Third Of Pregnancy Research Articles

PSI-20 Effect of Different Forage Allowances During the Middle and Final Thirds of Pregnancy in Nellore Dams Pregnant with Female Calves on Offspring Performance and Milk Yield

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of maternal nutrition, during the middle and final thirds of pregnancy of Nellore dams pregnant with female calves, on the milk yield of the dams and on the performance of the offspring from calving to weaning. The experiment lasted 390 days, divided into two phases: gestational phase (150 days - from June to November 2019) and nursing phase (240 days - from November/2019 to July/2020). Forty-two multiparous Nellore dams pregnant with female calves were used [initial BW of 425 ± 36 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 3.67 ± 0.23] in a randomized block design (blocked by BW), with the experimental unit being the paddock and six replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted in two forage allowances (FA) during pregnancy: low forage allowance (LFA; 2.80 kg DM/kg BW) and high forage allowance (HFA; 7.60 kg DM/kg BW). The dams were kept in an area composed of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and received a protein supplement (1 g/kg BW/day). In the suckling phase, all animals remained under the same conditions of pasture and supplementation (ad libitum mineral salt) until weaning. Data were analyzed using SAS PROC MIXED. Corrected milk yield (4% fat) and total milk fat and solids content were affected by the FA (P< 0.04), with the least values observed in the milk of animals subjected to LFA. female calves from dams subjected to LFA during pregnancy were 11 kg lighter (P=0.02) and showed adecreased average weight gain (-0.08 kg/day) at 120 days from calving (P=0.03), and also showed less rib-eye area (-3.10 cm²) at weaning (P =0.03). Dams subjected to LFA during pregnancy possibly went through nutritional restriction, which caused changes in milk yield and milk composition during nursing phase, implicating lower performance of the offspring until weaning.

PSVIII-4 Impact of Different Forage Allowances During the Middle and Late Thirds of Pregnancy of Nellore Dams Pregnant with Female Calves on dam Performance

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the impact of forage allowance (FA) on performance, during pregnancy until weaning, of dams pregnant with Nellore female calves subjected to two different FA during the middle and final thirds of pregnancy. The experiment lasted 390 days, divided into two phases: gestational phase (150 days - from June to November 2019) and nursering phase (240 days - from November/2019 to July/2020). Multiparous Nellore n = 42; initial BW of 425 ± 36 kg and body condition score (BCS) of 3.67 ± 0.23] dams pregnant with female calves were used in a randomized block design (blocked by BW), with the experimental unit being the paddock and six replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of two different FAs during pregnancy phase: low forage allowance (LFA; 2.80 kg of DM/kg of BW) and high forage allowance (HFA; 7.60 kg DM/kg BW). The dams were kept in an area composed of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and received a protein supplement (1 g/kg BW/day). In the nursing phase, all animals remained in the same pasture conditions and supplementation (ad libitum mineral salt) until calves were weaned. The data were analyzed using the SAS PROC MIXED. Dams subjected to LFA had reduced BW (-35 kg) and BCS (-0.23) at calving (P< 0.01). All variables measured in the carcass, except marbling score (P=0.33), showed differences (P< 0.01) between treatments at calving, with the least values observed in the animals subjected to LFA. At weaning, dams subjected to LFA had reduced BW (-16 kg; P< 0.01). Dams subjected to LFA, at the level and period evaluated, probably went through feed restriction during the middle and final thirds of gestation, implicating lower performance and deposition of tissues in the pre and post calving until weaning.

Feeding restriction in the pre and postpartum period of hair ewes raised in the semi-arid region: implications on performance and carcass traits of the progeny.

Feed restriction (FR) occurs commonly in sheep production systems in the Brazilian semi-arid region and can cause physiological changes in the progeny. We assessed the effects of the FR pre and postnatal on the performance and carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Twenty-four lambs born from a group of 68 ewes were distributed in three treatments of 8 replicates as follows: ewes fed ad libitum pre and postnatal (AL-AL); postnatal restriction (POSTN-R): included lambs born from ewes fed ad libitum in the last third of pregnancy with FR postnatal; and prenatal feeding restriction (PREN-AL): comprised lambs born from ewes subjected to FR in the last third of pregnancy but ad libitum postnatal. Slaughter body weight (20.96kg); total weight gain (11.34kg); average daily weight (0.096kg); fasting carcass weight (19.45); hot carcass weight (9.33kg); and cold carcass weight (9.11kg) were smaller (P < 0.05) in POSTN-R but similar between AL-AL and PREN-AL. Rib (0.47kg), shoulder (0.85kg), loin (0.50kg), and chest-flank (0.97kg) had lower weight in lambs under POSTN-R (P < 0.05). The treatments did not affect the tissue composition of the 12th rib. The non-carcass components and carcass traits are the variables that best discriminate animals under FR plans. The postpartum FR in native lambs has an impact on the performance and carcass weight of the progeny, unlike lambs submitted to prepartum FR, which demonstrates the adaptation to intrauterine nutritional deficiency in Morada Nova ewes to produce lambs with heavy carcasses in regions semi-arid.

Effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on productive, reproductive traits and some blood components

This experiment conducted using 20 Rahmani ewes at the last third of pregnancy in two equal groups. One group served as control, while the other group received Spirulina platensis (SP) at the rate of 0.5 gm 10 kg-1 live body weight. The objective was to find out the effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on reproductive and productive traits and blood components of sheep. The experiments lasted for 120 days for both dams and their lambs after weaning. The findings proved that adding SP in ewes' diets had no effect on the average of live body weight change. Average milk yield was significantly (p &lt;0.01) higher in the treatment group than the control. Lamb's birth weight and daily body gain of the treated group were significantly (p &lt;0.01) higher than the control. Blood and serum picture profile of ewes were significantly higher when fed SP additive than the control. It could be concluded that the addition of SP to the ration of sheep positively preserved their health, productive and reproductive status as well as their lambs' growth rate. Also the additive improved the economic efficiency of treated animals by about 53.13%.

Dose-Related Reduction in Hippocampal Neuronal Populations in Fetal Alcohol Exposed Vervet Monkeys.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a chronic debilitating condition resulting in behavioral and intellectual impairments and is considered the most prevalent form of preventable mental retardation in the industrialized world. We previously reported that 2-year-old offspring of vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabeus) dams drinking, on average, 2.3 ± 0.49 g ethanol per Kg maternal body weight 4 days per week during the last third of pregnancy had significantly lower numbers of CA1 (−51.6%), CA2 (−51.2%) and CA3 (−42.8%) hippocampal neurons, as compared to age-matched sucrose controls. Fetal alcohol-exposed (FAE) offspring also showed significantly lower volumes for these structures at 2 years of age. In the present study, we examined these same parameters in 12 FAE offspring with a similar average but a larger range of ethanol exposures (1.01–2.98 g/Kg/day; total ethanol exposure 24–158 g/Kg). Design-based stereology was performed on cresyl violet-stained and doublecortin (DCX)-immunostained sections of the hippocampus. We report here significant neuronal deficits in the hippocampus with a significant negative correlation between daily dose and neuronal population in CA1 (r2 = 0.486), CA2 (r2 = 0.492), and CA3 (r2 = 0.469). There were also significant correlations between DCX population in the dentate gyrus and daily dose (r2 = 0.560). Both correlations were consistent with linear dose-response models. This study illustrates that neuroanatomical sequelae of fetal ethanol exposure are dose-responsive and suggests that there may be a threshold for this effect.

Prolapso de útero, cérvix e vagina em fêmeas bovinas – breve revisão de literatura

Prolapses are a condition of the female reproductive system due to the externalization of the organs of the reproductive and urinary tract through the vulva. It has a higher incidence in the bovine species and is usually associated with the final third of pregnancy, its occurrence is multifactorial. This pathology is considered an obstetric emergency, being crucial the evaluation of the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment, preventing the loss of reproductive capacity and economic damage.

Parasitemia and Associated Immune Response in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Beef Cows Naturally Infected With Neospora caninum.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to characterize the parasitemia of Neospora caninum and the associated immunological parameters in naturally infected beef cows for 10 months. The following groups were established: Neospora caninum seropositive pregnant cows (+Preg, n = 7), seropositive non-pregnant cows (+Npreg, n = 7), seronegative pregnant cows (−Preg, n = 4), and seronegative non-pregnant cows (−Npreg, n = 4). Several samples were obtained for absolute and relative leukocyte counting, cytokines IL-10, IL-12, α-TNF, and γ-IFN quantification, specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 and avidity and N. caninum DNA molecular detection and quantification. The +Preg group had a higher frequency and concentration of N. caninum DNA in PBMC in the last third of pregnancy compared to +Npreg (p <0.05), with 22 and 8% of detection, respectively. Parasitemia correlated positively with IgG titers and negatively with IgG1/IgG2 ratio (p <0.05). On day 222 of the assay, the +Preg group had the lowest total leukocyte counting (p <0.05). The +Preg group had a higher concentration of IgG and higher avidity in the last third of gestation compared to +Npreg (p <0.05). Avidity correlated with total IgG and IgG2 (p <0.05). All +Preg cows gave birth to clinically healthy but seropositive calves before colostrum intake, therefore, the congenital transmission was 100% efficient. Only a complete N. caninum genotype from a placenta and a partial genotype from cow #3 of the group +Preg were achieved by multilocus microsatellite analysis. Overall, N. caninum parasitemia is frequent in seropositive beef cows during the last third of gestation. This correlates with higher antibody levels and a decrease in total leukocyte counting. The precise timing of the parasitemia may be used for diagnosis purposes and/or for design strategies to avoid vertical transmission. Further studies are needed to identify the immune molecular mechanisms that favor parasitemia during gestation in chronically infected cattle.

Interactions between Social Hierarchy and Some Udder Morphometric Traits upon Colostrum and Milk Physicochemical Characteristics in Crossbred Dairy Goats

The possible relationship between udder morphometric variables (UMVs), chemical quality (CHQ) of both colostrum (CA), and milk (MK), as affected by goat’s social rank (SR) (i.e., low-LSR, or high-HSR), was assessed. In late June, goats (Alpine–Saanen–Nubian x Criollo; n = 38; 25° N) were estrus-synchronized and subjected to a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol. Thereafter, in October, while a behavioral study was performed in confirmed-pregnant goats to define the SR classes (n = 15), live weight (LW), body condition (BCS), and serum glucose (GLUC) were registered on the last day of the behavioral study. The expected kidding date was 25 November. Both the UMVs (i.e., seven dates) and the CHQ (i.e., either one for CA and three times for MK) were collected across time (T). The UMVs involved udder perimeter (UDPER, cm), udder diameter (UDDIA, cm), left-teat (LTPER, cm) and right-teat perimeter (RTPER, cm), left-teat (LTLT, cm) and right-teat length (RTLT, cm), left-teat diameter (LTDIA, cm) and right-teat diameter (RTDIA, cm), and medium suspensory ligament (MSL, cm). The registered CHQ variables for both CA and MK were fat (FAT), protein (PRO), lactose (LAC), nonfat solids (NFS), freezing point (FP), and total solids (TS). The possible effect of SR, T, and the SR × T interaction upon the described response variables was tested. While LW favored the HSR goats (54.6 vs. 48.2 ± 1.7 kg; p &lt; 0.05), neither BCS nor GLUC differed (p &gt; 0.05) between SR. An SR × T interaction affected (p &lt; 0.05) most UMVs (i.e., UDPER, MSL, LTLT, RTLT, LTDIA, and RTDI). UMV differences were associated with both changes across time and between SR. Whereas RTLT, LTDIA, RTDIA, and MSL showed their highest values one week prior to kidding, the largest UDPER values (p &lt; 0.05) occurred within the week of kidding. Additionally, HSR goats showed increased values regarding UDPER, MSL, and LTLT. No differences (p &lt; 0.05) between SR occurred regarding the CA-CHQ (i.e., FAT, PRO, LAC, NFS, FP, and TS). Still, an SR x T interaction affected (p &lt; 0.05) the MK content of FAT, PRO, and NFS; while the largest values (p &lt; 0.05) occurred on Day 7 postpartum, the other MK constituents decreased as the lactation advanced. Further, the HSR goats showed an enlarged MK-CHQ (i.e., FAT, PRO, and NFS). HSR goats merged some central behaviors such as aggressiveness, assertiveness, and supremacy to have primacy to feed access, augmenting their LW. Whereas said bodyweight advantage was not reflected upon in CA-CHQ, HSR goats augmented some morphological udder values (i.e., UDPER, MSL, and LTLT) and produced the best MK-CHQ (i.e., &gt; FAT, &gt; PRO, and &gt; NFS) during early lactation. Therefore, both social rank (i.e., HSR goats), as well as the temporal transition stage from the last third of pregnancy to the first phase of lactation (i.e., time), operated as important modulators upon both udder architecture and milk quality in crossbred dairy goats under a dry-semiarid production system.

Hair Cortisol and DHEA-S in Foals and Mares as a Retrospective Picture of Feto-Maternal Relationship under Physiological and Pathological Conditions.

Simple SummaryHair hormone concentrations represent an attractive alternative for studies focusing on the prenatal period because a single measurement from hair collected at birth could provide data from a wide but datable prenatal period. Our aim is to evaluate cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate concentrations and their ratio in the trichological matrix of mares and foals to assess maternal and fetal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in relation to the clinical condition of the neonate and the housing place at parturition. Mare’s endocrine setting influences hormone concentrations detected in foal’s hair, and foals classified as sick at birth have different hormone concentrations than healthy ones. On the other hand, hormone concentrations detected in the hair of mares hospitalized for attended parturitions do not reflect a different hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity from those foaled at the breeding farm. Although the specific role of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate in foals and mares under pathological conditions remains under investigation, this study opens up the use of neonate’s hair as an attractive non-invasive retrospective calendar for the assessment of prenatal adrenal activity in the equine species.Equine fetal hair starts to grow at around 270 days of pregnancy, and hair collected at birth reflects hormones of the last third of pregnancy. The study aimed to evaluate cortisol (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations and their ratio in the trichological matrix of foals and mares in relation to their clinical parameters; the clinical condition of the neonate (study 1); the housing place at parturition (study 2). In study 1, 107 mare-foal pairs were divided into healthy (group H; n = 56) and sick (group S; n = 51) foals, whereas in study 2, group H was divided into hospital (n = 30) and breeding farm (n = 26) parturition. Steroids from hair were measured using a solid-phase microtiter radioimmunoassay. In study 1, hair CORT concentrations measured in foals did not differ between groups and did not appear to be influenced by clinical parameters. A correlation between foal and mare hair CORT concentrations (p = 0.019; r = 0.312, group H; p = 0.006; r = 0.349, group S) and between CORT and DHEA-S concentrations in foals (p = 0.018; r = 0.282, group H; p < 0.001; r = 0.44, group S) and mares (p = 0.006; r = 0.361, group H; p = 0.027; r = 0.271, group S) exists in both groups. Increased hair DHEA-S concentrations (p = 0.033) and decreased CORT/DHEA-S ratio (p < 0.001) appear to be potential biomarkers of chronic stress in the final third of pregnancy, as well as a potential sign of resilience and allostatic load in sick foals, and deserve further attention in the evaluation of prenatal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in the equine species. In study 2, hormone concentrations in the hair of mares hospitalized for attended parturition did not differ from those that were foaled at the breeding farm. This result could be related to a too brief period of hospitalization to cause significant changes in steroid deposition in the mare’s hair.

Reproductive traits of sows with different duration of feeding of biologically active additives in their diet

The addition to the main diet of sows of additional trace elements (copper, zinc, cobalt, manganese) 10–50 mg/kg of live weight, vitamin B₉ (folic acid) 35 mg/head. and Hexavit 196 mg/ head/day is the most effective in comparison with its use during the last third of pregnancy. The highest effect was obtained of all the compared groups when using a combination of trace elements with Hexavit and all the studied additives together. At the same time, the cobalt content in the blood of sows of these groups has been decreased by 3,3 and 5,0 times, and manganese by 2 times. In the first half of pregnancy, the addition of folic acid against the background of trace elements in the diet of sows had a more positive effect on individual indicators of metabolic metabolism in comparison with other groups. However, in the last third of pregnancy, the best results were observed in the group with Hexavit: the total protein content increased by 3,8 %, urea decreased by 57,6 (P ≤ 0,001), glucose increased by 25,1 %. The feed additive of trace elements and folic acid in the diet of sows in comparison with the control group increased the total number of piglets in the litter by 10,2 %, trace elements and Hexavit by 22,0, with their total use by 18,6 % (P ≥ 0,05), and the number of live piglets by 7,1 %, 9,1 and 15,2 %, respectively. At the same time, the consumption of compound feed, energy and protein per piglet decreased by 6,6 %, 16,1 and 13,2 %, respectively. The use of vitamin and mineral additives with Hexavit in the diet of sows in the last third of pregnancy, as well as with the addition of folic acid, increased the number of newborn piglets by 6,3 %, and live piglets by 2,6 and 1,8 %, respectively. Folic acid alone with trace elements did not have the positive effect on the reproductive traits of sows.

Detection of Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis neurona in amniotic fluid and placentas from mares

The closely related apicomplexa protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp., and Sarcocystis neurona, have all been associated with neurological and reproductive diseases in horses. However, there is limited data regarding the presence of these three parasites in equine placental tissues and amniotic fluid. The aim of the present report was to investigate the presence of the DNA of T. gondii, Neospora spp. and S. neurona in placentas and amniotic fluid in mares. Anti-T. gondii, anti- S. neurona and anti- Neospora spp. antibody titers were evaluated in 31 mares in the final third of pregnancy by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The presence of parasite DNA in placentas and amniotic fluid was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using two target loci (ITS1 and Nc5). No antibodies to were identified nor was any T. gondii DNA detected in any mare. Antibodies to Neospora spp. were found in 6 mares (19.35 %) and DNA from this protozoan was detected in four placentas (12.9 %) and in five amniotic fluid samples (16.6 %). Antibodies to Sarcocystis spp. were detected in nine mares and S. neurona DNA was found in only one placenta (3.23 %). Our results suggest that the transplacental route may be a potential source of Neospora caninum infection in mares. Further studies are needed to understand the role of transplacental transmission in the epidemiology of these protozoa.

Comparative fecal steroid profile during pregnancy, parturition, and lactation between natural fertilization and embryo transfer in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)

Despite the invaluable role that assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) play in conservation, pregnancy and parturition rates by embryo transfer (ET) are low for most endangered felids. Thus, efforts to expand the knowledge on pregnancy biology and ET are still required. In this context, we examined fecal sex steroid metabolites (i.e., estrogens, glucocorticoids, and progestogens) of eight ocelots submitted to natural fertilization (NF) and ET in 22 pregnancies (19 NF and 3 ET). Fecal samples were collected and assessed for each pregnancy from estrous cycle, pregnancy, and lactation, totaling 155 days. In short, progestogen levels remained high and unchanged (P < 0.05) from conception until parturition for females maintained under NF. On the other hand, females submitted to ET exhibited changes (P > 0.05) in progestogen levels from conception until parturition, with a significant decrease during pregnancy (480.72 ng/day; r2 = 0.81; P < 0.0001). Significant changes between NF and ET also were noted in estrogen levels between the first and last thirds of pregnancy (P < 0.05), in which estrogen levels exhibited a negative correlation (P < 0.01) between themselves. Regarding glucocorticoids, significant changes (P < 0.01) were observed only in the first third of pregnancy between NF and ET, which we believe may be related to the handling for ovarian synchronization and ET. Besides hormonal changes, the pregnancy was more prolonged (2.5 days) and more prone to dystocia in ET than NF. Overall, 24 embryos were transferred into eight females (3/1), with three kittens being born from three distinct deliveries (i.e., 12.5% of embryos and 37.5% of females). Our findings have supported the great potential of production and transfer of long-term frozen embryos in ocelot conservation. However, they reveal possible effects of these biotechnologies on hormonal levels during pregnancy linked with low conception and parturition rates and dystocic cases in felids.

Presumed Normal Hemodynamic Values of the Arteries in the Final Third Period of Gestation in Bitches

Background: Doppler ultrasonography enables the investigation of vascular blood flow indexes in gestational assessment, being able to detect vascular resistances that can affect fetal and maternal circulation, such as cases of placental insufficiency, associated with fetal cerebral oxygenation deficit and fetal distress. The study aims to assume hemodynamically normal values in the final third of gestation in bitches, of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries, correlating the obtained Doppler velocimetric indexes, for the assessment of the feto-placental circulation, and prediction of fetal viability indexes, fetal centralization and probable date of delivery.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Thirty healthy bitches were examined in the final third of gestation (40-60 days). These were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography at 2 times (T): T1: between 40-50 days; T2: between 51-60 of gestation. At each time point, the peak systolic velocities (PSV) and end-diastolic velocities (EDV) used to obtain the pulsatility (IP) and resistivity (IR) indexes of the umbilical, uteroplacental, middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries of fetuses were evaluated. Also, the systole/diastole (S/D) ratio of these vessels was evaluated. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test, using a P value equal to 5%. A significant difference was observed between velocities and Doppler velocimetric indexes between the 2 phases of the gestational final third in all studied vessels. There was an increase in the values of PSV and EDV and a decrease in the indexes, as the probable date of delivery approached. The analysis of the umbilical cord IR showed an increase from P1 to P2 (P &lt; 0.05), while the IP decreased at the same time. For all studied variables there was a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). In the uteroplacental artery, similarly to the umbilical artery, the PSV and EDV values showed an increase between P1 and P2, while the S/D ratio decreased up to 60 days of gestation (P2). The IR and IP of these vessels decreased during the study interval in pregnant bitches. The studied variables showed a statistically significant difference when analyzed comparatively between P1 and P2 (P &lt; 0.05). As for the middle cerebral artery and internal carotid artery, the PSV and EDV values increased until the end of pregnancy. Likewise, the Doppler velocimetric values and the S/D ratio decreased until the end of pregnancy (P2).Discussion: The hemodynamic values obtained for the umbilical artery and uterine artery were significantly different between 40 and 50 days of gestation (P1) and 50 and 60 days of gestation (P2), with a decrease in vascular resistance and an increase in velocities. It can be related to a greater association of maternal-fetal blood perfusion, due to the increased demand for the development of the fetus. The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) also showed changes between P1 and P2, with an increase in PSV and EDV in the final third of pregnancy, and the S/D ratio was reduced, differing significantly between P1 and P2. The systolic (PSV) and diastolic (EDV) flow velocities of the internal carotid artery increased progressively, while the IR, IP and the S/D ratio decreased, between the evaluated periods (P1 and P2), providing greater flow in canine fetuses, maintaining normal heart rate, indicating positive fetal viability. Keywords: Doppler, gestational ultrasound, bitches, fetal circulation, umbilical artery, internal carotid, fetal middle cerebral artery.

Body mass of Procarpa gutturosa (Bovidae) calves: influence of climatic conditions and occurrence of pathogens in the group of the Daursky State Nature Reserve (Russia)

Procapra gutturosa (hereinafter – Mongolian gazelle) is one of the last large migratory mammal species in Asia, which population has declined considerably over the past century due to various anthropogenic factors. In Russia, the Mongolian gazelle inhabits the north of its natural range, which supposes suboptimal conditions for this species, and it is listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. The physiological status of its calves was studied in the Daursky State Nature Reserve in 2015–2021 by assessing their body mass and the presence of antibodies to several pathogens. It was found that the body mass of Mongolian gazelle calves averaged from 2.85 kg to 6.14 kg and varied depending on such factors as sex, age and year of data collection. It was also related to climatic conditions, especially during the last third of pregnancy. In addition, Mongolian gazelle individuals were identified, which are seropositive to foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants, but not to pasteurellosis and brucellosis. The number of positive reactions to the pathogens varied from year to year. So, the highest number of seropositive individuals was detected in 2018, representing 63.3%. Being still connected with the main range, the Mongolian gazelle group in Russia (surroundings of the Daursky State Nature Reserve) is gradually increasing. The study of animals’ physiological condition makes it possible to predict changes in the status of this ungulate group.

Nutritional performance, hepatic and renal function in goats fed diets containing detoxified castor cake at different stages of pregnancy.

We evaluated the influence of the substitution of soybean meal by detoxified castor cake on performance, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance, hepatic and renal functions of pregnant goats fed with diets containing detoxified castor cake by alkaline solutions during the stages (first two-thirds and final third) of pregnancy. Three diets were provided: one based on soybean meal and the other two based on castor cake detoxified with whit calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. Goats fed detoxified castor cake sodium hydroxide had lower consumption. Was no effect (P>0.05) of diets or stages on the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. The goats that received the diets based on soybean meal and detoxified castor cake calcium hydroxide consumed larger amounts of nitrogen. The goats fed with diet the basis of SM had greater weight in the parturition day. The average levels of enzymes for hepatic and renal functions were within normal patterns. Of enzymes related to liver metabolism, only the gamma-glutamyl transferase increased in the final third of pregnancy. The present study demonstrated that detoxified castor by sodium hydroxide reduces the consumption of goats during gestation, but did not affect negatively the renal and hepatic parameters.

Effects of Maternal Nutrition on Female Offspring Weight Gain and Sexual Development.

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy influences postnatal life of animals; nevertheless, few studies have investigated its effects on the productive performance and reproductive development of heifers. This study evaluated the performance, reproductive development, and correlation between reproduction × fat thickness and performance × ribeye area (REA) traits of heifers. We also performed an exploratory genomic association during the rearing period in heifers submitted to fetal programming. The study comprised 55 Nellore heifers born to dams exposed to one of the following nutritional planes: control, without protein-energy supplementation; PELT, protein-energy last trimester, protein-energy supplementation offered in the final third of pregnancy; and PEWG, protein-energy whole gestation, protein-energy supplementation upon pregnancy confirmation. Protein-energy supplementation occurred at the level of 0.3% live weight. After weaning, heifers were submitted to periodic evaluations of weight and body composition by ultrasonography. From 12 to 18 months, we evaluated the reproductive tract of heifers to monitor its development for sexual precocity and ovarian follicle population. The treatments had no effect (p > 0.05) on average daily gain; however, the weight of the animals showed a significant difference over time (p = 0.017). No differences were found between treatments for REA, backfat, and rump fat thickness, nor for puberty age, antral follicular count, and other traits related to reproductive tract development (p > 0.05). The correlation analysis between performance traits and REA showed high correlations (r > 0.37) between REA at weaning and year versus weight from weaning until yearling; however, no correlation was found for reproductive development traits versus fat thickness (p > 0.05). The exploratory genomic association study showed one single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for each treatment on an intergenic region for control and PEWG, and the one for PELT on an intronic region of RAPGEF1 gene. Maternal nutrition affected only the weight of the animals throughout the rearing period.

Adverse Maternal Environment and Postweaning Western Diet Alter Hepatic CD36 Expression and Methylation Concurrently with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mouse Offspring

BackgroundThe role of an adverse maternal environment (AME) in conjunction with a postweaning Western diet (WD) in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult offspring has not been explored. Likewise, the molecular mechanisms associated with AME-induced NAFLD have not been studied. The fatty acid translocase or cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) has been implicated to play a causal role in the pathogenesis of WD-induced steatosis. However, it is unknown if CD36 plays a role in AME-induced NAFLD. ObjectiveThis study was designed to evaluate the isolated and additive impact of AME and postweaning WD on the expression and DNA methylation of hepatic Cd36 in association with the development of NAFLD in a novel mouse model. MethodsAME constituted maternal WD and maternal stress, whereas the control (Con) group had neither. Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a WD [40% fat energy, 29.1% sucrose energy, and 0.15% cholesterol (wt/wt)] 5 wk prior to pregnancy and throughout lactation. Non invasive variable stressors (random frequent cage changing, limited bedding, novel object, etc.) were applied to WD dams during the last third of pregnancy to produce an AME. Con dams consumed the control diet (CD) (10% fat energy, no sucrose or cholesterol) and were not exposed to stress. Male offspring were weaned onto either CD or WD, creating 4 experimental groups: Con-CD, Con-WD, AME-CD, and AME-WD, and evaluated for metabolic and molecular parameters at 120 d of age. ResultsAME and postweaning WD independently and additively increased the development of hepatic steatosis in adult male offspring. AME and WD independently and additively upregulated hepatic CD36 protein and mRNA expression and hypomethylated promoters 2 and 3 of the Cd36 gene. ConclusionsUsing a mouse AME model together with postweaning WD, this study demonstrates a role for CD36 in AME-induced NAFLD in offspring and reveals 2 regions of environmentally induced epigenetic heterogeneity within Cd36.

E2-CD154 vaccine candidate is safe and immunogenic in pregnant sows, and the maternal derived neutralizing antibodies protect piglets from classical swine fever virus challenge

E2-CD154 subunit vaccine candidate is safe and protects swine from Classical Swine Fever (CSF). However, its safety and immunogenicity in pregnant sows, and the capacity of maternal derived neutralizing antibodies (MDNA) to protect the offspring is yet to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of E2-CD154 in pregnant sows, and the capacity of MDNA to protect the offspring. Seventeen pregnant sows were vaccinated twice with E2-CD154 in either the first or the second third of pregnancy. Pregnancy and litter parameters were compared with a control group of non-vaccinated sows. Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) were monitored. The time course of MDNA was assessed in a group of six piglets born to an E2-CD154 immunized sow, and the animals were challenged with CSFV at day 63 after birth. No local or systemic adverse effects were found. Neither abortions, nor congenital malformations, nor stillbirths were observed. All sows develop high NAb titers after the first immunization. Piglets born to an E2-CD154 vaccinated sow still showed MDNA titers of 1:100 at day 63 after birth. Five animals were negative for virus isolation after challenge, and showed neither signs of CSF, nor macroscopic lesions in the organs. The other piglet was positive for CSFV isolation, and macroscopic lesions were observed in the spleen, although no clinical signs of CSF other than fever were detected. E2-CD154 vaccine candidate was safe and immunogenic in pregnant sows, and the passive immunity transmitted to the offspring was still protective by day 63 after birth.

Effect of early shearing during gestation on the performance of the progenie

Research has shown the interesting contributions of shearing during mid or late gestation on the performance of lambs from birth to weaning. However, there is no information on the effects of shearing in the first third of pregnancy, on the well-being and productivity of the offspring in adult life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether shearing during the first third of gestation, in a critical time window for the development of the placenta and the fetus, can influence the live weight at parturition, weaning and the survival of the lambs. Additionally, it was studied whether shearing in the first third of gestation is capable of programming metabolic and physiological modifications in the fetus that affect the growth, health and reproductive performance in the adult life of the offspring. Shearing in the first third of gestation significantly increased birth weight of single lambs (P = 0.004) and twins (P = 0.05). The higher weaning weight (P &lt; 0.0001) was related to the higher daily live weight gain (P ˂ 0.0001) in birth-weaning period. The extension of the gestation period (P &lt; 0.0001) explained only 56% and 87% (single and twins) of the increase in total live weight at lambing. Twin lambs from prepartum shorn ewes attempted (P = 0.004) and succeeded in suckling earlier (P = 0.0004) than control lambs. The greater vigor at lambing, together with the greater weight at weaning, may explain the higher (P = 0.04) survival rate. Early prepartum shearing did not affect live weight of ewe lambs from weaning to 18 months old. However, the gastrointestinal parasite egg counts per gram of fecal matter (P = 0.07), as well as the Famacha index (P = 0.02) were significantly lower than in controls. Prepartum shearing affected live weight of male lambs (P = 0.02), although there were no differences in the response to the parasitic challenge. Prepartum shearing did not affect any of the reproductive variables studied in ewes and male lambs. The results of this thesis show that shearing in the first third of gestation is a technique capable of affecting the productive performance of the offspring in the short and long term.

Energy Supplementation during the Last Third of Gestation Improves Mother-Young Bonding in Goats.

Simple SummaryThe last third of gestation is a period of high energy demand for the dam, because she needs to support the growth of fetuses and the newborn. Moreover, towards the end of gestation, maternal feed intake is reduced as the mass of the fetoplacental unit increases. The maternal diet often cannot meet nutritional requirements, compromising thermoregulatory capacity, wellbeing, and viability, and the survival of the newborn. We have shown that energy supplementation of the mother during the last third of gestation does not affect progeny birth weight but enhances mother–young bonding.We tested whether maternal energy supplementation during the last third of gestation improves birth weight, neonatal wellbeing, and mother–young bonding. Thirty-six pregnant French Alpine goats were randomly allocated among three nutritional treatments for the last third of pregnancy: (i) Control, fed alfalfa (T-0; n = 12); (ii) alfalfa + 150 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-150; n = 12); (iii) alfalfa + 300 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-300; n = 12). At birth, we collected progeny data on birth weight, birth type, sex, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to standing, time to udder connection, and time to first feeding. For the dams, we collected data on the duration of labor, time to clean the progeny, and time to allow first suckling. At birth, body weight, rectal temperature, heart rate, and the respiratory rate did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). In the dams, labor duration was not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). The T-150 dams were faster to clean the newborn and allow first suckling (p < 0.05). The T-150 progeny were faster to stand and the T-300 progeny were faster to connect to the udder (p < 0.05). We conclude that energy supplementation of the dam during the last third of gestation does not affect the birth weight of the progeny, but enhances the mother–young bonding.