH) compared to normotensive during antepartum and intrapartum period, whereas sFlt-1 levels were elevated in GH at antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum intervals during pregnancy. An inverse relationship between these two biomarkers was observed through correlation analysis. PlGF levels were inversely correlated with total villous surface area of the placental periphery (TCsa-C) and villous capillarization (VC-C) of the placental periphery.ConclusionWe established periodic values of for sFlt-1 and PlGF levels for the first time in an ethnically diverse Malaysian setting. We suggest the development of GH in women is related to defective capillarization. In demonstrating periodic changes, this study suggest the possibility of developing GH and other long term health complications as a result of prolonged exposure to sFlt-1. The correlation between PlGF levels and morphometric findings also support possible capillarization defect.

Zambia 2007: Results from the Demographic and Health Survey

Summary data on Zambia's population, fertility, contraception, postpartum intervals and breast feeding, and infant mortality are provided in tables, bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. Statistics were obtained from the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey for 1992 on 6209 households and interviews with 7060 women aged 15-49 years. General population characteristics are provided for size, birth rate, death rate, growth rate, life expectancy, literacy, urbanization, and gross national produce per capita. Women's educational levels are compared for the urban and rural population. Fertility trends are compared between 1955 and 1992, and differentials are expressed in terms of urban-rural and educational level differences. Fertility is also given for specific age groups in five-year intervals. Fertility preferences are provided in a line graph by age of mother and number of living children. Bar graphs express the desire to stop childbearing among currently married women. The planning status of women is given by the number of living children: want child soon, want child later, don't know when child will be wanted, undecided, want no more, sterilized, infertile, and no information. Contraceptive prevalence for modern versus traditional methods, charts show differences by urban or rural residence and educational level. Line graphs show contraceptive prevalence by age and parity. A recent source of supply data is provided by type of modern method used. Knowledge, ever used of contraceptive methods, and current use are provided by type of method used. Intention to use contraception among currently married nonusers is provided in terms of number of living children. The reasons for future nonuse are show by gross age group. Current marital status is given by 5-year group. Differences in age at first birth are displayed by urban-rural residence and educational level. The percentage using contraception is given by marital status. Duration of postpartum interval is shown as well as differences in breast feeding and amenorrhea by urban-rural residence and educational level. Trends in infant mortality are show as well as differences by urban-rural residence and educational level. The mean number of children ever born and surviving are given by age of the mother.