Retention Of Foetal Membranes Research Articles

Infectious Pustular Vulvovaginitis in a Buffalo: A Case Report

The present communication reports a case of infectious pustular vulvo-vaginitis in a 5 year-old Murrah buffalo. The animal had a history of abortion, retention of foetal membranes and dark, raised nodular lesions on the surface of udder with mastitis. Physical examination revealed a rectal temperature of 104 ℃ and slightly congested mucous membranes. On examination of the vaginal mucous membranes, several white, round lesions were observed. Dark circular, raised lesions were observed on the surface of the udder as well. On haematological examination it was found that there was presence of absolute neutrophilia with a mild left shift. The impression smear from vaginal mucous membrane revealed hyperplastic changes with presence of few neutrophils. The CMT score of all quarters were 2+, with pustular discharge observed from the right hindquarter. The animal was treated with Ceftiofur (1.1 mg/kg BW), gentamicin (4.4 mg/kg BW) and metronidazole (10mg/kg BW) along with b-complex vitamins and supplements containing biotin and vitamin A. The animal recovered uneventfully.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF A HERBAL UTERINE

Maintaining optimum reproductive health of animal is crucial for profitability in livestock enterprises and boosting the economy of farmers. However, the reproductive efficiency of animals is commonly reduced by problems such as puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis, pyometra, subclinical endometritis, early embryonic mortality, repeat breeding, retention of foetal membranes, and post-partum anestrus. ExaparTM Liquid (M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) is a polyherbal uterine cleanser and restorative that helps to achieve and restore better post-partum reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Exapar TM Liquid to induce acute oral toxicity in mice as per OECD 423 guidelines. Nine healthy and adult nulliparous, non-pregnant Swiss albino female mice, weighing 24-28 g, were used for the study. The animals were observed for the manifestation of toxic effects and mortality after the oral administration of the test substance. Toxicity was evaluated on the basis of changes in body weight, signs of toxicity, gross and histological appearances of vital organs, and blood biochemistry. Exapar TM Liquid was found safe for oral use as no toxic effects or mortalities were observed up to the completion of experiment.

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.

Macrophages in bovine term placenta: An ultrastructural and molecular study.

Retention of foetal membranes (RFM) is a major reproductive disorder in dairy cows. An appropriate immune response is important for a physiological expulsion of the foetal membranes at parturition. Our study aims to provide a deeper insight into characteristics of foetal and maternal macrophages in bovine term placenta. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry and semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR to provide a deeper insight into characteristics of foetal and maternal macrophages in bovine term placenta. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR was used to define macrophage polarization in foetal and maternal compartments of normal term placenta. Gene expression of factors involved in M1 polarization [interferon regulatory factor‐5 (IRF5), interleukin (IL)‐12A, IL12B] and in M2 polarization (IL10) were studied. Ultrastructurally, foetal macrophages showed an irregular shape and large vacuoles, whereas the maternal macrophages were spindle shaped. By immunohistochemistry, macrophages were identified by a strong staining with the lysosomal marker Lysosome‐associated membrane glycoprotein 1 (LAMP‐1), while myofibroblast in the maternal stroma was positive for alpha‐smooth muscle actin. We used the LAMP‐1 marker to compare the density of foetal stromal macrophages in placentas of cows with RFM and in controls, but no statistically significant difference was observed. RT‐PCR showed a higher expression of all studied genes in the maternal compartment of the placenta and generally a higher expression of M1‐, compared to M2‐associated genes. Our results indicated that at parturition placental macrophages predominantly show the pro‐inflammatory M1 polarization. The higher expression of all the target genes in the maternal compartment may denote that maternal macrophages in bovine term placenta are more frequent than foetal macrophages.

Remote monitoring system as a tool for calving management in Mediterranean Buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis).

Buffalo breeding is common in Southern Italy. Dystocia compromises dam's and newborn health and welfare. Difficult parturition could be solved through prompt calving assistance, even if the identification of the beginning of delivery is challenging. Herein, we aimed to evaluate a remote calving alarm system in 15 Mediterranean buffalo heifers. An intravaginal probe was placed close to the external cervical os once premonitory signs of delivery were observed. No vaginal discharge nor signs of discomfort were notified in the days following the insertion of the probe. Heifers calved from 48 to 72hr after the alarm was activated. The system correctly warned the farm personnel at the beginning of stage II of parturition, except for 2 cases. In the former, the intravaginal probe was expelled but the poor carrier network coverage negatively affected phone's signal quality; in the latter, recurrent vaginal prolapse was responsible for non-retention of the probe. Overall median expulsive phase was 68±8min, while the expulsion of a female calf took 54±22.0min and 90±34.0min in males, with significant difference (p=.02). Deliveries were homogeneously distributed across a 24-hr interval. No retention of foetal membranes nor metritis was identified at postpartum clinical examination. The calving alarm system used in this work was well tolerated in buffalo heifers. The introduction of smart technology in buffalo farming could contribute to the overall farm net return by reducing calf losses, especially for calves born from sexed-sorted semen, and by increasing animal welfare through quick resolution of dystocia. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the net return in buffalo farms which will implement a remote calving alarm system on a wider population.

Evaluation of a commercial intravaginal thermometer to predict calving in a Hungarian Holstein-Friesian dairy farm.

In this study, the utility of a commercial intravaginal thermometer was evaluated as an automated method for the prediction of calving in a total of 257 healthy pregnant Holstein-Friesian female cattle. The accuracy and the sensitivity of predicting calving within 48hr before calving were also evaluated. The intravaginal temperature changes from 72hr before and up to calving were significantly (p≤.001) affected by parity, season (summer vs. autumn), the time of day (8a.m. or 8p.m.) and the 6-hr time intervals (38.19°C: first interval 0 to 6hr before calving vs. 38.78°C: twelfth interval 66 to 72hr before calving), while the gender (p=.943), and the weight of the calf (p=.610), twinning (p=.300), gestation length (p=.186), foetal presentation (p=.123), dystocia (p=.197) and retention of foetal membranes (p=.253) did not affect it significantly. The sensitivity of the SMS of expecting calving within 48hr and the positive predictive value were 62.4% and 75%, respectively, while the sensitivity and the positive predictive value for the SMS of expulsion reached 100%. It can be concluded that the investigated thermometer is not able to predict calving within 48hr accurately; however, imminent calving can be accurately alerted.

The preliminary studies on protein profile in retained and not retained foetal membranes in heavy draft mares.

Protein profile of the placenta expresses its function and maintenance. Any alterations can be reflected in qualitative and quantitative changes in this profile. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of protein profile in the placenta of mares suffering from the retention of foetal membranes (FMR) by two separation methods and the comparison with physiologically released tissues. Placentas from 14 healthy, heavy draft mares were collected immediately after the expulsion of newborn. Tissues after homogenization and staining with fluorescent dyes were subjected to electrophoretic as well as chromatographic separation. Electrophoretic gels were statistically analysed for the presence and abundance of examined proteins, while some proteins were identified in chromatographic fractions. Out of 248 spots detected in endometrium, 38 differed significantly between FMR and control animals, while in allantochorion, respective values reached 241 and 27 spots (p<.05). Among identified proteins that expressed higher abundance in endometrium of FMR mares than control animals were prostaglandin reductase, dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family, and placental growth factor. These proteins are involved in regulation of parturition. Additionally, the following proteins responsible for physiological activity of a cell-guanine methyl transferase, aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase and GTP-binding protein, were identified. These proteins expressed higher abundance in allantochorion of FMR mares than in controls. This preliminary study confirmed the disturbances in protein pattern between foetal membranes in FMR and healthy mares. Further qualitative and quantitative experiments are necessary to deepen our knowledge on the mechanisms of the retention of foetal membranes in mares.

Patterns of protein glycosylation in bovine placentomes as a function of gestational age and in retained versus non-retained placenta.

The formation of placenta at the beginning of pregnancy and its separation at parturition require not only deep remodelling of extracellular matrix, which mainly consists of proteins conjugated with sugar moieties, but also the cooperation with cells from both maternal and foetal parts of placenta. The aim of the study was to compare the patterns of selected conjugated proteins with sugar moieties between pregnant and term placenta as well as between released and retained placenta in cows. Placental samples from healthy pregnant cows (3-5months of pregnancy) were collected at a slaughterhouse (n=6), and parturient samples were collected during caesarean section at term and retrospectively divided into retained (n=6) and released (n=6). The pattern of selected sugar moieties conjugated with proteins was detected by use of lectin blotting with Phaseolus Vulgaris leucoagglutinin, Maackia Amurensis and Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry). The comparison and analysis of obtained band patterns showed differences between their number, molecular weight and abundance related to the intensity of staining. Samples from 3 to 4months showed similarities, while at the 5th month, clear differences were visible in all 3 lectins, which were used in this study. Samples from retained/released placenta expressed significant differences in PHA-L and SNA pattern in the foetal part. Obtained results indicate that the development of placenta related to extracellular matrix and accompanying cells from both sides of placenta shows dynamic changes during pregnancy. Moreover, in the case of animals with the retention of foetal membranes the patterns of proteins conjugated with sugar moieties are altered, suggesting that the changes in extracellular matrix metabolism can be involved in the attachment and detachment of the placenta in cows.

Post-partum pathological conditions in the bitch - Part II

Various disorders, some of which are life-threatening, can occur in bitches during the Puerperium. In this series of two articles, a detailed review of the literature on puerperal pathological conditions, along with excerpts from the authors' clinical experience and photographs, is presented. Initially, a brief account of the physiological processes during the Puerperium is presented. The hormonal changes, the changes in the genital system and the behavioural changes taking place as the genital system progressively returns to the non-pregnant state, are described. Subsequently, the various disorders, which are distinguished into systemic diseases, diseases of the mammary glands and diseases of the uterus, are reviewed. Systemic disorders that are manifested during the Puerperium are the puerperal hypocalcaemia and the abnormal maternal behaviour. Hypocalcaemia occurs usually after whelping, as calcium requirements of the bitch are increased due to milk production. The disease is due to the increased calcium requirements coupled with either a decreased intake of calcium (primary) or an inability to absorb it from the intestine or mobilise it from the bones (secondary). Abnormal maternal behaviour can be the consequence of factors causing nervousness, pain or disturbance of the bitch. Factors, such as genetic predisposition, caesarian section, young age or even the puppies themselves, may also trigger this condition. The puerperal mammary diseases are mastitis, agalactia and galactostasis. Mastitis is a disease of bacterial aetiology {Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. Streptococcus spp.) occurring with acute or subacute-chronic form. Agalactia is the inability for milk production and can be either primary or secondary; it is defined as full agalactia or hypogalactia. Galactostasis refers to the abnormal passage and expression of milk from the teats, resulting in increased accumulation into the mammary glands. The pathological conditions of the uterus include post-partum metritis, uterine prolapse, retention of foetal membranes, foetal retention, subinvolution of the placental sites and uterine haemorrhage. Post-partum metritis is caused by bacteria (mainly E. coli) invading the uterus during or immediately after whelping and occurs with systemic and genital signs. Uterine prolapse (full or partial) is usually the consequence of vigorous embryo manipulations or intense tenesmus of the bitch. Foetal retention is the consequence of dystocia or of misuse of long-acting progestagens. Subinvolution of the placental sites is the consequence of the erosion of the uterine wall by trophoblast-like cells; often, this erosion extends down to involve the entire mucosa and may even invade the myometrium. Puerperal haemorrhage occurs more frequently in bitches with pre-existing disorders of blood coagulation factors. All the above pathological conditions may cause serious problems to the affected bitches. For a successful treatment, early and correct diagnosis is important. For each condition, the clinical signs and the paraclinical findings are described and the procedure for accurate diagnosis is described. Finally, the recommended conservative or surgical treatment for each condition is presented. It should be noted that in every case, appropriate measures for the welfare of puppies need also to be taken. Measures for a frequent and efficient post-partum monitoring of bitches and puppies are proposed, in order to prevent the development of the various pathological situations.

Post-partum pathological conditions in the bitch - Part I

Various disorders, some of which are life-threatening, can occur in bitches during the Puerperium. In this series of two articles, a detailed review of the literature on puerperal pathological conditions, along with excerpts from the authors' clinicalexperience and photographs, is presented. Initially, a brief account of the physiological processes during the Puerperium is presented. The hormonal changes, the changes in the genital system and the behavioural changes taking place as the genital system progressively returns to the non-pregnant state, are described. Subsequently, the various disorders, which are distinguished into systemic diseases, diseases of the mammary glands and diseases of the uterus, are reviewed. Systemic disorders that are manifested during the Puerperium are the puerperal hypocalcaemia and the abnormal maternal behaviour. Hypocalcaemia occurs usually after whelping, as calcium requirements of the bitch are increased due to milk production. The disease is due to the increased calcium requirements coupled with either a decreased intake of calcium (primary) or an inability to absorb it from the intestine or mobilise it from the bones (secondary). Abnormal maternal behaviour can be the consequence of factors causing nervousness, pain or disturbance of the bitch. Factors, such as genetic predisposition, caesarian section, young age or even the puppies themselves, may also trigger this condition. The puerperal mammary diseases are mastitis, agalactia and galactostasis. Mastitis is a disease of bacterial aetiology {Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. ήStreptococcus spp.) occurring with acute or sub acute-chronic form. Agalactia is the inability for milk production and can be either primary or secondary; it is defined as full agalactia or hypogalactia. Galactostasis refers to the abnormal passage and expression of milk from the teats, resulting in increased accumulation into the mammary glands. The pathological conditions of the uterus include post-partum metritis, uterine prolapse, retention of foetal membranes, foetal retention, subinvolution of the placental sites and uterine haemorrhage. Post-partum metritis is caused by bacteria (mainly E. coli) invading the uterus during or immediately after whelping and occurs with systemic and genital signs. Uterine prolapse (full or partial) is usually the consequence of vigorous embryo manipulations or intense tenesmus of the bitch. Foetal retention is the consequence of dystocia or of misuse of long-acting progestagens. Subinvolution of the placental sites is the consequence of the erosion of the uterine wall by trophoblast-like cells; often, this erosion extends down to involve the entire mucosa and may even invade the myometrium. Puerperal haemorrhage occurs more frequently in bitches with pre-existing disorders of blood coagulation factors. All the above pathological conditions may cause serious problems to the affected bitches. For a successful treatment, early and correct diagnosis is important. For each condition, the clinical signs and the paraclinical findings are described and the procedure for accurate diagnosis is described. Finally, the recommended conservative or surgical treatment for each condition is presented. It should be noted that in every case, appropriate measures for the welfare of puppies need also to be taken. Measures for a frequent and efficient post-partum monitoring of bitches and puppies are proposed, in order to prevent the development of the various pathological situations.

Serum Biochemical Profile In Normally Calved and Retained Foetal Membranes Crossbred Cows

Serum biochemical profile revealed that the serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total protein and serum glucose in cross-bred cows were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower after 12 hrs post-partum and 7th day post-partum in cows having RFM as compared to normally calved cows. Lower levels of serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total protein and glucose may responsible for retention of foetal membranes.

Profile of Bovine Proteins in Retained and Normally Expelled Placenta in Dairy Cows

Tissue-specific protein profile is determined by its function, structure, intensity of metabolism and usefulness. This profile remains under hormonal control. Any disturbance in the general metabolism may be reflected in changes in both protein quantity and quality. These changes can be of low or high specificity, and some can be used as clinical markers of pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare the protein profile of caruncle and foetal villi of bovine placenta that was either properly released or retained. Placental tissues were collected from healthy cows, divided into releasing and retaining foetal membranes, homogenized and subjected to 1D and 2D electrophoresis. Computer-aided analysis of gel images showed essential qualitative and quantitative alterations in protein profile between tissues that were properly released and retained. Alterations concerned both the number of fractions and spots as well as the intensity of staining. This preliminary study provides a general overview of the differences in the protein profile between released and retained foetal membranes. It may allow for selecting the group of proteins or single molecules, which should be further analysed in detail as possible markers differentiating the retention of foetal membranes in cows from placentas that were released spontaneously. The continuation of the study for the identification of particular spots detected in 2D gels is necessary.

Bacterial Isolates Associated With Dystocia And Retained Placenta In Iraqi Buffaloes

The present study was conducted on 50 recently calved Iraqi Buffalo cows. Depending on the kind of parturition, buffalo cows were divided into two main groups, the first group had normal unassisted parturition (NP) (26 animals) and the second group with certain periparturent complications (PPC) (24 animals). After 24 h of parturition, these two groups were further subdivided into two groups as cows expel their foetal membranes in <24 h postpartum and referred as non-retained placenta (NRP) while cows that did not expel their foetal membrane after 24 h referred as retained placenta (RP). Sampling for bacteriology, uterine discharge for polymorphonuclear cells per cent and blood samples for polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) and the enzyme creatine kinase activity were performed at 6, 24 and 48 h postpartum. In PPC group, the most prevalent bacteria after 6 h of calving were Escherichia coli, beta-haemolytic Streptococci and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Total bacterial isolates in the uterus of buffaloes with RP in PPC group after 24 and 48 h were 129 and 183 respectively. Among the isolates, Archanobacterium pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Prevotella melaninogenicus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent isolates after 48 h of RP buffaloes in PPC group. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil were significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the uterine discharge than in blood in buffaloes with RP in both PPC and NP groups. In conclusion, uterine contamination occurs as a result of postpartum ascending contamination by non-specific environmental organisms. The presence of Lactobacillus sp. in the uterus indicated a healthy uterus. Peripartum complications followed by retention of foetal membranes with the dominance of E. coli in the uterine lumen might favour the colonization of other bacteria including facultative anaerobic and strictly anaerobic in the uterine wall of buffaloes.

Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase in bovine retained and not retained placenta.

Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) is the enzyme which degrades poly(ADP-ribose) polymers synthesized by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Both enzymes are activated in response to different stimuli like oxidative stress and are involved in DNA repair processes. The retention of bovine foetal membranes (RFM) is supposed to be connected with oxidative stress conditions. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of PARG protein in bovine placenta in order to find the relationship between the process of releasing, retaining placenta and DNA repair. Placentomes, collected alter spontaneous delivery or caesarian section were divided into maternal as well as foetal part of placenta, homogenized and subjected to electrophoresis. Animals were divided into six groups as follows: A--caesarian section before term with RFM; B--caesarian section before term without RFM; C--spontaneous delivery at term with RFM; D--spontaneous delivery at term without RFM; E--caesarian section at term with RFM; F--caesarian section at term without RFM. PARG protein was detected in nitrocellulose membranes using commercially available bovine anti-PARG antibody and Western blotting technique. Single bands referred to bovine PARG standard were observed in all examined tissues as well as in human placenta used as the control of procedure. In addition, the intensity of staining was stronger in retained than properly released term placenta and in foetal than in maternal part of the placenta. These results may suggest the differences in enzyme protein content and careful conclusions can be drawn that the activities of PARG may be altered between compared groups of animals. It may confirm the presence of oxidative stress conditions and their consequences on metabolic pathways, the content of biologically active substances and processes of proper releasing placenta. Further experiments on PARG activity in bovine foetal membranes with respect to proper and improper placental release are necessary.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in bovine retained and not retained placenta.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) synthesizes poly(ADP-ribose) in response to DNA strand breaks using NAD+ as a substrate. It leads to consequences for metabolism not only on a cellular level, but also on a tissue level, among others: NAD+ and ATP depletion. Retention of foetal membranes (RF) in cows is supposed to be connected with the imbalance between production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative damage to DNA, lipids and proteins. The aim of this preliminary study was to detect the presence of PARP in bovine placenta and to describe the enzyme with respect to type of placental tissue, time and mode of delivery. Placentomes, collected after spontaneous delivery or caesarian section, were divided into maternal and foetal parts of placenta, homogenized, and subjected to electrophoresis. Cows were divided into six groups as follows: (A) caesarian section before term with RF, (B) caesarian section before term without RF, (C) spontaneous delivery at term with RF, (D) spontaneous delivery at term without RF, (E) caesarian section at term with RF, (F) caesarian section at term without RF. PARP was detected by Western blotting using commercially available bovine anti PARP antibody. Bands referred to as bovine PARP standard were present in all examined tissues as well as the products of its cleavage. However, the patterns of bands were different with respect to type of tissue, time, and mode of delivery. Further experiments on detailed relationship between PARP activity and the process of releasing and retaining of bovine placenta are necessary.

Ultrasonographic observations of the uterine regression in the ewe under different obstetrical conditions.

Involution of the ovine uterus after parturition was studied using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. The diameter of the uterus, the uterine lumen and the caruncles were investigated during the first 30 days post-parturition (p.p.) by transrectal and transabdominal application of the ultrasound probe. Ewes that spontaneously delivered showed a physiological regression of the uterus with a transversal diameter of 4.9 (+/- 0.86) cm on day 1 p.p. which decreased to 1.84 (+/- 0.14) cm until day 30. The course of uterine regression was established on these data and was described by the exponential equation: y = E + A * e(-b*t). 'E' means the final value on day 30 p.p. and 'A' the difference between the initial transversal diameter on day 1 p.p. minus the final value on day 30 p.p. The exponents 'b' and 't' indicate the downward gradient of the regression curve and also the factor time in days. Furthermore, we found that the uterine regression in ewes finishes approximately on day 17 p.p. The uterine involution was delayed in ewes after manual obstetrics and caesarean section, in addition the incidence for retention of foetal membranes was increased. The present study demonstrates that the ultrasonographic technique is a suitable method for the control of the uterine involution and for the diagnosis of pathological aberrations in sheep.

8-iso-prostaglandin F 2α as a marker of tissue oxidative damage in bovine retained placenta

Retention of foetal membranes (RFM) in cows is supposed to be associated with the imbalance between production and neutralisation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The consequence of uncontrolled ROS increase is oxidative damage to tissues, cells, and macromolecules. 8-iso-prostaglandin F 2α (8-iso-PGF 2α) is considered as a marker of oxidative tissue damage. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the concentrations of 8-iso-PGF 2α in caruncles and cotyledons from the bovine placenta differ between retained and properly released foetal membranes. Placentomes were collected immediately after either spontaneous delivery at term via the vagina or caesarean section before as well as at term through the incision and divided into six groups consisting of eight cows each as follows: A-preterm caesarean section without RFM, B-preterm caesarean section with RFM, C-term caesarean section without RFM, D-term caesarean section with RFM, E-term spontaneous delivery without RFM, F-term spontaneous delivery with RFM. The concentrations of free and total 8-iso-PGF 2α were determined in caruncles as well as cotyledons by enzyme immunoassay and expressed in picogram per gram of wet weight of tissue. The concentrations of free and total 8-iso-PGF 2α were lower ( P<0.05) in cotyledons than in caruncles in all groups examined, as well as they were higher ( P<0.05) in retained than in released placenta. The concentrations of both parameters were lower ( P<0.05) in term spontaneous delivery groups than in term caesarean section groups. The results indicate that oxidative tissue damage, which may be the result of ROS imbalance, appears during RFM. However, the dynamics of this damage requires further elucidation.

Incidence risk and clinical features of retention of foetal membranes in ewes in 28 flocks in southern Greece

In a field investigation of 28 flocks in southern Greece, 7660 lambings were monitored. Retention of foetal membranes (defined as failure to expel the foetal membranes within 6 h of lambing the last lamb) was recorded in 92 ewes. The median within-flock incidence risk was 1.25% (range: 0–1.9%). The heterogeneity of the risk among flocks was not significant ( p = 0.99); no correlation was found between the incidence risk and the flock size ( r sp = 0.33, p = 0.09). Overall, the median duration of retention was 72 h (range: 9–288 h); it did not differ among flocks ( p = 0.89) and was not correlated with flock size ( r sp = 0.24, p = 0.27). During the initial stage of retention the membranes were fleshy and humid; the cotyledons were thick and congested. Progressively, the membranes became thin, dry and stringy; the cotyledons shrunk and were pale. Finally the membranes dropped as a mass. In ewes with retention for >12 h, a variety of accompanying signs was recorded: straining (in 22% of the ewes with retention), vulval oedema and reddening (in 16%), anorexia (in 13%), recumbency (in 13%) and increased temperature (in 12%) were the most frequent ones. Overall, the median clinical score of the disorder was ‘2’ (range: ‘1’–‘5’); it did not differ among flocks ( p = 0.98) and was not correlated with flock size ( r sp = 0.26, p = 0.25). In 4% of the ewes with retention for <4 days accompanying signs were recorded (median clinical score: ‘2’), whilst in 80% of the ewes with retention for ≥4 days accompanying signs were recorded (median clinical score: ‘3’). This difference in the prevalence of clinical signs was significant ( p < 0.0001).

The use of serum gonadotropin (P.M.S.) in the induction of twin-pregnancy in the cow

The use of serum gonadotropin (P.M.S.) in the induction of twin-pregnancy in the cow