1
|
Vasquez-Hidalgo MA, Swanson KC, Vonnahme KA. Effects of Mid-Gestation Nutrient Restriction, Realimentation, and Parity on the Umbilical Hemodynamics of the Pregnant Ewe. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.855345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that nutritional restriction from days 50 to 130 applied in young nulliparous ewes reduces umbilical blood flow (UBF). We hypothesized that during restriction, UBF and fetal and placentome dimensional measurements would decrease compared to adequately fed ewes, but upon realimentation, ewes would have similar UBF as ewes that were not restricted. We also hypothesized that multiparous ewes would be more resilient to nutrient restriction compared to nulliparous ewes. In experiment 1, second-parity Dorset ewes carrying singletons were assigned to an adequate nutrition group (CON, n = 7) or a restricted (60% of CON) group (RES, n = 8), from days 50 to 90 of gestation. In experiment 2, on day 50 of gestation, adult (15-month) nulliparous (NUL; n = 12) and multiparous (MUL; n = 16) Dorset ewes carrying singletons were randomly assigned to receive 100% of NRC recommendations (CON) or 60% of CON (RES). On day 90, all ewes were fed 100% of nutritional recommendations according to body weight. Ewe body weight and conceptus measurements via ultrasonography were recorded every 10 days from days 50 to 130 of gestation. We measured 10 random placentomes, fetal biparietal and abdominal length, and kidney length and width. Doppler mode was used to obtain UBF, pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI). Lamb weight and parturition problems were recorded. In experiment 1, on day 80, UBF decreased (P ≤ 0.05 means separation of unprotected F test), placentome size tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.10), and PI and RI tended to increase in RES vs. CON ewes (P ≤ 0.10). In experiment 2, there were no three-way interactions or main effects of treatments on UBF, PI, RI, and placentome size (P ≥ 0.57). There was a parity-by-day interaction (P < 0.05) for RI, but UBF was not affected by parity or diet. After realimentation, there was no effect of treatment on ultrasound measurements in both experiments. At birth, lambs and placental measurements were not different (P ≥ 0.43). Restriction from days 50 to 90 does not seem to influence umbilical hemodynamics or conceptus growth in adult white face sheep, regardless of parity.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bruce M, Young JM, Masters DG, Refshauge G, Thompson AN, Kenyon PR, Behrendt R, Lockwood A, Miller DW, Jacobson C. The impact of lamb and ewe mortality associated with dystocia on Australian and New Zealand sheep farms: A systematic review, meta-analysis and bio-economic model. Prev Vet Med 2021; 196:105478. [PMID: 34487918 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Dystocia contributes to lamb and ewe mortality in the periparturient period but impacts for extensive sheep production systems remain poorly understood. Here we show that lamb and ewe mortality associated with dystocia has important impacts on sheep production in Australia and New Zealand, and quantify financial impacts for the Australian sheep industry. A systematic review of the literature identified 11 publications published since 1990 that reported sheep mortality due to dystocia in Australia or New Zealand. Assumptions for ewe breeding flock structure and reproductive performance were based on Australian sheep industry data. The proportion of lamb mortality attributable to dystocia (including stillbirths and perinatal deaths with evidence of hypoxic injury) pooled across all studies (pooled proportional mortality ratio) was 47 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 38, 55). Pooled proportional mortality ratio for Australian studies was 53 % (95 %CI: 47, 60), and for New Zealand studies was 35 % (95 %CI: 19, 51). Pooled proportional mortality ratio was similar for lambs born to Merino and non-Merino ewes, although more data are needed to determine effects of ewe breed independent of other factors. Pooled proportional mortality ratio was higher for single lambs (59 %; 95 % CI: 55, 63) than twin (47 %; 41, 54) or triplet (49 %; 46, 52) lambs. However, the number of dystocia-associated mortalities is higher for twin-born lambs than for singles because total mortality is higher for twin-born lambs. It is estimated that approximately 7.7 million lamb deaths and 297,500 ewe deaths per year are attributable to dystocia in Australia for the national flock of 38 million breeding ewes. The whole-farm bio-economic Model of an Integrated Dryland Agricultural System (MIDAS) was used to determine the impacts of dystocia-associated ewe and lamb mortality on Australian farm profit. Dystocia is estimated to reduce Australian national farm profit by AU$780 million or $23.00 per ewe mated based on an assumed lamb sale price of AU$6.50 per kg carcass weight. These estimates do not include the costs of reduced productivity for surviving ewes and lambs, intervention, post-farmgate impacts, delayed genetic progress, or impacts on animal welfare and access into sheep meat and wool markets. Reducing dystocia through improved genetics and sheep management will improve animal welfare and farm profit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mieghan Bruce
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - John M Young
- Farming Systems Analysis Service, 476 Tindale Rd, Kentdale, WA, 6333, Australia
| | - David G Masters
- School of Agriculture and Environment, M085, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Gordon Refshauge
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, Cowra, NSW, 2794, Australia
| | - Andrew N Thompson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Paul R Kenyon
- International Sheep Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - Ralph Behrendt
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Hamilton, Victoria, 3300, Australia
| | - Amy Lockwood
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - David W Miller
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Caroline Jacobson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Voigt K, Najm NA, Zablotski Y, Rieger A, Vassiliadis P, Steckeler P, Schabmeyer S, Balasopoulou V, Zerbe H. Factors associated with ewe and lamb survival, and subsequent reproductive performance of sheep undergoing emergency caesarean section. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:120-129. [PMID: 33152139 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13855] [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: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Clinical records of all 212 ewes undergoing emergency caesarean surgery at a veterinary teaching hospital between January 2008 and December 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Their age ranged from 1 to 10 years (median = 4 years), with German merino the predominant breed (48.1% of cases). The most frequently diagnosed indications were insufficient cervical dilatation (n = 94, 44.3%), uterine torsion (n = 50, 23.6%), foetopelvic disproportion (n = 31, 14.6%) and vaginal prolapse intra partum (n = 11, 5.2%). Fifty-four (25.5%) of the 212 ewes additionally suffered from one or more concurrent, pre-existing conditions. Overall ewe mortality until hospital discharge was 10.8% (23/212), and 3.8% (n = 6) for the 158 ewes without a history of concurrent disorders. Mortality during hospitalization increased to 31.5% (17/54) for those with pre-existing conditions. Total lamb mortality was 49.1% (173/352) until hospital discharge. Pre-existing conditions (p = .001) and the presence of post-surgical complications (p = .025) were identified as significant factors influencing dam mortality, while delayed presentation for veterinary attention with an observed duration of labour of >12 hr was identified as the most influential factor on total lamb mortality (p = .010). The presence of dead or emphysematous foetuses was not significant for ewe mortality. Follow-up information on further outcomes was available for 156 (82.5%) of the 189 discharged ewes. Eighty-nine animals (57.1%) were re-bred in the following season and achieved a 93.3% (83/89) pregnancy rate, while the remainder had either been slaughtered (n = 56, 35.9%), sold (n = 5, 3.2%) or had died of unknown causes (n = 3, 1.9%). The subsequent incidence of dystocia was 15.6% (n = 12) in the 77 ewes with available information on lambing ease. Adequate management of underlying conditions and timely intervention are important factors for best possible short-term outcomes. In the long term, the subsequent pregnancy rate was good and the incidence of subsequent dystocia was within the normal range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Voigt
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Nour-Addeen Najm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Anna Rieger
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Panajota Vassiliadis
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Patricia Steckeler
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Simone Schabmeyer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Viktoria Balasopoulou
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Holm Zerbe
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, LMU Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jacobson C, Bruce M, Kenyon PR, Lockwood A, Miller D, Refshauge G, Masters DG. A review of dystocia in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
5
|
Ismail ZB. Dystocia in Sheep and Goats: Outcome and Fertility Following Surgical and Non-Surgical Management. MACEDONIAN VETERINARY REVIEW 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/macvetrev-2017-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cesarean section is a life-saving surgical procedure usually undertaken in sheep and goats that fail to deliver vaginally (dystocia). Unfortunately, there are no recent review articles in literature that summarize the results of published case reports and clinical trials concerning indications, surgical approaches and procedures and outcomes following cesarean section in sheep and goats. Therefore, the aim of this article was to compile available data related to dystocia and cesarean section in small ruminants. Fortunately, the incidence of dystocia in small ruminants is considered to be low. It can be caused by either maternal or fetal factors. Maternal-related dystocia is most commonly because of failure of cervical dilation, narrow birth canal and uterine inertia. Those related to fetal causes are usually associated with fetal malposition/presentation, feto-pelvic disproportion/fetal oversize, and fetal malformation. Manual extraction of the fetus may be attempted in most cases, however, early surgical intervention by performing cesarean section ensures satisfactory outcome. Cesarean section is usually performed in lateral recumbency through left paralumbar fossa or left paralumbar fossa oblique celiotomy under local analgesia. The success rates and post-operative complications in sheep and goats are underreported; however, early surgical intervention using aseptic technique usually results in a satisfactory outcome for both the dam and newborn with acceptable prognosis for future breeding soundness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuhair Bani Ismail
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Jordan University of Science & Technology , Irbid 22110, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Đuričić D, Valpotić H, Žura Žaja I, Samardžija M. Comparison of Intrauterine Antibiotics versus Ozone Medical Use in Sheep with Retained Placenta and Following Obstetric Assistance. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:538-40. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Đuričić
- Veterinary Practice d.o.o. Đurđevac; Đurđevac Croatia
| | - H Valpotić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Zagreb; Zagreb Croatia
| | - I Žura Žaja
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Zagreb; Zagreb Croatia
| | - M Samardžija
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Zagreb; Zagreb Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Two treatment protocols for induction of preterm parturition in ewes—Evaluation of the effects on lung maturation and lamb survival. Small Rumin Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
8
|
Fthenakis GC, Mavrogianni VS, Gallidis E, Papadopoulos E. Interactions between parasitic infections and reproductive efficiency in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2015; 208:56-66. [PMID: 25577675 PMCID: PMC7130998 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This review article summarises the many reports in the literature, confirming that, in sheep, parasitic infections can adversely affect reproductive efficiency; examples, which refer to all parts of the reproductive cycle of sheep, are as follows: trichostrongylosis in ewe-lambs (which can lead to delayed attainment of puberty), myiosis of the prepuce (which can cause impediment of mating), chorioptic mange or trypanosomosis in rams (which can lead to testicular degeneration or azoospermia, respectively), trypanosomosis or sarcoptic mange in pre-conceptual ewes (which can lead to poor conception rates or reduced number of ovulations, respectively), toxoplasmosis or neosporosis in pregnant ewes (which are causes of abortion), trichostrongylosis or trematode infections in lactating ewes (which can cause reduction of milk yield and can be a risk factor for mastitis, respectively), cryptosporidiosis in newborn lambs (which can be a cause of deaths), coccidiosis in growing pre-weaned lambs (which can cause suboptimal growth rate). In other cases, the reproductive status of the animal can influence the parasitic infection; examples are as follows: the increase in faecal parasitic output during the peri-parturient period (as a consequence of the peri-parturient relaxation of immunity), the heavier trichostrongylid infections of twin lambs compared to lambs from single parities (as a consequence of developmental origin issues in twin lambs). All the above examples support the idea of presence of interactions between parasitic infections and reproductive efficiency in sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece.
| | - V S Mavrogianni
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Gallidis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Miller BA, Brounts SH, Anderson DE, Devine E. Cesarean section in alpacas and llamas: 34 cases (1997-2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 242:670-4. [PMID: 23402415 DOI: 10.2460/javma.242.5.670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine indications for cesarean section in alpacas and llamas, and clinical management and outcome of alpacas and llamas undergoing cesarean section. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 27 alpacas and 7 llamas. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and information gathered on signalment, anamnesis including reproductive history, physical examination findings, indication for cesarean section, anesthetic protocol, surgical technique, number of crias delivered (alive or dead), additional treatment, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Follow-up information was gathered via email or telephone interview with owners. RESULTS Uterine torsion (13/34 [38%]) was the most common reason for cesarean section. The most common surgical approach was the left proximal lateral abdominal approach (21/34 [62%]). Thirty-four crias were delivered via cesarean section. Twenty (59%) were born alive and discharged from the hospital. Retained placenta was the most common complication observed after surgery. A significant association was found between prolonged dystocia and fetal death. Of the 34 dams that underwent cesarean section, 21 were rebred, and 19 of the 21 (90.5%) dams that were rebred became pregnant. Fifteen of 19 dams were confirmed to have ≥ 1 normal vaginal delivery with a live cria following cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The results of the present study indicated that cesarean section was an effective method of resolving dystocia in camelids without negatively affecting future fertility or parturition by the dam. Prompt referral of patients with dystocia is advised to improve fetal viability. Retained fetal membranes seemed to be a common complication of cesarean section in camelids but was not associated with negative outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bret A Miller
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Characterization of the innate immune response in goats after intrauterine infusion of E. coli using histopathological, cytologic and molecular analyses. Theriogenology 2012; 78:593-604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
11
|
Fthenakis GC. Effects of retention of fetal membranes on subsequent reproductive performance of dairy ewes. Theriogenology 2004; 61:129-35. [PMID: 14643867 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00188-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Seventy-one pairs of ewes with or without retention of fetal membranes in the previous lambing season, were included in a cohort study of 25 flocks in southern Greece; in 27 pairs regulation of the breeding cycle was applied, whilst in the other 44 pairs natural mating took place. The following measures of reproductive performance were calculated: cycling rate, mating rate, return-to-estrus rate, abortion rate, lambing rate, total lambs born per ewe, liveborn lambs per ewe, stillbirth rate, lamb-bodyweight per ewe; furthermore, the incidence risk of retention of fetal membranes during the lambing examined in this study was also calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed in the reproductive performance among ewes that had or had not retained their fetal membranes during the previous lambing, whether the breeding cycle was regulated or not. The incidence risk of retention of fetal membranes among ewes that had not retained its placenta in the previous lambing was 1.6%, whilst that among ewes that had retained its placenta in the previous lactation was 0%. It is concluded that retention of fetal membranes did not appear to adversely affect subsequent reproductive performance of ewes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Fthenakis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Brounts SH, Hawkins JF, Baird AN, Glickman LT. Outcome and subsequent fertility of sheep and goats undergoing cesarean section because of dystocia: 110 cases (1981-2001). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004; 224:275-9. [PMID: 14736074 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2004.224.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the outcome and subsequent fertility of sheep and goats undergoing a cesarean section because of dystocia. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 85 sheep and 25 goats. PROCEDURE Medical records were reviewed, and information was obtained on signalment, history, physical examination findings, anesthesia protocol, surgical technique, number of lambs or kids delivered, pre- and postoperative treatments, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners. RESULTS The proportion of sheep admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital during the study period that underwent a cesarean section (4.4%) was significantly higher than the proportion of goats that did (2.2%). Pygmy goats were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population. The most common reason for cesarean section was inadequate dilatation of the cervix. The most common surgical approach was via the left paralumbar fossa. Two hundred one lambs and kids were delivered, of which 116 were dead at delivery or died shortly afterward. Forty-two of the 65 dams with 1 or more dead fetuses had been in stage-2 labor for > 6 hours, and fetal death was significantly associated with a prolonged duration of dystocia. The most common complication following surgery was retained placenta (n = 49). Use of antimicrobials was associated with a lower rate of complications. All 16 dams that were rebred became pregnant and had no problems with dystocia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that cesarean section is an effective method of resolving dystocia in sheep and goats and does not adversely affect subsequent fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina H Brounts
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1248, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lewis GS. Role of ovarian progesterone and potential role of prostaglandin F2alpha and prostaglandin E2 in modulating the uterine response to infectious bacteria in postpartum ewes. J Anim Sci 2003; 81:285-93. [PMID: 12597400 DOI: 10.2527/2003.811285x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In sheep and cattle, the postpartum uterus is resistant to bacterial challenge until after corpora lutea develop. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to determine whether prostaglandins may mediate the effects of progesterone in transforming the postpartum uterus from resistant to susceptible. On d 14 postpartum, ewes (n = 6/group) were ovariectomized or sham ovariectomized, and the vena cava was catheterized for daily collection of uteroovarian-enriched blood. From d 15 to 20, ewes received twice daily intramuscular injections of progesterone in sesame oil or plain sesame oil. On d 20, each uterus received 75 x 10(7) cfu of Arcanobacterium pyogenes and 35 x 10(7) cfu of Escherichia coli. Uteri were collected on d 25 and examined for signs of infection. For each blood sample, unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation was measured as [3H]thymidine incorporation, smears were prepared for differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, and progesterone, prostaglandin F2alpha, (PGF2alpha), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were quantified. All 12 progesterone-treated, but only two of the 12 oil-treated, ewes developed uterine infections (P < 0.001). Progesterone treatment increased (P < 0.001; 3.1 vs 1.5 ng/mL) and ovariectomy decreased (P < 0.001; 3.7 vs 0.9 ng/mL) vena caval progesterone. Progesterone treatment reduced (P < 0.01) PGF2alpha, (303.9 vs 801.3 pg/mL), and PGF2alpha was greater (P < 0.05) before than after inoculation (626.4 vs 478.8 pg/mL). The PGE2 concentration was greater in progesterone-treated, ovary-intact ewes than in ewes in the other groups (ovariectomy x progesterone treatment; P < 0.01). Ovariectomy increased (P < 0.005; 4.4 vs 2.9 pmol) and progesterone treatment decreased (P < 0.05; 3.2 vs 4.1 pmol) concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. Ovariectomy increased lipopolysaccharides-stimulated proliferation (P < 0.05; 2.4 vs 1.9 pmol). For neutrophils per 100 WBC, the ovariectomy x progesterone and progesterone x period interactions were significant (P < 0.01). The ovariectomy x progesterone interaction was significant (P < 0.01) for lymphocytes per 100 WBC. Ovariectomy decreased monocytes (P < 0.001; 10 vs 13) and increased eosinophils (P < 0.001; 10 vs 5) per 100 WBC. Progesterone makes the postpartum uterus in ewes susceptible to infection, but ovariectomy allows ewes to remain resistant; uterine prostaglandins may mediate this change. This model creates opportunities to determine the mechanisms responsible for the shift from resistance to susceptible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G S Lewis
- ARS, USDA, US Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID 83423-9602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tzora A, Leontides LS, Amiridis GS, Manos G, Fthenakis GC. Bacteriological and epidemiological findings during examination of the uterine content of ewes with retention of fetal membranes. Theriogenology 2002; 57:1809-17. [PMID: 12041685 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)00684-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We included 92 pairs of ewes with or without retention of fetal membranes in a cohort study of 25 flocks in Southern Greece. We obtained two uterine content samples under aseptic conditions, by introducing a swab into the uterus of these ewes, on the 2nd-4th and the 5th-9th day after lambing. We used conventional bacteriological techniques to isolate and identify bacteria and to carry out antimicrobial agents susceptibility testing. The prevalence of bacterial intrauterine contamination among ewes with retention was 24% on the first and 46% on the second sampling (P < 0.0001) and that among ewes without retention was 8 and 2% (P > 0.05), respectively. Clinical signs accompanying the retention of fetal membranes were more frequently observed among ewes with intrauterine contamination than among those without (P = 0.0007). The odds of an ewe having an intrauterine contamination increased multiplicatively by 1.06 when the median duration of retention in the flock increased by 6 h. The principal bacteria isolated from the ewes with retention were Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Escherichia coli; 21% of 73 isolates tested were found resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Tzora
- Technological Educational Institution of Epirus, Arta, Greece
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Leontides L, Fthenakis GC, Tzora A. Lack of association between retention of fetal membranes and mastitis in ewes. Vet Rec 2001; 148:52-3. [PMID: 11202555 DOI: 10.1136/vr.148.2.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Leontides
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | | | | |
Collapse
|