Reproductive management of the athletic horse

Author(s):  
Laura C. Nath
2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (suppl_5) ◽  
pp. 560-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Patterson ◽  
R. F. Cooke ◽  
G. R. Dahlke ◽  
R. N. Funston ◽  
J. B. Hall ◽  
...  

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1402
Author(s):  
Sükrü Metin Pancarci ◽  
Örsan Güngör ◽  
Osman Harput ◽  
Oguz Calisici

Effect of one-day delaying progesterone administration at the beginning of 5-day Cosynch protocol was investigated in Holstein heifers for the first artificial insemination (AI). Heifers received a synchronized ovulation and timed AI (TAI) with CIDR inserted on day (d) 0 (CIDR-5; n = 206) or d 1 (CIDR-4; n = 192). In both group, GnRH was administered on d 0 followed by a single PGF2α injection and CIDR removal five days later from GnRH. On d 8, TAI and GnRH administration were concurrently conducted. Heifers detected in estrus up to 24 h prior to TAI were inseminated without GnRH administration. Rates of ovulation, accessory CL formation and new dominant follicle development following initial GnRH injection did not differ between groups. P/AI did not differ between CIDR-4 (44.3%, [85/192]) and CIDR-5 (51.9%, [107/206]) groups, respectively. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was significantly (p < 0.01) declined as heifers’ age (12–13, 14, 15, 16 and17–21 months) proceeded in CIDR-4 group (55.6%, 52.1%, 37.9%, 35.7%, 32.4%) compared to those in CIDR-5 group (60.0%, 50.0%, 53.9%, 51.5%, 46.2%) respectively. In conclusion, there is no benefit for delaying CIDR administration in 5-day Cosynch protocol in dairy heifers. However, higher P/AI in CIDR-5 group in older heifers can be considered for reproductive management.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1932
Author(s):  
Nesrein M. Hashem ◽  
Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes

Reproductive efficiency of farm animals has central consequences on productivity and profitability of livestock farming systems. Optimal reproductive management is based on applying different strategies, including biological, hormonal, nutritional strategies, as well as reproductive disease control. These strategies should not only guarantee sufficient reproductive outcomes but should also comply with practical and ethical aspects. For example, the efficiency of the biological- and hormonal-based reproductive strategies is mainly related to several biological factors and physiological status of animals, and of nutritional strategies, additional factors, such as digestion and absorption, can contribute. In addition, the management of reproductive-related diseases is challenged by the concerns regarding the intensive use of antibiotics and the development of antimicrobial resistant strains. The emergence of nanotechnology applications in livestock farming systems may present innovative and new solutions for overcoming reproductive management challenges. Many drugs (hormones and antibiotics), biological molecules, and nutrients can acquire novel physicochemical properties using nanotechnology; the main ones are improved bioavailability, higher cellular uptake, controlled sustained release, and lower toxicity compared with ordinary forms. In this review, we illustrate advances in the most common reproductive management strategies by applying nanotechnology, considering the current challenges of each strategy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 850-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Denis-Robichaud ◽  
R.L.A. Cerri ◽  
A. Jones-Bitton ◽  
S.J. LeBlanc

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
H. Knaggs ◽  
G. Tabor ◽  
J.M. Williams

The equine transeva technique (ETT), is a novel electrotherapy, which utilises pulsating current electrotherapy to target sensory and motor neurons. The technique may facilitate increased circulation and correction of musculoskeletal issues and injuries, such as tendon and ligament tears and muscle atrophy. Despite the importance of understanding the impact of ETT on horses, no current scientific research exists in this area. This preliminary study investigated the effects of ETT on the musculoskeletal system of the horse, specifically within the Gluteus superficialis (GS). Using surface electromyography, muscle workload was measured in 11 sound and healthy horses of varying breeds and disciplines within the inclusion criteria. Integrated electromyography (iEMG) calculated the percentage change in maximal contractions before and after ETT treatment during one minute trials at 30 s intervals. An ANCOVA determined if these constituted significant changes (Bonferroni adjusted alpha: P≤0.02). Significant differences in muscle workload were found on the left side between pre- and post-treatment readings across trials (P≤0.02), however no significant changes occurred for the right side. The majority of horses (82%; n=9) experienced bilateral changes, with 78% of these (n=7) exhibiting a negative change in muscle workload recorded from the pretreatment condition, which may indicate muscular relaxation. The results suggest ETT may have some effect on muscle workload in the athletic horse, however further research is needed to confirm the effects observed. Future studies should include randomising the side which is treated first, a larger sample size, expansion of temporal variables and consideration of a longitudinal study to determine if these trends accrue over multiple maintenance-purposed treatments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Wilkister Nakami ◽  
◽  
Victor Tsuma ◽  

The human population is expected to double in Africa by 2030 and with it a consequent rise in demand for livestock products. Reproductive technologies improve livestock productivity however, uptake of the technologies has been low in Africa, yet this is where there is a dire need for livestock products as the human population surges. This study aimed to assess knowledge extent and understanding the use of assisted reproductive technologies in decision support for reproductive management of dairy cattle in Kenya. Dairy farmers and veterinary practitioners were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain relevant data on knowledge, attitude and practices in the use of assisted reproductive technologies in reproductive management in dairy farms. Observable heat signs was the only method used by participants to ascertain estrus in a cow. Artificial insemination technique was adopted by all farmers as the breeding method of choice. The analysis highlighted that the respondents with low levels of formal education had less knowledge on reproductive technologies and displayed risky practices. Overall, a larger proportion of respondents indicated that the assisted reproductive technologies would be important in reproductive management. The relatively low levels of awareness, higher levels of education and a willingness to use the assisted reproductive technologies in reproductive management of dairy cattle strengthen the logic of improving productivity through the application of these assisted reproductive technologies as well as improve levels of awareness of reproductive management practices. Keywords: attitude, heat detection, knowledge, pregnancy diagnosis, practices, progesterone


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.C. Manso Filho ◽  
H.E.C.C.C. Manso ◽  
K.H. McKeever ◽  
S.R.R. Duarte ◽  
J.M.G. Abreu

In order to understand how gaited horses use their energy during exercise, a standardised field gaited test (SFGT) was developed to assess energy expenditure of four beat gaited horses independently of size, sex or breed. This work aimed at developing such an SFGT, using as main measurement parameter the heart rate (HR) of horses during the SFGT performance. Thirty-one four beat gaited horses were evaluated and divided into two groups: FIT (conditioned) and UNFIT (not conditioned). Horses were submitted to the SFGT and their heart rates were measured with a heart rate monitor as follows: right after being mounted, at the beginning of pre-test (HRSADDLE); at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes of four beat gait dislocation; and at 15 minutes after the recovery period (T+15). Maximum HR (HRMAX); HR percentage over 150 beats per minute (HR%≯150), HR percentage over 170 beats per minute (HR%≯170), and average HR during the four beat gait stage (HRM@M) of SFGT were calculated. Results were analysed by ANOVA for repeated measures. Where significant differences were observed, ‘T’ test was performed and significance was set at 5%. The FIT group presented HRMAX, HR+15, HRM@M, HR%≯150 and HR%≯170 rates lower (P<0.05) than the UNFIT group. It was noted that there was a negative correlation between fitness and HRMAX (R=−0.67; P<0.001) and a positive correlation between HRMAX and HR+15 (R=0.60; P<0.001) when comparing the FIT to the UNFIT horses. In conclusion, during the SFGT, the FIT group was more efficient in energy expenditure than the UNFIT group, based on the results observed for the significantly lower HRs during the SFGT. It is relevant to note that the SFGT developed and used in this research, which was easily reproduced and accurate, was able to detect and confirm important adaptations related to fitness in the athletic horse.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document