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Lanci A, Perina F, Armani S, Merlo B, Iacono E, Castagnetti C, Mariella J. Could assisted reproductive techniques affect equine fetal membranes and neonatal outcome? Theriogenology 2024; 215:125-131. [PMID: 38052132 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Embryo transfer (ET) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are widely used in equine species, but their effects on fetal adnexa and neonates have not been investigated yet. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whether pregnancies obtained by ET or ICSI could be associated with the presence of macroscopic alterations of fetal membranes (FM) and umbilical cord (UC) and if the use of these techniques could influence neonatal outcome. Sixty-six light breed mares hospitalized at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Bologna, for attending delivery were included in the study. Mares were divided into Artificial Insemination (AI; 32/66 mares, 48 %), Embryo Transfer (ET; 12/66 mares, 18.2 %) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI; 22/66 mares, 33 %) groups. All the medical reports of mares and their foals were reviewed and data about mare, pregnancy, foaling, fetal membranes, umbilical cord and foal were recorded. The occurrence of dystocia resulted statistically different between AI group and ICSI group (p = 0.0066), and between AI group and ET group (p = 0.044). Macroscopic examination of FM revealed alterations in 30/66 mares (46 %): 8/32 in AI (25 %), 7/12 in ET (58 %) and 15/22 in ICSI (68 %) with significant lower incidence in AI compared to ET (p = 0.04) and ICSI (p = 0.002) groups. Alterations reported were chorionic villi hypoplasia, chorioallantois edema, allantois cysts, necrotic areas and greenish-grey concretions. Total length of UC resulted significantly shorter in ICSI group (49 ± 9 cm; p < 0.03) compared to AI (60 ± 17 cm) and ET (59 ± 15 cm). However, there were no differences in the incidence of foals' diseases at birth and in foals' survival among groups (p > 0.05). The results demonstrate that transfer of in vivo or in vitro produced embryos may lead to alterations of placental development, as observed in other species, without being associated with a higher incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Further studies about trophoblast development, FM histological evaluation, and placental gene expression should be carried out to clarify the mechanisms underlying the placental alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliai Lanci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy.
| | - Francesca Perina
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Sabrina Armani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy; Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy; Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carolina Castagnetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy; Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jole Mariella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50- 40064-Ozzano Dell' Emilia (BO), Italy
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Mouncey R, Arango-Sabogal JC, de Mestre AM, Verheyen K. Gestation Length is Associated With Early-Life Limb Deformities in Thoroughbred Foals. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 129:104896. [PMID: 37541603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Flexural and angular limb deformities (LD) are an important cause of early-life morbidity and mortality/euthanasia in Thoroughbred foals. The majority are congenital in origin but, to date, their precise aetiology is poorly understood. We hypothesized that maternal- and pregnancy-level factors, particularly those with potential to influence in-utero growth and development, could play an important role. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate associations between such factors and early-life LD in Thoroughbred foals. A birth cohort was established on seven farms across the United Kingdom and Ireland and details of veterinary interventions for LD in foals in the first six months of life prospectively recorded. Details of dams' signalment, breeding history and reproductive and veterinary history in the breeding season(s) of interest were retrieved retrospectively from stud farm and veterinary records. Associations between mare- and pregnancy-level factors and LD in offspring were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Records were available for 275 pregnancies in 235 mares, over two breeding seasons. Pregnancies resulted in the birth of 272 live foals, 21% of which (n = 57/272, 95% CI, 16-26) required veterinary intervention for LD in the first six months of life. Odds of LD decreased by 4% per day increase in gestation length between 314 and 381 days (OR 0.96, 95% CI, 0.93-0.99, P = .01). Longer gestation length appears to reduce the odds of early-life LD, including within the normal range of gestation length for Thoroughbred foals. Further work is required to elucidate biological mechanisms behind this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mouncey
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Sabogal
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK; Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK; Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, USA
| | - Kristien Verheyen
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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Derisoud E, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Rousseau-Ralliard D, Philau S, Aujean E, Durand A, Dahirel M, Charlier M, Boutinaud M, Wimel L, Chavatte-Palmer P. Maternal Age, Parity and Nursing Status at Fertilization Affects Postpartum Lactation Up to Weaning in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 128:104868. [PMID: 37329928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Nulliparity is associated with intra-uterine growth retardation and foal delayed catch-up growth. Older mares produce larger/taller foals than the precedents. Nursing at conception on foal growth had not been investigated yet. In any case, milk production conditions the foal's growth. This study aimed to determine effects of mare parity, age and nursing on subsequent lactation quantity and quality. Saddlebred mares and their foals (N = 43) run as a single herd over the same year were: young (6-7-year-old) primiparous, young multiparous, old (10-16-year-old) multiparous nursing at insemination time or old multiparous barren the previous year. No young nursing nor old multiparous mares were available. Colostrum was collected. Milk production and foal weight were monitored at 3-, 30-, 60-, 90- and 180-days postfoaling. The foal average daily weight gain (ADG) was calculated for each period between two measurements. Milk fatty acid (FA), sodium, potassium, total protein and lactose contents were determined. The primiparous versus multiparous colostrum was richer in immunoglobulin G, with lower production but greater FA contents in milk. The primiparous foals had a lower ADG for 3 to 30 days postpartum period. Old mares' colostrum contained more SFA and less polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) whereas their milk was richer in proteins and sodium and poorer in short-chain-SFA with a reduced PUFA/SFA ratio at 90 days. Nursing mares' colostrum was richer in MUFA and PUFA and late-lactation milk production was reduced. In conclusion, parity, age and nursing at conception affect mare's colostrum and milk production and foal growth and should be considered for broodmares' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Delphine Rousseau-Ralliard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Etienne Aujean
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, University of Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Alexia Durand
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Michèle Dahirel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Madia Charlier
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, University of Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Cognie J, Freret S, Lansade L, Parias C, Barriere P, Gesbert A, Reigner F, Deleuze S. Early castration in foals: Consequences on physical and behavioural development. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:214-221. [PMID: 35478462 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of very early castration of foals has not yet been studied despite the many positive effects observed in dogs and cats. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to compare castration at 3 days and 18 months and assess their subsequent morphological and behavioural development. STUDY DESIGN This was a randomised, blinded clinical study. METHODS Twenty-two Welsh ponies underwent either early (3-day old, EC group, n = 11) or traditional (18-month old, TC group, n = 11) castration. Animals were followed up to 3 years of age. All ponies were castrated using a primary closure technique under general anaesthesia. Weight and morphometric measurements were monitored monthly from birth until 8 months of age in both groups. Then, measurements were taken every 3 months until 2 years of age and then every 6 months until 3 years of age. Temperament tests were performed on all animals when they were 1- and 3-years old. RESULTS No differences were observed between the EC and TC groups in terms of physical development from birth until 40 months of age or in terms of temperament and behaviour at either 1 or 3 years of age. MAIN LIMITATIONS The study included only one breed (Welsh ponies) and only 22 animals that were castrated before 2 years of age, precluding comparison with castration performed at older ages. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that early castration at 3 days does not interfere with morphological or behavioural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Cognie
- Physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements (PRC) - UMR85, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sandrine Freret
- Physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements (PRC) - UMR85, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Lea Lansade
- Physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements (PRC) - UMR85, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Celine Parias
- Physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements (PRC) - UMR85, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Amandine Gesbert
- Physiologie Animale (PAO) - UE1297, INRAE, PAO, Nouzilly, France
| | - Fabrice Reigner
- Physiologie Animale (PAO) - UE1297, INRAE, PAO, Nouzilly, France
| | - Stefan Deleuze
- Faculté de Médecine vétérinaire, Département Clinique des Equidés, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Shilton CA, Kahler A, Roach JM, Raudsepp T, de Mestre AM. Lethal variants of equine pregnancy: is it the placenta or foetus leading the conceptus in the wrong direction? Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:51-69. [PMID: 36592981 DOI: 10.1071/rd22239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic and foetal loss remain one of the greatest challenges in equine reproductive health with 5-10% of established day 15 pregnancies and a further 5-10% of day 70 pregnancies failing to produce a viable foal. The underlying reason for these losses is variable but ultimately most cases will be attributed to pathologies of the environment of the developing embryo and later foetus, or a defect intrinsic to the embryo itself that leads to lethality at any stage of gestation right up to birth. Historically, much research has focused on the maternal endometrium, endocrine and immune responses in pregnancy and pregnancy loss, as well as infectious agents such as pathogens, and until recently very little was known about the both small and large genetic variants associated with reduced foetal viability in the horse. In this review, we first introduce key aspects of equine placental and foetal development. We then discuss incidence, risk factors and causes of pregnancy loss, with the latter focusing on genetic variants described to date that can impact equine foetal viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Shilton
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anne Kahler
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jessica M Roach
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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6
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Chavatte-Palmer P, Derisoud E, Robles M. Pregnancy and placental development in horses: an update. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 79:106692. [PMID: 34823139 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Horses have been domesticated by man and historical information mostly associates horses with men. Nowadays, however, horse riding is essentially by women. Women are also very much involved in equine sciences, with a large contribution to the understanding of fetoplacental development. While highlighting the work of female scientists, this review describes the recent advances in equine fetoplacental studies, focusing on data obtained by new generation sequencing and progress on the understanding of the role of placental progesterone metabolites throughout gestation. A second emphasis is made on fetal programming, a currently very active field, where the importance of maternal nutrition, mare management or the use of embryo technologies has been shown to induce long term effects in the offspring that might affect progeny's performance. Finally, new perspectives for the study of equine pregnancy are drawn, that will rely on new methodologies applied to molecular explorations and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
| | - E Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France
| | - M Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France; INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec H7V1B7, Canada
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Renaudin CD, Kass PH, Bruyas JF. Prediction of gestational age based on fetal ultrasonographic biometric measurements in light breed horses. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:743-753. [PMID: 35342998 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip H Kass
- 230 Mrak Hall, 1 Shield Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Derisoud E, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Palmer E, Robles M, Chavatte-Palmer P. Female age and parity in horses: how and why does it matter? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:52-116. [PMID: 35231230 DOI: 10.1071/rd21267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although puberty can occur as early as 14-15months of age, depending on breed and use, the reproductive career of mares may continue to advanced ages. Once mares are used as broodmares, they will usually produce foals once a year until they become unfertile, and their productivity can be enhanced and/or prolonged through embryo technologies. There is a general consensus that old mares are less fertile, but maternal age and parity are confounding factors because nulliparous mares are usually younger and older mares are multiparous in most studies. This review shows that age critically affects cyclicity, folliculogenesis, oocyte and embryo quality as well as presence of oviductal masses and uterine tract function. Maternal parity has a non-linear effect. Primiparity has a major influence on placental and foal development, with smaller foals at the first gestation that remain smaller postnatally. After the first gestation, endometrial quality and uterine clearance capacities decline progressively with increasing parity and age, whilst placental and foal birthweight and milk production increase. These combined effects should be carefully balanced when breeding mares, in particular when choosing and caring for recipients and their foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d'Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Morgane Robles
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; and INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, H7V 1B7 Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Becsek A, Tzanidakis N, Blanco M, Schmicke M, Bollwein H. Transrectal three-dimensional fetal volumetry in early pregnant mares: Relationships between maternal factors and equine fetal volume measurements. Theriogenology 2021; 174:20-26. [PMID: 34416560 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal, hormonal, and fetal factors on early fetal volume (FV) measurements in mares obtained by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. Furthermore, postpartum parameters were explored in regard to their association with early FV. For this purpose, 149 German warmblood mares that were artificially inseminated and confirmed to be pregnant between days 14-16 of gestation, were examined transrectally at day 45 ± 1 of gestation with the portable 3D ultrasound device Voluson® i (GE, Zipf, Austria). FV was calculated by using the extension software Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™). Two different mixed linear models were used to analyze associations between the investigated maternal and fetal factors and the FV. Explanatory variables investigated in the first model were: maternal age, parity, maternal weight, and body condition score, type of pregnancy (recipient or biological mother), barren status (lactating or non-lactating), fetal sex, progesterone (P4) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) concentrations; and in the second model outcome variables such as gestational length, birth weight, placental weight, fetal sex, and abortion were included in the analysis. The final models revealed a significant relation between FV and eCG (b = 0.011, P = 0.030), as well as with P4 (b = -0.053, P = 0.016), but interestingly P4 was negatively related to FV. Fetal sex showed the most prominent effect on FV (b = -0.256, P = 0.039), with female fetuses being smaller than male fetuses. In the second model none of the investigated parameters were related to early FV except for fetal sex (b = -0.328, P = 0.047), again with female fetuses being smaller. In summary, it was found that FV is related with eCG, P4 and fetal sex, but was no suitable predicting factor for the investigated outcome parameters. Furthermore, the findings suggest that sex specific growth differences exist already in early gestation. The detailed biological mechanism by which P4 and eCG affect fetal size has to be investigated in prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Becsek
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Nikolaos Tzanidakis
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Miguel Blanco
- Gestüt Lewitz, PS Pferdehaltung GmbH, Lewitzhof 1, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe, Germany.
| | - Marion Schmicke
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Gestüt Lewitz, PS Pferdehaltung GmbH, Lewitzhof 1, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe, Germany.
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10
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Kahler A, McGonnell IM, Smart H, Kowalski AA, Smith KC, Wathes DC, de Mestre AM. Fetal morphological features and abnormalities associated with equine early pregnancy loss. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:530-541. [PMID: 32869365 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early pregnancy loss (EPL) occurs in approximately 8% of equine pregnancies, although the aetiology is mostly unknown and embryonic/fetal morphological abnormalities associated with EPL are not defined. OBJECTIVES To compare the morphology of EPL to clinically normal embryos/fetuses and previously described embryonic/fetal developmental milestones. To identify morphological abnormalities associated with equine EPL. STUDY DESIGN Observational case-control study. METHODS Embryos/fetuses were obtained from clinically normal Thoroughbred and pony pregnancies (n = 11) and following EPL from Thoroughbred mares (n = 27). The crown-rump length (CRL) of embryos/fetuses was measured and macroscopic morphology and developmental age were determined independently by three blinded examiners. Sagittal sections of EPL (n = 13) and control (n = 6) embryos/fetuses were assessed microscopically. Fisher's exact test was used to determine significance (P < .05) and correlations were expressed by Pearson coefficient. RESULTS Age and CRL were strongly positively correlated in clinically normal Thoroughbred and reference (n = 15, R = .9 (95% CI: 0.8-1.0), R2 = .9, P < .0001) but not EPL embryos/fetuses (n = 19, R = .1 (95% CI: -0.4 to 0.5), R2 = .01, P = .75). Relative to controls, the CRL of EPL embryos/fetuses was smaller, with evidence of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in 3/8 fetuses assessed. In 9/13 EPL embryos/fetuses, nonspecific neural tissue alterations were identified including disruption of developing pros-, mes- and rhombencephalon and the presence of haemosiderin, indicating premortem haemorrhage. Failed neural tube closure was identified in 1/13 EPL embryos/fetuses. Subcutaneous haemorrhage was present in 14/27 EPL embryos/fetuses. MAIN LIMITATIONS Autolysis significantly affected 15/27 EPL embryos/fetuses, excluding them from complete assessment. The IUGR reference cut-off values were based on a small number of controls. CONCLUSIONS Morphological features associated with equine EPL were a mismatch between embryonic/fetal size and age, and alterations of the developing neural tissue and localised subcutaneous haemorrhage. Failed neural tube closure was confirmed as a rare specific abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kahler
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Imelda M McGonnell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Harriette Smart
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Alycia A Kowalski
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.,Veterinary Care, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Ken C Smith
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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Auclair-Ronzaud J, Jousset T, Dubois C, Wimel L, Jaffrézic F, Chavatte-Palmer P. No-contact microchip measurements of body temperature and behavioural changes prior to foaling. Theriogenology 2020; 157:399-406. [PMID: 32871444 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gestational length is highly variable in horses ranging from 320 to 360 days. Thus, determining parturition time is an important challenge for the horse industry. Body temperature can be used in cows and ewes as an indicator of parturition. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine if temperature can also be used as indicator of foaling. Thirty-nine mares were monitored over two foaling seasons (2018 and 2019). They were housed in 16 m2 stalls with access to pasture in group three times a week from 10:00 to 16:00. Night watch as well as video monitoring was ensured during foaling periods. Body temperature was monitored using an identification and temperature sensor microchip implanted in the neckline. Measurement were taken manually every 2 h from 5 days before to 6 h after parturition by moving a microchip reader close to the mares' neck. Mares were equipped with a tail accelerometer recording tail movements and lateral recumbency 24 h before parturition. In addition, behaviour was monitored by video analysis in the hour preceding expulsion of the foal in 8 individuals in 2019. Relationships between behavioural and temperature data were explored throughout principal component analysis (PCA). All foals were born healthy and no human intervention was required during foaling. Mean daily body temperature decreased significantly by 0.3 °C (95%; range: 0.42 to -0.19 °C) between the day of parturition and the mean temperature of the 5 preceding days. A significant temperature decrease was also detected 12 h before and at the onset of parturition. With a 0.5 °C threshold, foaling could be detected 12 h in advance with 96.6% sensitivity and 95.0% specificity, respectively. Tail movements were more frequent and shorter with impending parturition. Body temperature was positively correlated with increased frequency and duration of specific behaviours (flehmen, looking at their flank and rump scratching against the stall wall). In conclusion, as in other species, body temperature was related to signs usually associated with impeding parturition, with a significant temperature drop observed from 12 h before and at the time of foaling. Providing automated measurements become available, temperature monitoring could become an additional tool to predict parturition in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Auclair-Ronzaud
- IFCE, Plateau Technique de la Station Expérimentale, 1 Impasse des Haras, 19370, CHAMBERET, France.
| | - Tristan Jousset
- IFCE, Plateau Technique de la Station Expérimentale, 1 Impasse des Haras, 19370, CHAMBERET, France; La Maison Blanche, Saint-Germain de Livet, 14100, France.
| | - Cédric Dubois
- IFCE, Plateau Technique de la Station Expérimentale, 1 Impasse des Haras, 19370, CHAMBERET, France.
| | - Laurence Wimel
- IFCE, Plateau Technique de la Station Expérimentale, 1 Impasse des Haras, 19370, CHAMBERET, France.
| | - Florence Jaffrézic
- GABI, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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12
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Wilsher S, Bowker A, Silva J, Allen WRT. Morphological Characteristics of the Placenta and Umbilical Cord of Arabian Mares Foaling in the United Arab Emirates. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 91:103124. [PMID: 32684262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A total of 127 normal placentas from Arabian mares resident in the United Arab Emirates were examined. The mean linear dimensions of the placenta were, on average, 84% of those previously recorded for the placentas of the Thoroughbred. Significant differences in the size of the allantochorion between primigravid and multiparous mares were seen only in the linear dimensions of the body portion. The pregnant horn was more commonly on the right than left side of the uterus (P = .01; 74/127; 58%). Cord attachment was primarily at the base of the two placental horns (112/127; 88%), with the remainder showing anomalies from this position. The mean (±SEM) total length of the umbilical cords was 62.2 ± 1.2 cm, being composed of the allantoic portion (29.7 ± 0.9 cm) and amniotic portion (32.5 ± 0.6 cm), which averaged 53 ± 0.01% of the total length. The amniotic portion was usually, but not always, longer than the allantoic portion (79/127; 62%). Longer cords were associated with a greater proportion of allantoic length. An enlarged yolk sac remnant (YSR) was present in 16/127 (13%) placentas. Cords with YSRs displayed a significantly longer allantoic portion than those without (P = .02). The total cord length was not correlated with the weight or area of the allantochorion or amnion, any linear measurement of the allantochorion, gestation length, the month of foaling, parity of the dam, or birthweight or sex of the foal. The purpose for which the mare was bred (i.e., racing or showing) influenced the cord length, those of show mares being significantly longer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bowker
- Al Asayl Racing and Equestrian, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Janela Silva
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Fowden AL, Giussani DA, Forhead AJ. Physiological development of the equine fetus during late gestation. Equine Vet J 2020; 52:165-173. [PMID: 31721295 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In many species, the pattern of growth and physiological development in utero has an important role in determining not only neonatal viability but also adult phenotype and disease susceptibility. Changes in fetal development induced by a range of environmental factors including maternal nutrition, disease, placental insufficiency and social stresses have all been shown to induce adult cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction that often lead to ill health in later life. Compared to other precocious animals, much less is known about the physiological development of the fetal horse or the longer-term impacts on its phenotype of altered development in early life because of its inaccessibility in utero, large size and long lifespan. This review summaries the available data on the normal metabolic, cardiovascular and endocrine development of the fetal horse during the second half of gestation. It also examines the responsiveness of these physiological systems to stresses such as hypoglycaemia and hypotension during late gestation. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the equine placenta and fetal endocrine glands in mediating the changes in fetal development seen towards term and in response to nutritional and other environmental cues. The final part of the review presents the evidence that the early life environment of the horse can alter its subsequent metabolic, cardiovascular and endocrine phenotype as well as its postnatal growth and bone development. It also highlights the immediate neonatal environment as a key window of susceptibility for programming of equine phenotype. Although further studies are needed to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, developmental programming of physiological phenotype is likely to have important implications for the health and potential athletic performance of horses, particularly if born with abnormal bodyweight, premature or dysmature characteristics or produced by assisted reproductive technologies, indicative of an altered early life environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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14
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Robles M, Couturier-Tarrade A, Derisoud E, Geeverding A, Dubois C, Dahirel M, Aioun J, Prezelin A, Calvez J, Richard C, Wimel L, Chavatte-Palmer P. Effects of dietary arginine supplementation in pregnant mares on maternal metabolism, placental structure and function and foal growth. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6461. [PMID: 31015538 PMCID: PMC6478728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42941-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Foals born to primiparous mares are lighter and less mature than those born to multiparous dams. Factors driving this difference are not totally understood. Using 7 multiparous and 6 primiparous standardbred mares, we demonstrated that, in late gestation, primiparous mares were less insulin resistant compared to multiparous mares, and that their foals had reduced plasma amino-acid concentrations at birth compared to foals born to multiparous mares. Vascular development, as observed through structure and gene expression, and global DNA methylation were also reduced in primiparous placentas. Another group of 8 primiparous mares was orally supplemented with L-arginine (100 g/day, 210d to term). L-arginine improved pregnancy-induced insulin resistance and increased maternal L-arginine and L-ornithine plasma concentrations but foal plasma amino acid concentrations were not affected at birth. At birth, foal weight and placental biometry, structure, ultra-structure and DNA methylation were not modified. Placental expression of genes involved in glucose and fatty acid transfers was increased. In conclusion, maternal insulin resistance in response to pregnancy and placental function are reduced in primiparous pregnancies. Late-gestation L-arginine supplementation may help primiparous mares to metabolically adapt to pregnancy and improve placental function. More work is needed to confirm these effects and ascertain optimal treatment conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Robles
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | | | - Emilie Derisoud
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Audrey Geeverding
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Cedric Dubois
- IFCE, Station Expérimentale de la Valade, 19370 Chamberet, France
| | - Michele Dahirel
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Josiane Aioun
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Audrey Prezelin
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Juliane Calvez
- UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Richard
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Laurence Wimel
- IFCE, Station Expérimentale de la Valade, 19370 Chamberet, France
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15
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Lanci A, Castagnetti C, Ranciati S, Sergio C, Mariella J. A regression model including fetal orbit measurements to predict parturition in Standardbred mares with normal pregnancy. Theriogenology 2018; 126:153-158. [PMID: 30553975 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the mare, foaling is a critical unpredictable event due to a wide range of gestational length and the absence of clear signs of impending parturition. To predict foaling, pH, inversion sodium potassium and increase of calcium concentration in mammary secretions are used. The aim of this study was to find how many days are left until parturition knowing mare's age (A) and parity (P) combined with ultrasonographic measurements of the fetal orbit in Standardbred mares with normal pregnancy. Eighty healthy Standardbred mares with normal pregnancy were hospitalized for attended delivery. Information about mare's age, parity and breeding date were recorded at admission. Transrectal ultrasonography were routinely performed at admission and every 10 days until parturition using a B-mode real time portable unit equipped with a 5-7.5 MHz linear transducer. The images of the fetal orbit were acquired when cornea, anterior and posterior chamber, vitreous body, lens and optic nerve were visible. Longitudinal diameter (LD) was considered as the distance between the two ocular poles, within the vitreous body; transverse diameter (TD), perpendicular to LD and bisecting the lens, was measured as the distance between cornea and retina. At delivery, length of pregnancy and gestational age at each exam were registered. For each ultrasound examination, days before parturition (DBP) were calculated. Seventy-eight Standardbred mares with normal pregnancies were included in the study. Mares' mean age was 9 ± 5 years old (range 4-20 years) and mean gestation length was 341 ± 7 days (range 327-366 days). Thirty-three mares were primiparous and 45 mares were multiparous. Data were analyzed using a regression tree: P, A, LD and TD were used as covariates. DBP was used as the variable of interest. Nine terminal nodes were identified based on the selected covariates. The first split is produced by the TD: fetuses with TD greater or equal than 2.97 cm are further split according to LD, with a threshold of 3.28 cm. The next split is dictated by A; after a further split on LD, the first terminal node is built, containing 34 fetuses with average DBP equal to 10 days. If the A is ≥ 9.5 years a further split is on P: when mares are multiparous, the TD built two different nodes. Since prediction of mare's foaling date is an important factor in stud farm management, the regression model developed may help the veterinarian to estimate the DBP in Standardbred mares with normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliai Lanci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Carolina Castagnetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Saverio Ranciati
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Quirico Filopanti 5, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sergio
- Via San Leo 2A, 40054, Vedrana di Budrio, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jole Mariella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
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16
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Akbarinejad V, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Bagheri Amirabadi MM. Nulliparous and primiparous cows produce less fertile female offspring with lesser concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as compared with multiparous cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 197:222-230. [PMID: 30174098 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional partitioning to fetal development differ among nulliparous, primiparous and multiparous cows, leading to birth of smaller calves to nulliparous and primiparous than multiparous dams. The prenatal nutritional state could influence ovarian reserve and fertility in the adult offspring. The effect of maternal parity on ovarian reserve and reproduction of female offspring, however, has not been investigated in cattle. Accordingly, a retrospective research was conducted to study reproductive variables in nulliparous- (n = 310), primiparous- (n = 236) and multiparous-born (n = 323) female offspring during the first four lactation periods in dairy cows. Additionally, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), as a reliable marker of ovarian reserve, was measured in a subset of nulliparous- (n = 51), primiparous- (n = 51) and multiparous-born (n = 49) female offspring. Birth weight in multiparous-born calves was greater than that in nulliparous- and primiparous-born calves (P < 0.01). Days to first service was shorter in multiparous-born female offspring as compared with nulliparous- and primiparous-born female offspring (P < 0.05). First service conception rate, proportion of repeated breeders, service per conception and calving to conception interval were greater in multiparous-born than nulliparous-born cows (P < 0.05). Cumulative culling rate was greater in primiparous-born cows than nulliparous- and multiparous-born cows (P < 0.05). The AMH concentration was greater in multiparous-born than nulliparous- and primiparous-born cows (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed that in comparison with multiparous cows, nulliparous and primiparous cows, particularly nulliparous cows, produce female offspring with lesser reproductive performance and smaller size of ovarian reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - F Gharagozlou
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Vojgani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M M Bagheri Amirabadi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Mariella J, Iacono E, Lanci A, Merlo B, Palermo C, Morris L, Castagnetti C. Macroscopic characteristics of the umbilical cord in Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses. Theriogenology 2018; 113:166-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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