Endocrine-metabolic Adaptations in Dorper Ewes: Comparison Between Single and Twin Pregnancies During Gestation, Delivery, and Postpartum

Abstract The present study involved a blood glucose, hormonal profile, and insulin resistance evaluation in sheep from conception until 48 h postpartum. A total of 60 healthy Dorper ewes, raised under semi-intensive management were included in the study. Two experimental groups were applied: G1, single pregnancy (n = 30) and G2, twin pregnancy (n = 30). The experimental time points were immediately after fixed-time artificial insemination; at 30 d, 90 d, 120 d, 130 d, and 140 d of pregnancy; on the delivery day (DD); and at 24 h (PD1) and 48 h (PD2) postpartum. Blood samples were taken to analyse glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) levels. All parameters showed significant differences over the analysed sample times; however, only cortisol showed differences within groups, with the G1 having higher values than the G2 group. The interaction of the groups in the nine sample times showed a significant result (P = 0.001) only for glucagon. The number of foetuses directly interfered with the glucagon profile throughout gestation and insulin concentration postpartum. The glucose, cortisol, insulin, glucagon, and HOMA IR concentrations increased at DD and decreased at PD1 and PD2. T3 and T4 levels increased at DD. Despite the changes found in the endocrine system and metabolism in Dorper ewes throughout pregnancy, the nutritional management ensured a healthy status during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.

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350 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SUB-DOSES OF EQUINE CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN ON PREGNANCY AND TWINNING RATES OF CYCLIC ZEBU COWS SUBMITTED TO FIXED-TIME ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv27n1ab350 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 263 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. H. Alvarez ◽

F. L. N. Natal ◽

R. M. L. Pires ◽

K. M. R. Duarte ◽

C. A. Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Ovarian Response ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

São Paulo ◽

Chi Square ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Twin Pregnancies ◽

Group 1

The injection of a low dose of eCG has the potential to induce multiple ovulation and pregnancies in cattle. The present study aimed to evaluate the ovarian response, conception rate and incidence of twin pregnancies of cyclic cows receiving 1 of 2 low doses of eCG. Multiparous Nellore (Bos t. indicus) cows with plasma progesterone levels >1 ng∙mL–1 on at least one of 2 blood samples collected at 10-day intervals (Day –10 and Day 0) received an intramuscular (IM) injection of 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB; Estrogin®, AUSA, São Paulo, Brazil) and a vaginal device (DIP) containing 1 g of progesterone (Primer®, Tecnopec, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) on Day 0. On Day 8, the DIP was removed and cows received an IM injection of 150 μg of cloprostenol (Veteglan®, Hertape Calier, Juatuba, MG, Brazil). At this time, the animals were randomly distributed into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 30) received an IM injection of 2 mL of saline, whereas groups 2 (n = 41) and 3 (n = 23) received 600 IU and 900 IU of eCG (Novormon® MSD Saude Animal, São Paulo, Brazil), respectively. Twenty-four hours later (Day 9), all groups received 1 mg of EB and were submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) 30 h later (i.e. 54 h after DIP removal). Oestrus observation was performed daily from the time of the withdrawal of the DIP until the day of FTAI. Ovaries were examined ultrasonically at the time of FTAI, the following day and 7 days after FTAI. Pregnancy diagnosis was done by ultrasonography 30 days after FTAI and the incidence of twin or single calves was recorded at birth. Data were analysed by chi-square test. The rate of expression of oestrus was 70.0% (group 1), 82.9% (group 2), and 78.2% (group 3; P = 0.25). Cows that had 2 or more large follicles at the time of FTAI was 0% (group 1), 14.6% (group 2), and 34.8% (group 3; P < 0.05). The ovulation rate of cows in group 1 (80.0%) was higher than cows in groups 2 (48.8%) and 3 (52.2%; P < 0.05). The conception rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 50.0, 26.8, and 39.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Two animals in group 3, one in group 2, and none of group 1 had twin pregnancies on Day 30 after FTAI. Only one of these cows (group 3) had a twin calving. It was concluded that the injection of 600 or 900 IU eCG, in an oestradiol/progestogen FTAI protocol does not result in an increase in the rate of twin calvings, but may negatively affect pregnancy rates of cyclic Nellore cows.Financial support was provided by FAPESP (proc. 2011/13096–0).

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Metabolism prepartum and reproductive responses postpartum of Nellore cows supplemented in different periods of gestation

CES Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia ◽

10.21615/cesmvz.14.1.3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 25-39

Author(s):

David Esteban Contreras Marquez ◽

Mário Fonseca Paulino ◽

Daniel Mageste de Almeida ◽

Román Enrique Masa Ortega ◽

Leandro Soares Martins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Glucose Concentration ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Uterine Involution ◽

Late Treatment ◽

Late Group

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cow’s grazing supplementation during pregnancy on the concentration of metabolites in blood and its relation with uterine involution and postpartum fertility. Twenty-seven Nellore cows were divided into three groups (n=9 for each group) as follows: UNS, unsupplemented during gestation; MID, supplemented from the 30 to 180-day of gestation; LATE, supplemented from the 181 to 281-day of gestation. Blood samples to determine the concentrations of NEFA, BHBA (β-hydroxybutyrate) and the glucose was performed on days 30, 105, 180, 230 and 281 of gestation. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed in all matrices at forty-five days postpartum. Lower NEFA and BHBA concentrations it was observed in the MID and LATE group at 180 and 281 days of gestation respectively for each treatment. A higher glucose concentration was observed at 180 and 281 days of gestation for MID and LATE treatment, respectively. There were no differences in uterine involution and percentage of gestation between treatments. Pre-partum supplementation improves energy balance without altering uterine involution and postpartum fertility.

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Inducing Ovulation with hCG Improves Fertility Outcomes of Co-Dominant Follicle Drainage to Avoid Twin Pregnancy in Dairy Cows

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 169

Author(s):

Irina Garcia-Ispierto ◽

Mònica Pando ◽

Mònica Llobera-Balcells

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Pregnancy Loss ◽

Twin Pregnancy ◽

Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽

Dominant Follicle ◽

Drainage Procedure ◽

Twin Pregnancies ◽

Clinical Problems

Twin pregnancies are undesirable in dairy cattle as they dramatically compromise cow lifespan and, consequently, herd economy. Clinical problems in cows arise from the time of pregnancy diagnosis to pregnancy loss, abortion, or parturition. The drainage of co-dominant follicles in cows with two or more follicles at insemination prevents twin pregnancy. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of draining the smaller of two follicles through a simplified maneuver not requiring ultrasonography in cows in their third or more lactation, and then inducing ovulation immediately before artificial insemination (AI) with GnRH or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Animals were monitored by ultrasound at AI and randomly assigned to the groups: follicular drainage and treatment with GnRH (Deph; n = 60), follicular drainage and treatment with hCG (hCG; n = 60), and non-drainage (ND; n = 60) as control cows. On the basis of odds ratios, cows treated with hCG were 2.1 times more likely to become pregnant than control animals. Our results reveal the efficacy of hCG treatment at AI in cows with two follicles of pre-ovulatory size subjected to a simple follicular drainage procedure.

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Serum progesterone concentration and conception rate of beef cows supplemented with ground corn after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/s0102-09352010000100018 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 130-135 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J.B. Pescara ◽

O.G. Sá Filho ◽

T.C. Losi ◽

R.F. Cooke ◽

J. L. M. Vasconcelos

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Serum Progesterone ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Conception Rates ◽

Calf Removal ◽

Different Levels ◽

Ground Corn

The effects of different levels of finely ground corn (FC) supplementation to grazing beef cows after fixed-time AI (TAI) on serum progesterone (P4) concentrations on day 7 and conception rates on day 28 after TAI were investigated. Three hundred and sixty-four lactating multiparous Brangus cows had follicular and luteal activity synchronized by treatment with estradiol benzoate (Estrogin; 2.0mg IM) and insertion of intra-vaginal P4 releasing device (CIDR) on day -11, followed by treatment with PGF2α (Lutalyse; 25mg IM) on day -4, CIDR and calf removal on day -2, and treatment with GnRH (Fertagyl; 100µg IM) TAI and calf return on day 0. On day 0, cows were randomly allotted in one of the following FC supplement treatments: G1 - 2kg/day from day 0 to 21; G2 - 2kg/day from day 0 to 7, and 6kg/day from day 8 to 21; G3 -6kg/day from day 0 to 7, and 2kg/day from day 8 to 21; and G4 -6kg/day from day 0 to 21. Blood samples were collected on day 7, and pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography indicating the presence of a fetus on day 28. Cows supplemented with 2kg/d of FC had higher serum concentration of P4 on day 7 than cows supplemented with 6kg/d (1.58 vs. 1.28ng/mL; P<0.01; SEM = 0.08). Cows from G4 had higher conception rates compared to G1 cows (58.4 vs. 41.9%, respectively; P<0.05). The level of supplemental energy intake after TAI is negatively associated with following serum P4 concentrations, but positively associated with conception rates of grazing beef cows.

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Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin on pregnancy rates of Nellore cows resynchronized with the use of new DIB and third use, and inseminated at fixed-time

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE ◽

10.24297/jaa.v4i1.4304 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 356-362

Author(s):

Josemara Silva Santos ◽

Tania Cavalcante ◽

Francisca Elda Ferreira Dias ◽

Domenica Palomaris Mariano de Souza ◽

Alencariano J.S. Falcão ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Linear Models ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Estradiol Benzoate ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin ◽

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽

Rectal Palpation ◽

Intravaginal Device

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effects of recombinant bovine somatropin (rbST), and the reuse of the progesterone (P4) releasing devices in resynchronization, on the pregnancy rates of Nellore cows submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination. A group of 123 multiparae Nellore cows, was submitted to a resynchronization protocol: on day 0 a Bovine Intravaginal Device (DIB® ) with 1,0g of P4 was implanted, associated with intramuscular administration of 2,0mg of estradiol benzoate (IM); on day 8 DIB was removed; and 1,0mg of estradiol cypionate, 0,15mg of prostaglandin F2? and 300 UI of equine chorionic gonadotropin were administered; on day 10, fixed-time artificial insemination was conducted (FTAI). The cows were randomized into G1 (n=12) – without rbST / with used Bovine Intravaginal Device, G2 (n=50) – without rbST / with new DIB, G3 (n=11) - with rbST / with used DIB and G4 (n=50) – with rbST/ with new DIB. rbST was introduced on the eighth day of the protocol. Sixty days after TAI, pregnancy diagnoses were conducted, via rectal palpation. Blood samples were taken on day 0, 8 and 10 of the protocol, in order to assess P4 plasma concentrations. Pregnancy rates were statistically evaluated through Generalized Linear Models Theory and their significance was tested with Analysis of Deviance. Pregnancy rates were 58%, 40%, 81% and 48% for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively, with significant statistical difference for G3. Plasma concentrations of P4 were not statistically different among groups, or collections. In view of the results obtained, we concluded that the administration of rbST in association with P4 DIB, used for the third time, improves pregnancy rates. Estrus resynchronization and re-insemination positively impacted pregnancy rates.

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Utilization of remote sensing for estimation of scale of cutting and growing of forest zones

Geodesy and Cartography ◽

10.22389/0016-7126-2017-920-2-57-60 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 920 (2) ◽

pp. 57-60

Author(s):

F.E. Guliyeva

Keyword(s):

Remote Sensing ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Time Interval ◽

Time Points ◽

Average Value ◽

Time Period ◽

Remote Estimation ◽

The Given ◽

Forest Cutting

The study of results of relevant works on remote sensing of forests has shown that the known methods of remote estimation of forest cuts and growth don’t allow to calculate the objective average value of forests cut volume during the fixed time period. The existing mathematical estimates are not monotonous and make it possible to estimate primitively the scale of cutting by computing the ratio of data in two fixed time points. In the article the extreme properties of the considered estimates for deforestation and reforestation models are researched. The extreme features of integrated averaged values of given estimates upon limitations applied on variables, characterizing the deforestation and reforestation processes are studied. The integrated parameter, making it possible to calculate the averaged value of estimates of forest cutting, computed for all fixed time period with a fixed step is suggested. It is shown mathematically that the given estimate has a monotonous feature in regard of value of given time interval and make it possible to evaluate objectively the scales of forest cutting.

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Correlation between L-Lactate Concentrations in Beef Cattle, Obtained Using a Hand-Held Lactate Analyzer and a Lactate Assay Colorimetric Kit

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11040926 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 926

Author(s):

Daniela M. Meléndez ◽

Sonia Marti ◽

Luigi Faucitano ◽

Derek B. Haley ◽

Timothy D. Schwinghamer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Road Transportation ◽

Long Distance ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Time Points ◽

Pooled Data ◽

Red Angus ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

Lactate is a product of anaerobic glycolysis, used in animal research as an indicator of muscle fatigue. Therefore, it has been used as an indicator of cattle response to long distance transportation. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of L-lactate concentrations measured using a Lactate Scout+ analyzer and a traditional lactate assay colorimetric kit. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture from 96 steers (Black or Red Angus × Hereford/Simmental and Black or Red Angus × Charolais; 247 ± 38.2 kg BW) prior to loading (LO1) and after 36 h of transport, and prior to reloading and after an additional 4 h of road transportation, and on d 1, 2, 3, 5, 14, and 28 after transport. The Lactate Scout+ analyzer strip was dipped in blood at the time of sampling, while blood samples were collected into sodium fluoride tubes for use in the colorimetric analysis. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the strength of the relationship between the experimental methods for the quantification of L-lactate concentrations. The magnitude and direction of the correlation, and the level of statistical significance varied over the observed time points, ranging from r = −0.03 (p = 0.75; LO1) to r = 0.75 (p < 0.0001; d 3). The correlation for the pooled data was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.33, p < 0.0001). Based on the low magnitude of the correlation due to variability across sampling time points in this study, the Lactate Scout+ analyzer is not a suitable alternative to a lab-based assay (considered the gold standard) for measuring L-lactate in transported cattle.

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PSVII-3 Correlations between L-lactate concentrations obtained using a handheld lactate analyser and a lactate assay colorimetric kit in beef cattle transported by road

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.535 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 296-297

Author(s):

Daniela M Meléndez ◽

Sonia Marti ◽

Luigi Faucitano ◽

Derek B Haley ◽

Timothy D Schwinghamer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Significance ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Road Transportation ◽

Long Distance ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Handheld Device ◽

Time Points ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Blood metabolites are used to assess a variety of animal conditions for veterinary diagnosis and research. Concentration of metabolites in blood can be measured using a commercially-available lab-based assay or in real-time using a handheld device developed to be more time- and cost-effective than the lab-based method. Lactate is a product of anaerobic glycolysis, used in animal research as an indicator of muscle fatigue. Therefore, it has been used as an indicator of cattle response to long distance transportation. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of L-lactate concentrations measured using a Lactate Scout+ analyzer (Lactate Scout, EFK Diagnostics, Barleben, Germany) and a lactate assay colorimetric kit (Lactate Assay Kit, Cell Biolabs Inc., San Diego, CA). Blood samples were collected by venipuncture from 96 steers (245 ± 35.7 kg BW) prior to (L1) and after 36 h, and prior to and after an additional 4 h of road transportation, and on d 1, 2, 3, 5, 14, and 28 after transport. The Lactate Scout+ analyzer strip was dipped in blood at the time of sampling, while blood samples were collected into sodium fluoride tubes for use in colorimetric analysis. Pearson correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between the experimental methods for the quantification of L-lactate concentrations. The strengths and levels of statistical significance of the correlation varied over the observed time points, r = -0.03, P = 0.75 (L1) to r = 0.75, P = < 0.0001 (d 3). The correlation for the pooled data was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.33, P < 0.001). Based on the experimental results, the Lactate Scout+ analyzer is not a suitable alternative to a lab-based assay for measuring L-lactate in transported cattle, due to variability across sampling time points and weak correlation with the traditional enzymatic method.

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Locked twins—remote from term: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports ◽

10.1186/s13256-021-02725-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abraham Fessehaye ◽

Ferid A. Abubeker ◽

Mekdes Daba

Keyword(s):

Gestational Age ◽

Twin Pregnancy ◽

Caesarian Section ◽

Obstetric Complication ◽

Second Stage ◽

Case Summary ◽

History Of ◽

Twin Pregnancies ◽

Abdominal Delivery ◽

First Stage Of Labor

Abstract Background Locked twins is a rare and hazardous obstetric complication, which occurs in approximately 1:100 twin pregnancies. One of the known etiologic factors for locked twins is size of the twins. We report a case of chin-to-chin locked twins that occurred at gestational age of 30 weeks pus 6 days. Case summary A 27 years-old primigravida Oromo mother presented with a history of pushing down pain and passage of liquor of 6 hours duration at gestational age of 30 weeks plus 6 days. With a diagnosis of twin pregnancy (first twin non-vertex), abdominal delivery was decided in latent first stage of labor but mother refused caesarian delivery and she was allowed to labor with the hope of achieving a vaginal delivery. In second stage, interlocking twin was encountered and a low vertical cesarean section was done to effect delivery of twins without the need to decapitate the first twin. Conclusion Locked twin is a rare obstetric complication. Whenever it is encountered, successful delivery can be achieved without the need to have decapitation of the first twin during caesarian section.

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