scholarly journals Effects of cobalt deficiency in pregnant and post-parturient ewes and their lambs

1981 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. R. H. Duncan ◽  
E. Rona Morrison ◽  
G. A. Garton

1. Two groups of ewes were fed on a cobalt-deficient diet throughout pregnancy; one group (group A) was given the diet from the beginning of pregnancy, whilst the other (group B) received the diet for 16 weeks before mating. The ewes in group A continued to receive the diet for 12 weeks post-partum.2. The vitamin B12 content of serum was estimated on three occasions before parturition and, for group A ewes, at 12 weeks post partum. Urinary concentration of methylmalonic acid was also determined at intervals before the lambs were born.3. Serum values for vitamin B12 indicated that the ewes in both groups were depleted of the vitamin, though those in group B were more severely affected, as was evidenced by the high incidence of perinatal mortality among the lambs born to these ewes. Perinatal mortality appeared to be associated with abnormally-high values for urinary concentration of methylmalonic acid.4. Analysis of liver lipids and adipose tissue triacylglycerols of some of the vitamin B12-deprived lambs which died before, or within 1 d of, birth showed that, compared with the corresponding tissues of control lambs, these lipids contained unusually high proportions of odd-numbered fatty acids (mostly 15:0, 17:0 and 19:0). This observation is discussed in relation to the likelihood that, in vitmain B12-deprived lambs, propionate becomes available as a primer unit for fatty acid synthesis when the metabolism of its carboxylation product, methylmalonic acid, is impaired due to partlal lack of a vitamin B12-containing enzyme system.

1992 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 169-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. J. Fisher ◽  
A. MacPherson

It has been suggested (Mills, 1981) that there was a lack of research on the effects of cobalt (Co) deficiency on the reproductive performance of sheep. Duncan, Morrison and Garton (1981) reported that clinically Co-deficient ewes produced fewer lambs with a higher incidence of stillbirths and neonatal mortalities than Co-sufficient animals. Garton, Duncan and Fell (1981) related these findings to the vitamin B12 and methylmalonic acid status of dams. However, their investigations used few animals and were therefore inconclusive. The objectives of this work were to investigate the effects of subclinical Co deficiency in pregnant hill sheep on reproductive performance and neonatal lamb viability.Experiment 1 (1985/86) comprised 60 Scottish Blackface × Swaledale ewes, while experiment 2 (1986/87) included 30 of these animals plus 30 pure Scottish Blackface sheep. In both experiments the ewes were housed and bedded on sawdust and a Co-deficient diet of timothy hay, micronized maize, maize gluten, dibasic calcium phosphate and sodium chloride was offered. Skimmed milk powder was introduced to the diet during lactation. The Co content of the diet was 0.06 mg Co per kg dry matter.


Author(s):  
G.E.J. Fisher ◽  
A. MacPherson

Experiments were designed to investigate the effect of sub-clinical cobalt deficiency in pregnant hill sheep, on lamb viability. This form of the deficiency is not characterised by clinical symptoms. The disease is therefore difficult to detect, and may be of economic importance to farms on land of marginal cobalt status.In each of two trials, both with sixty Scottish Blackface x Swaledale ewes, animals were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: A. Cobalt-deficient intake throughout pregnancy; B. Initially cobalt-sufficient intake, but deficient from mid-pregnancy (Trial 1) or initially cobalt-deficient intake, but repleted from mid-term (Trial 2); C. Cobalt-sufficient intake throughout pregnancy. A cobalt-deficient ration (<0.06 mg Co/kg DM) of Timothy hay, micronised maize and maize gluten, was fed from tupping in Trial 1, and from two months before tupping in Trial 2. Treated animals received a weekly oral dose of 0.7 mg Co/head.Vitamin B12 (microbiological and radio-immuno assays) and methylmalonic acid (capillary gas chromatography) were analysed in ewe and lamb sera, as indicators of cobalt status. Levels of passively acquired immunity were measured by analysis of lamb sera, sampled at two and four weeks post-partum, for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and by the zinc sulphate turbidity test (ZSTT).


2009 ◽  
Vol 79 (56) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Hussein ◽  
Sahar Abdel Aziz ◽  
Salwa Tapouzada ◽  
Boehles

Objective:Cobalamin (B12) deficiency has been reported in infants born to mothers with low cobalamin intake. Early diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants is critical for the prevention of neurobehavioral disorders. We investigated the relationship between serum vitamin B12 level in newborns and in their healthy mothers who consumed an omnivorous diet. Anthropometry was studied longitudinally to assess the growth velocity of the infants. Urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA) excretion of 6-month old infants was compared retrospectively as the biomarker correlated with the initial serum vitamin B12 concentrations. Methods: Serum cobalamin and blood hemoglobin were determined in 84 pairs of newborns and their mothers. Urinary MMA excretion was measured in the same subjects during the first 6 months of the post partum period. Results: At birth, median serum cobalamin levels were 152.0 pmol/L in the mothers and 296.6 pmol/L in the newborns. Maternal and neonatal serum cobalamin levels had no effect on growth velocity during the first six months of postnatal life. Serum maternal and neonatal cobalamin levels were inversely associated with urinary MMA excretion. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of vitamin B12 status in neonates and infants is crucial, particularly in nutritionally deprived areas. Biochemical measurement of plasma cobalamin or its metabolic marker MMA is highly recommended. Urinary MMA measurement in cobalamin diagnostics provides an advantage in that blood sampling is not required. A vitamin B12 taskforce should be created to alleviate vitamin deficiency and its negative consequences.


1965 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 1367-1374 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. McGeer ◽  
N. P. Sen ◽  
D. A. Grant

The excretion of 4(5)-amino-5(4)-imidazolecarboxamide (AIC) in the urines of normal rats, rats raised on a folic acid deficient diet, and rats raised on a vitamin B12 deficient diet was measured. The AIC excretion was elevated 3-fold above normal in the B12 deficient group and 1.5-fold above normal in the folic acid deficient group.No evidence could be found that the raised AIC excretion was associated with a block in the conversion of AIC to purines. The recovery of radioactive AIC in the urine after an intraperitoneal dose of 2 μmoles AIC per kg was not increased over normal in any of the deficient groups, and was significantly less than normal in the B12-deficient group. Most of the urinary radioactivity in all groups was in allantoin, uric acid, and purines.When a load of 220 μmoles of AIC per kg was administered there was no difference between the vitamin B12 deficient and the normal groups in AIC recovery in the urine. When a load of 220 μmoles of urocanic acid per kg was administered, however, the B12-deficient group had an 18-fold increase over normal in Figlu excretion, and the folic acid deficient group a 17-fold increase. Thus, a substantial block in formimino-L-glutamic acid (Figlu) metabolism, but not in AIC metabolism, existed in the vitamin-deficient groups.Feeding a B12-deficient group a 2% methionine supplement reduced the Figlu excretion after a urocanic acid load to less than half that observed in B12-deficient groups without methionine supplementation, but had no influence on the AIC excretion.


2021 ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Anupama Anupama

Aim – The aim of the study was to study the effect of sublingual misoprostol for prevention of PPH. Materials and Methods – This was a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Inclusion criteria were women aged 20-40 years with 38-40 weeks of gestation who underwent elective caesarean section. Exclusion criteria were women have risk factors for post-partum haemorrhage, active thromboembolic disease and intrinsic risk for thrombosis. Participants were randomly assigned to misoprostol group or group A (n=50) and placebo group or group B(n=50). Group A received 400µg of sublingual misoprostol after delivery of the baby, group B received placebo tablet at the same time. Primary outcome measures were blood loss from delivery of the placenta to the end of the caesarean section to 2 hours postpartum, haemoglobin estimation was done in all patients pre operatively and 24 hours post operatively and the change in concentration was noted. Secondary outcome measures were need for additional uterotonics, use of additional surgical interventions to control post-partum haemorrhage. Result – Blood loss from both placental delivery to the end of caesarean section and from end of caesarean section to 2 hours postpartum were signicantly lower in the study group. (p<0.0001). Change ifn haemoglobin concentration in study group was also signicantly less than in the control group. (p<0.0001). Total amount of Oxytocin required was signicantly less in the study group (p=0.01). The number of women requiring other oxytocics (inj. Methyl ergometrine, inj. Carboprost) was signicantly less in study group (p=0.0078). Conclusion – Sublingual misoprostol has been found to be effective in preventing PPH.


Author(s):  
Kavita A. Chandnani ◽  
Deepti D. Sharma

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 35% of all maternal deaths. These deaths have a major impact on the lives and health of the families affected. Thus, anticipation as well as proper management of 3rd stage of labour is mandatory. The objective of this study was to compare expectant and active management of third stage of labour in preventing post-partum blood loss and having impact on prevention of maternal mortality in local population. Advantages and disadvantages of both techniques might be over estimated.Methods: Prospective comparative study carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of SBKSMIRC (Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre), Dhiraj general hospital, comprising of 200 laboring women admitted directly or from OPD to labour room for expected vaginal delivery. They were randomly allocated to group A (expectant management) and group B (active management). Labour progress was charted on partograph and interventions recorded. Statistical analysis of data was done after compiling and tabulation of data. Mean±SD for descriptive variables were calculated and appropriate statistical tests applied to determine significance.Results: Average PPBL (post-partum blood loss) was 360.5ml in group A as compared to 290.6ml in group B. 12 patients in group A had blood loss more than 500ml while none in group B. 66% cases in group B had duration of third stage of labour less than 5 min as compared to only 22% in group A. the mean duration of third stage was 13.46±8.3 in group A while 5.32±3.05 in group B. these differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: Active management of the third stage of labour is associated with less blood loss as well as a shorter duration of third stage compared with expectant management. It is reasonable to advocate this regime.


Author(s):  
Idowu B. Orisabinone ◽  
Uche Onwudiegwu ◽  
Adebanjo B. Adeyemi ◽  
Chibuzor P. Oriji ◽  
Olakunle I. Makinde

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-associated multi-organ disorder caused by altered trophoblastic invasion and endothelial cell dysfunction. It is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is effective in the management of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a shortened course of MgSO4 to the Pritchard regimen in patients with severe pre-eclampsiaMethods: This study was carried out at the obstetrics and gynecology department of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife. It was a randomised control study of 116 patients, 58 in each group. Group A received the standard Pritchard regimen: a loading dose of MgSO4 4g slow IV bolus plus 10 g IM (5 g in each buttock), followed by maintenance dose of 5g MgSO4 IM 4-hourly into alternate buttocks until 24 hours after delivery. Group B received same loading dose, but the maintenance dose was limited to three doses of 5g MgSO4 IM four hours apart after delivery. In both regimens, 2g MgSO4 was given IV for breakthrough fit. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: This study revealed that twelve-hour postpartum MgSO4 was as effective as the Pritchard regime with no statistically difference in occurrence of seizures (X2 = 0.341, df = 1, p = 0.514). The average total dose of magnesium sulphate used was lower in the study Group B.Conclusions: Twelve-hour postpartum MgSO4 is as effective as the standard 24-hour Pritchard regime.


1974 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C Siddons

1. The development of vitamin B12 deficiency, as indicated by the serum and liver vitamin B12 levels and the excretion of methylmalonic acid, was studied over a 2-year period in baboons (Papio cynocephalus) given a diet deficient in vitamin B12. The effects of partial hepatectomy and the inclusion of either ampicillin or sodium propionate in the diet on the rate of development of the deficiency were also studied.2. The baboons had previously been fed on a mainly vegetarian diet. Their serum vitamin B12 levels were less than 100 ng/l and the mean liver vitamin B12 concentration was 0·56 μ/g. Similar serum and liver vitamin B12 levels were found in baboons given a purified diet supplemented with 1 μg vitamin B12/d, and marked increases in the serum and liver vitamin B12 levels occurred when the daily intake was increased to 2 μg.3. The serum vitamin B12 levels decreased to less than 20 ng/l in all baboons given a vitamin B12-deficient diet.4. The liver vitamin B12 concentration also decreased in all baboons given a deficient diet. At 9 months the lowest levels (0·20 μ/g) were found in partially hepatectomized baboons but subsequently baboons given the diet containing ampicillin had the lowest levels (0·11 μ/g).5. The excretion of methylmalonic acid after a valine load was found to be inversely related to the liver vitamin B12 concentration. In the early part of the study, partially hepatectomized baboons excreted the highest amount but subsequently baboons given a diet containing ampicillin excreted the highest amount.6. Increased formiminoglutamic acid excretion after a histidine load was observed in two baboons given a vitamin B12-deficient diet and in both baboons the liver folic acid concentration was low.7. No haematological or neurological symptoms of the vitamin B12 deficiency were observed.


1989 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.P.M. O'Harte ◽  
D. G. Kennedy ◽  
W. J. Blanchflower ◽  
D. A. Rice

Eight lambs were fed on a cobalt-deficient whole-barley diet supplemented with urea, vitamins and minerals. Four control lambs were fed on the same diet which had been further supplemented with Co. Plasma vitamin B12 levels in the Co-depleted group declined rapidly, falling below the normal range within 5 weeks. Differences between the live weights of the animals in the two groups approached statistical significance by week 14. However, methylmalonic acid (MMA) rose above normal levels in the Co-depleted group within 7 weeks. This suggested that an elevated plasma concentration of MMA is a comparatively early indicator of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. It is recommended that 10 μmol/l be the upper level of normality for plasma MMA concentration in barley-fed animals, in contrast with the level of 5 μmol/l for grass-fed animals. Changes in the plasma concentrations of MMA and ethylmalonic acid associated with feeding the barley-based diet per se did not significantly affect the validity of the gas-liquid chromatographic assay for MMA.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-80
Author(s):  
S Kaudel ◽  
A Rana ◽  
N Ojha

Aims: This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of oral misoprostol 600 mcg with intramuscular oxytocin 10 IU in the active management of third stage of labour. Methods: This prospective comparative study was performed in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to compare the efficacy of oral misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in the third stage of labour for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. One hundred and twenty women without risk of PPH were randomly allocated to receive either 600 mcg misoprostol orally (Group A) or 10 unit of oxytocin intramuscularly (Group B) within 1 minute of delivery. The efficacy and the safety of these two drugs were analyzed on the basis of percentages fall in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) level from before delivery to 8 completed hours after delivery, need for additional uterotonic agents, need for exploration and uterine evacuation, need for blood transfusion, duration of third stage of labour and the numbers of retained placenta and need for MRP. Results: Oral misoprostol was observed to be equally effective as intramuscular oxytocin in prevention of post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). There was no statistical difference in the duration of third stage of labour, need for additional uterotonics, need for uterine exploration/evacuation and need for blood transfusion in the two groups. Conclusions: Routine use of oral misoprostol 600 mcg appears to be as effective as 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin in minimizing blood loss during the third stage of labour.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document