scholarly journals Pituitary and ovarian hormones: is their plasma concentration affected by litter size in primiparous lactating rabbit does?

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Carlota Fernández-Pacheco ◽  
Pilar Millán ◽  
María Rodríguez ◽  
Nora Formoso-Rafferty ◽  
Beatriz Velasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Luteinising Hormone ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Growth Requirements ◽  
Energetic Balance ◽  
Peak Release ◽  
Size Adjustment

Genetic selection in commercial rabbit lines based on litter size has positively improved the number of kits suckling, presumably to weaning. Although it has been proven that the energetic balance of primiparous does is due to the need to satisfy pregnancy, lactation and growth requirements, litter size adjustment from 7 to 12 kits is applied as a routine in commercial rabbit farms. The suckling stimulus provokes a prolactin (PRL) secretion, which in turn can modulate the preovulatory release of luteinising hormone (LH) and, consequently, the ovulatory and productive responses of the does. This study aimed to determine if litter size of prolific primiparous rabbit does during lactation [Group HL, with high litter density (10-12 kits; n=21) and Group LL, with low litter density (7-9 kits; n=29)] influences plasma concentration of PRL. Blood samples from lactating does were taken weekly throughout lactation starting on day 4 post-partum, until day 32 post-partum, before and immediately after suckling. In addition, the does were re-inseminated after weaning (day 32 post-partum), and sampled at 0 and 60 min after induction of ovulation to determine whether litter size affected the peak of LH, progesterone (P4) concentrations and the main productive parameters of their second pregnancy. All hormones were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that the PRL concentrations of hyperprolific rabbit does before and immediately after a suckling stimulus from 7-9 or 10-12 kits were significanltly different, as we only detected basal levels, with a rise after weaning in both groups. More studies are necessary, delaying blood sampling to later periods of time after the suckling stimulus, in order to conclude whether the peak release of this hormone is altered or not. There were also no differences in plasma LH and progesterone levels after artificial insemination, or in productive performance of these females after their second pregnancy. In conclusion, the litter size adjustment of prolific primiparous rabbits with 7 to 12 kits determines adequate pituitary, ovarian and reproductive responses at second parturition if the does are inseminated after weaning.

Oxytocin and cortisol release during suckling, hand-milking and machine milking in camels

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Marwa Brahmi ◽  
Moufida Atigui ◽  
Ihmen Hammadi ◽  
Jacques Portanguen ◽  
Mohamed Hammadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Milk Ejection ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Machine Milking ◽  
Physiological Consequence ◽  
Peak Release ◽  
Cortisol Release ◽  
Concentration Patterns

Abstract This research paper addresses the hypothesis that oxytocin (OT) could be released during suckling and during milking with and without the presence of a calf and that this release could be regulated by maternal behaviour. Plasma concentration patterns of OT and cortisol (CORT) were measured in six Tunisian dromedary camels during 2 suckling episodes, 2 manual milking episodes with calves beside the mother and 2 machine milking episodes without calves present. Various patterns of OT release were observed between each camel including specific two peak release patterns. Higher plasma OT concentrations were found during the suckling and hand-milking episodes with simultaneous suckling of calves, than during the machine milking episodes without calves. Exclusive mechanical milking episodes also evoked significant mean OT release, although greatly reduced compared to suckling and hand milking. The low basal levels and classical CORT release patterns suggested non-stressful management practices were used and there were very limited differences in udder stimulation between managements. The OT release induced by exclusive suckling and suckling together with hand-milking gives a reference point for what a good milk ejection stimulation is in camels. The important and specific reduction of OT release during machine milking without the calf present could be a physiological consequence of the maternal behaviour (selectivity for the own young) and to a lesser extent explained by a lower stimulation by machine milking.

scholarly journals Large-Scale Metadata Analysis of Ovary Based Multi-Omics Datasets for Understanding the Genes Regulating Litter Size

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayyappa Kumar Sista Kameshwar ◽  
Julang Li
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Metadata Analysis

Abstract Background : Litter size is a very important production index in the livestock industry, which is controlled by various complex physiological processes. To understand and reveal the common gene expression patterns involved in controlling prolificacy, we have performed a large-scale metadata analysis of five genome-wide transcriptome datasets of pig and sheep ovary samples obtained from high and low litter groups, respectively. We analyzed separately each transcriptome dataset using GeneSpring v14.8 software by implementing standard, generic analysis pipelines and further compared the list of most significant and differentially expressed genes obtained from each dataset to identify genes that are found to be common and significant across all the studies. Results : We have observed a total of 62 differentially expressed genes common among more than two gene expression datasets. The KEGG pathway analysis of most significant genes has shown that they are involved in metabolism, the biosynthesis of lipids, cholesterol and steroid hormones, immune system, cell growth and death, cancer-related pathways and signal transduction pathways. Of these 62 genes, we further narrowed the list to the 25 most significant genes by focusing on the ones with fold change >1.5 and p<0.05. These genes are CYP11A1, HSD17B2, STAR, SCARB1, IGSF8, MSMB, SERPINA1 , FAM46C, HEXA, PTTG1, TIMP1, FAM167B, CCNG1, FAXDC2, HMGCS1, L2HGDH, Lipin1, MME, MSMO1, PARM1, PTGFR, SLC22A4, SLC35F5, CCNA2, CENPU, CEP55, RASSF2, and SLC16A3 . Conclusions : Interestingly, comparing the list of genes with the list of genes obtained from our literature search analysis, we found only three genes in common. These genes are HEXA, PTTG1, and TIMP1. Our finding points to the potential of a few genes that may be important for ovarian follicular development and oocyte quality. Future studies revealing the function of these genes will further our understanding of how litter size is controlled in the ovary while also providing insight on genetic selection of high litter gilts.

scholarly journals Effect of constant length of day on reproduction in albino mice

1959 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Flick Mathewson ◽  
David E. Davis ◽  
John J. Christian
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Length Of Day ◽  
Constant Length ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Albino Mice

Studies on reproduction in a colony of albino mice before and after length of daylight was made constant show no change in litter size. However, there was an increase in the number of post-partum pregnancies after light was made constant and, during the first month thereafter, females were older at first parturition than in previous months.

scholarly journals Resistin expression and plasma concentration peak at different times during pregnancy in rats

2005 ◽  
Vol 185 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Caja ◽  
Izaskun Martínez ◽  
María Abelenda ◽  
Marisa Puerta
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
White Adipose Tissue ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Simultaneous Increase ◽  
Tissue Mass ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Adipose Tissue Mass

Resistin has been proposed as both an anti-adipogenic factor and an inducer of insulin resistance. During late pregnancy, white adipose tissue mass increases and insulin sensitivity decreases. To check for the involvement of resistin in these processes, we measured plasma resistin in pregnant and non-pregnant rats and in lactating dams. Plasma resistin increased by day 15 of pregnancy and remained high 5 days post partum. The simultaneous increase in plasma resistin concentration and the decrease in insulin sensitivity is compatible with resistin depressing maternal insulin sensitivity. Resistin expression increased 5–15 times in visceral white adipose tissue depots by day 8 of pregnancy but was similar to pre-pregnancy values by day 19. Resistin expression in the placenta and mammary gland was similar to that in the parametrial adipose depot by day 8 but was almost null by day 19. There was therefore a time-lag between the peaks in expression and in plasma concentration. White adipose tissue mass increased without changes in adipocyte size once peaks in resistin expression had passed, which is compatible with an anti-adipogenic role for enhanced resistin expression. A bolus injection of chorionic gonadotrophin – which peaks in early pregnancy – to non-pregnant rats increased resistin expression in white adipose tissue, indicating that this hormone is involved in controlling resistin expression. Resistin was not detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Our results have suggested a role for resistin in pregnancy.

Reproduction in the mosaic-tailed rat, Melomys cervinipes (Rodentia :Muridae)

1970 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Taylor ◽  
BE Horner
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Mode Of Reproduction ◽  
Accessory Sex Glands ◽  
Modest Contribution ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Autumn And Winter

The mosaic-tailed rat, M. cervinipes, is usually an abundant murid where it occurs in the northern regions of Australia. It is an inhabitant of the forests and their fringe associations and is semi-arboreal. Although the annual reproductive performance is unknown, breeding occurs at least in late spring and summer in more southern areas of its distribution and extends into autumn and winter farther north. Litter size ranges from two to four. The nipple-clinging behaviour of the young appears to be of selective advantage as an escape mechanism. Description of the histology of the gonads and accessory sex glands is given for juveniles, breeding adults, and sexually quiescent adults. M. cervinipes is polyoestrous and a spontaneous ovulator and may experience a post-partum oestrus. Melomys is not known to occur in plague proportions in its native habitat; its mode of reproduction favours a prolonged and modest contribution of young within a breeding period.

Hormonal changes in post-partum blood plasma and milk of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. Pahwa ◽  
R. S. Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Complete Regression ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Similar Concentration ◽  
The Mean ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Mean Concentration

ABSTRACTPost-partum changes in the concentration of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and prolactin were measured by radioimmunoassay in the blood plasma and milk of 28 buffaloes. The mean concentration of progesterone in the plasma of normal animals was 0·24 ± 0·04 μ.g/1 on the day of calving and decreased linearly during the post-partum period, until the complete regression of the residual corpus luteum of pregnancy occurred, when the plasma concentration was recorded as 0μ05 to 0μ08 μg/l. The concentration at a silent oestrus was 0μ17 ± 0·02 μ.g/1. The milk progesterone profile was parallel to that of plasma but the level was 2 to 4 times higher.The mean concentration of oestradiol-17β in plasma was 41·0 ± 2·34 ng/1 on the day of calving; it declined significantly by day 1 post partum (P < 0·001) and fluctuated between 8 and 16 ng/1 until oestrus, when the concentration was approximately 25 ng/1. The oestradiol-17β concentration in milk was significantly higher than that of plasma on the day of calving. During the first 20 days post partum, a similar concentration of oestradiol-17β was maintained in both fluids but thereafter the concentration in milk was 2 to 3 times that of plasma.The mean concentration of prolactin in plasma was 212·6± 19·08 μg/1 on the day of calving and then declined and fluctuated between 70 and 270 μg/1 during the rest of the period. A minor elevation occurred around oestrus. The prolactin concentration for the first 2 days post partum in milk was significantly higher than that in plasma but during the rest of the period it was similar to that in plasma.The progesterone concentrations were slightly lower in anoestrous animals than in those cycling. The concentration of prolactin was significantly higher in multiparous animals (P < 0·001), whilst the progesterone and oestradiol values were similar in primiparous and multiparous animals.

Performance evaluation of Soviet Chinchilla and Californian White rabbit breeds in tropical climatic conditions of India

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uday Kannegundla ◽  
S. Sai Reddy ◽  
M. Gnana Prakash ◽  
M. Mahenderand ◽  
P. Amareswari
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Genetic And Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
High Heritability ◽  
Size At Birth

Study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Soviet Chinchilla and Californian White rabbit breeds maintained in tropical environment at rabbit research station, Hyderabad, Telangana. Data generated on total of 1364 bunnies, 701 belongings to the Soviet Chinchilla born in 122 litters and 663 bunnies of Californian White born in 124 litters during the period from 2012 to 2015 were utilized to examine the various productive performance traits. The overall least-squares mean litter size and litter weight was 5.52 ± 0.16 and 264.75 ± 7.86 at birth and 3.56 ± 0.17 and 1439.67 ± 72.55 g at weaning, respectively. The overall least-squares mean pre weaning body weights were 48.39 ± 0.48, 113.65 ± 1.38, 161.50 ± 2.03, 226.15 ± 3.47, 417.89 ± 7.53g at birth, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of age and the post weaning weights at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age were 628.75 ± 13.02, 844.11 ± 14.81, 1040.79 ± 16.42, 1225.96 ± 17.81, 1437.57 ± 20.54 and 1636.99 ± 28.87 g, respectively. Season of birth and litter size at birth showed significant (£0.01) effect on body weights while genetic group, parity of the doe and sex of the bunny had slight effects only. The low to high heritability estimates, genetic and phenotypic correlations of body weights are the indication for improvement of body weights by appropriate breeding plans.

Studies in sow reproduction 1. The effect of nutrition between weaning and remating on the reproductive performance of primiparous sows

1972 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. H. Brooks ◽  
D. J. A. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Large White ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sow Reproduction

SUMMARYFollowing weaning of their first litter at 42 days post partum, 36 Landrace × (Landrace × Large White) sows were fasted for 24 hr then allocated to one of three feed levels, 1·8, 2·7 and 3·6 kg food/day, until the day after mating. During pregnancy all the sows received 1·8 kg food/day.The incidence of infertility and anoestrus was greatest for sows fed 1·8 kg/day and least for sows fed 3·6 kg·day. Sows fed 1·8 kg/day took significantly (P < 0·01) longer (21·6 + 3·0 days) to return to oestrus than sows fed 3·6 kg/day (9·2 ± 2·2 days). The mean litter size for sows fed 1·8, 2·7 and 3·6 kg food/day was 9·4 ± 0·9, 10·1 ± 0·8 and 11·5 ± 0·6 piglets respectively, but these differences were not significant.

Effect of litter size on milk yield in the rat

1975 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Morag ◽  
F. Popliker ◽  
R. Yagil
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Post Partum

The amount of milk removed from rats during 1 hour's suckling after a separation period of 8 hours was estimated by weighing their pups. In the 1st experiment litters of 9 pups were suckled by all rats. At test sucklings held daily on days 6-15 of lactation, pups were reallocated to give 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15 pups per dam. The largest amount of milk was removed at suckling by groups of 12 pups. In a 2nd experiment, rats were constantly sucked by litters of either 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15 pups from birth to slaughter at 15 days post partum. Rats with 12 and 15 pups yielded the most milk, nearly twice as much as those suckling only 6 or 9 pups. Litters of 3 pups consumed less than 1/3 of the amount consumed by litters of 6 or 9 pups.

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