Relationship between fetal biometric assessment by ultrasonography and neonatal lamb vitality, birth weight and growth

Ultrasonographic examination of pregnant ewes can enable the identification of perinatal abnormalities and establish prenatal assistance responsible for minimizing morbidity and perinatal mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a fetal biometric analysis by ultrasonography to predict neonatal vitality and lamb growth during the first month of life. A longitudinal study was conducted with 13 healthy ewes, subjected to ultrasonographic examination every 15 days from 60th day of pregnancy until lambing, evaluating thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, biparietal diameter, humerus, femur and placentome length. At birth, 22 lambs were assessed through Apgar score at 5 minutes and after 1 hour. Measurement of body weight was also carried out immediately at birth and weekly during 30 days after birth. Thoracic diameter showed a significant increase between 91-105 days and 121-135 days. Conversely, abdominal diameter had a progressive growth until 106-120 days, and then, a steady development was observed. Biparietal diameter showed progressive growth only towards days 91 and 105. For the humerus length, we verified a significant increase between 106-120 days and 121-135 days, remaining unaltered onwards; while femur length continued to grow until lambing. The linear regression analysis between birth weight and biparietal diameter at 60-75 days was high (R2=0.96; P<0.0001; coefficient of variability of 3.3%). In conclusion, ultrasonographic analysis of fetal biparietal diameter at mid-pregnancy can be used as a predictor of lamb weight at birth. Moreover, assessment of femur length at final pregnancy can be employed for fetal and neonatal development estimation.

Relationship between fetal biometric assessment by ultrasonography and neonatal lamb vitality, birth weight and growth

Ultrasonographic examination of pregnant ewes can enable the identification of perinatal abnormalities and establish prenatal assistance responsible for minimizing morbidity and perinatal mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a fetal biometric analysis by ultrasonography to predict neonatal vitality and lamb growth during the first month of life. A longitudinal study was conducted with 13 healthy ewes, subjected to ultrasonographic examination every 15 days from 60th day of pregnancy until lambing, evaluating thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, biparietal diameter, humerus, femur and placentome length. At birth, 22 lambs were assessed through Apgar score at 5 minutes and after 1 hour. Measurement of body weight was also carried out immediately at birth and weekly during 30 days after birth. Thoracic diameter showed a significant increase between 91-105 days and 121-135 days. Conversely, abdominal diameter had a progressive growth until 106-120 days, and then, a steady development was observed. Biparietal diameter showed progressive growth only towards days 91 and 105. For the humerus length, we verified a significant increase between 106-120 days and 121-135 days, remaining unaltered onwards; while femur length continued to grow until lambing. The linear regression analysis between birth weight and biparietal diameter at 60-75 days was high (R2=0.96; P<0.0001; coefficient of variability of 3.3%). In conclusion, ultrasonographic analysis of fetal biparietal diameter at mid-pregnancy can be used as a predictor of lamb weight at birth. Moreover, assessment of femur length at final pregnancy can be employed for fetal and neonatal development estimation.(AU)

Influence of dexamethasone and surfactant in the vitality and lung function of preterm lambs born by cesarean section / Influência da dexametasona e do surfactante na vitalidade e na função pulmonar de cordeiros prematuros nascidos por cesariana eletiva

The aim of this study was to assess the vitality and lung function of preterm lambs. Twenty seven preterm lambs were divided in four groups. Group I (n=6) preterm lambs/ control; group II (n=9) lambs born to mothers that were treated with dexamethasone antepartum; group III (n=6) lambs treated with surfactant; and group IV (n=6) lambs treated with surfactant and born to mothers that were treated with dexamethasone antepartum. The APGAR score was performed after birth (T0) and 15 minutes later (T1/4) to assess vitality. The vital signs, blood gas analysis, spirometry and capnometry were assessed immediately after birth and continued until 48 hours. Chest radiographs were performed at T0, T24 and T48. Significant rectal temperature interactions occurred at T1 and T6 depending on the type of treatment used. All animals showed low pH values, which were associated with high pCO2 values and HCO3 -values that increased over time from immediately after birth to two days of age. Higher tidal volume values were observed at T1/4, T1 and T24 when the animals were not treated with surfactant. Capnometry showed significant interactions between treatments at T0. Premature animals showed low vitality and impaired pulmonary function.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a vitalidade e a função pulmonar de cordeiros prematuros. Vinte e sete cordeiros foram divididos em quatro grupos: grupo I (n= 6), cordeiros prematuros/controle; grupo II (n= 9), cordeiros prematuros nascidos de mães tratadas com dexametasona antes do parto; grupo III (n= 6), cordeiros prematuros tratados com surfactante; e grupo IV (n= 6), cordeiros prematuros tratados com surfactante e nascidos de mães tratadas com dexametasona antes do parto. O escore APGAR foi realizado após o nascimento (T0) e 15 minutos depois (T1/4). Os parâmetros vitais, hemogasometria, espirometria e capnometria foram avaliados após o nascimento até 48 horas. As radiografias torácicas foram realizadas em T0, T24 e T48. Interações significativas de temperatura retal ocorreram em T1 e T6, dependendo do tipo de tratamento utilizado. Todos os animais apresentaram valores de pH baixos, que foram associados com altos valores de pCO2 e valores de HCO3 que aumentaram ao longo do tempo. Os maiores valores de volume corrente foram observados em T1/4, T1 e T24, quando os animais não foram tratados com surfactante. A capnometria mostrou interações significativas entre tratamentos em T0. Os animais prematuros apresentaram pouca vitalidade e deficiência da função pulmonar.(AU)

Influence of dexamethasone and surfactant in the vitality and lung function of preterm lambs born by cesarean section / Influência da dexametasona e do surfactante na vitalidade e na função pulmonar de cordeiros prematuros nascidos por cesariana eletiva

The aim of this study was to assess the vitality and lung function of preterm lambs. Twenty seven preterm lambs were divided in four groups. Group I (n=6) preterm lambs/ control; group II (n=9) lambs born to mothers that were treated with dexamethasone antepartum; group III (n=6) lambs treated with surfactant; and group IV (n=6) lambs treated with surfactant and born to mothers that were treated with dexamethasone antepartum. The APGAR score was performed after birth (T0) and 15 minutes later (T1/4) to assess vitality. The vital signs, blood gas analysis, spirometry and capnometry were assessed immediately after birth and continued until 48 hours. Chest radiographs were performed at T0, T24 and T48. Significant rectal temperature interactions occurred at T1 and T6 depending on the type of treatment used. All animals showed low pH values, which were associated with high pCO2 values and HCO3 -values that increased over time from immediately after birth to two days of age. Higher tidal volume values were observed at T1/4, T1 and T24 when the animals were not treated with surfactant. Capnometry showed significant interactions between treatments at T0. Premature animals showed low vitality and impaired pulmonary function.(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a vitalidade e a função pulmonar de cordeiros prematuros. Vinte e sete cordeiros foram divididos em quatro grupos: grupo I (n= 6), cordeiros prematuros/controle; grupo II (n= 9), cordeiros prematuros nascidos de mães tratadas com dexametasona antes do parto; grupo III (n= 6), cordeiros prematuros tratados com surfactante; e grupo IV (n= 6), cordeiros prematuros tratados com surfactante e nascidos de mães tratadas com dexametasona antes do parto. O escore APGAR foi realizado após o nascimento (T0) e 15 minutos depois (T1/4). Os parâmetros vitais, hemogasometria, espirometria e capnometria foram avaliados após o nascimento até 48 horas. As radiografias torácicas foram realizadas em T0, T24 e T48. Interações significativas de temperatura retal ocorreram em T1 e T6, dependendo do tipo de tratamento utilizado. Todos os animais apresentaram valores de pH baixos, que foram associados com altos valores de pCO2 e valores de HCO3 que aumentaram ao longo do tempo. Os maiores valores de volume corrente foram observados em T1/4, T1 e T24, quando os animais não foram tratados com surfactante. A capnometria mostrou interações significativas entre tratamentos em T0. Os animais prematuros apresentaram pouca vitalidade e deficiência da função pulmonar.(AU)

Parâmetros de vitalidade, comportamentais e laboratoriais de neonatos asininos e equinos revisão comparativa / Vitality, behavioral and laboratorial parameters of asinine and equine neonates: a comparative review

Apesar de pertencerem à mesma família Equidae, sabe-se que os asininos (Equus asinus, 2n:62) possuem características comportamentais e fisiológicas diferentes dos equinos (Equus caballus,2n:64). Além disso, os neonatos apresentam os parâmetros vitais em constante modificação ao longo dos eventos pós-natais. Desta forma, o conhecimento dos valores de referência, e a influência da idade nos parâmetros etológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais nas diferentes espécies é uma ferramenta fundamental para correta avaliação neonatal. Por essa razão, o objetivo desta revisão é abordar de forma comparativa os parâmetros de vitalidade e comportamentais dos neonatos asininos e equinos, bem como os parâmetros laboratoriais nos primeiros meses de vida.(AU)

Although they belong to the same family Equidae, it is known that the donkeys (Equus asinus, 2n:62) have different behavioral and physiological characteristics from the equine (Equus caballus, 2n:64). In addition, newborns present vital parameters in constant modification throughout the postnatal events. Therefore, the knowledge of reference values and the influence of age on postnatal behavior, clinical and laboratory parameters in the different species is a fundamental tool for correct neonatal evaluation. Thus, the objective of this review is to compare the vitality and behavioral parameters of the donkey and equine neonates, as well as the laboratory parameters during the first months of life.(AU)

Parâmetros de vitalidade, comportamentais e laboratoriais de neonatos asininos e equinos – revisão comparativa / Vitality, behavioral and laboratorial parameters of asinine and equine neonates: a comparative review

Apesar de pertencerem à mesma família Equidae, sabe-se que os asininos (Equus asinus, 2n:62) possuem características comportamentais e fisiológicas diferentes dos equinos (Equus caballus,2n:64). Além disso, os neonatos apresentam os parâmetros vitais em constante modificação ao longo dos eventos pós-natais. Desta forma, o conhecimento dos valores de referência, e a influência da idade nos parâmetros etológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais nas diferentes espécies é uma ferramenta fundamental para correta avaliação neonatal. Por essa razão, o objetivo desta revisão é abordar de forma comparativa os parâmetros de vitalidade e comportamentais dos neonatos asininos e equinos, bem como os parâmetros laboratoriais nos primeiros meses de vida.

Although they belong to the same family Equidae, it is known that the donkeys (Equus asinus, 2n:62) have different behavioral and physiological characteristics from the equine (Equus caballus, 2n:64). In addition, newborns present vital parameters in constant modification throughout the postnatal events. Therefore, the knowledge of reference values and the influence of age on postnatal behavior, clinical and laboratory parameters in the different species is a fundamental tool for correct neonatal evaluation. Thus, the objective of this review is to compare the vitality and behavioral parameters of the donkey and equine neonates, as well as the laboratory parameters during the first months of life.

Aplicação materna de glicocorticoide nos parâmetros vitais de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros / Maternal glucocorticoid in vital parameters of full-term and preterm lambs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do glicocorticoide sobre parâmetros vitais de cordeiros nascidos a termo e prematuros, do nascimento às 48 horas de vida. Foram constituídos quatros grupos: PN (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, n=15, média de 146 dias); PNDEX (cordeiros nascidos de parto normal, cujas mães receberam 16mg de dexametasona aos 141 dias de gestação, n=8, média de 143 dias); PRE (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, n=10); e PREDEX (cordeiros prematuros nascidos de cesarianas aos 138 dias de gestação, cujas mães receberam 16mg de dexametasona dois dias antes, n=9). As frequências cardíaca e respiratória variaram ao longo do período, com os maiores valores nos grupos de partos normais. A temperatura retal diminuiu em todos os grupos nos primeiros 60 minutos de vida, sendo os menores valores observados nos cordeiros prematuros, e o escore Apgar foi mais alto nos animais nascidos em tempo gestacional normal. Os cordeiros prematuros apresentaram menor vitalidade e menor taxa de sobrevivência, entretanto, menor taxa de mortalidade foi observada nos prematuros sob influência da dexametasona.(AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of glucocorticoids on vital parameters of full-term and preterm lambs from birth to 48 hours of life. Four experimental groups were formed: NDG (normal delivery group - lambs vaginally delivered, n=15, average of 146-day gestation); NDEXG (normal delivery with dexamethasone group - lambs vaginally delivered whose mothers received 16mg of dexamethasone at 141 days of gestation, n=8, average of 143-day gestation); PRE (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days of gestation, n=10) and PREDEX (premature lambs born by cesarean section at 138 days gestation, whose mothers received 16mg of dexamethasone two days before, n=9). Heart and respiratory rates had variations during the observation period, with the highest mean values in the groups of normal deliveries (NDG and NDEXG). Rectal temperature decreased in all groups in the first 60 minutes of life, with the lowest mean values in premature lambs (PRE and PREDEX) and the Apgar score was higher in animals delivered at normal gestational time. Preterm lambs had lower vitality and chance of survival, however, lower mortality rate was observed in offspring of ewes that received dexamethasone two days before surgery.(AU)

VIGOR DE BEZERRAS GIROLANDO NOS PRIMEIROS DIAS DE VIDA E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM SAÚDE E DESEMPENHO ATÉ O DESMAME

O objetivo com esta dissertação foi desenvolver uma ferramenta prática para caracterizar a vitalidade das bezerras e entender suas relações com a saúde e desempenho desses animais. Foram avaliadas 82 bezerras que nasceram de partos eutócicos (57,32%, N=47) e distócicos (42,68%, N=35), sendo distribuídas em dois grupos genéticos, 1/2HG (N=23, 28,05%) e 3/4HG (N=59, 71,95%). As seguintes características inerentes as bezerras foram quantificadas: latência para mamar, postura, sucção e velocidade de sucção. As notas de postura e sucção foram somadas para obter a nota de vigor, que variou de 2 a 6 (sendo 2 a nota correspondente ao pior vigor e 6 ao melhor estado de vigor), sendo que 42,68% das bezerras estavam no escore 6. Foram registradas características inerentes as vacas que somadas constituíram a nota de comportamento maternal, que nas análises estatísticas foi considerada juntamente com as variáveis latência para mamar, vigor, grupo genético das bezerras e tipo de parto, variáveis independentes. Ainda foram registradas variáveis consideradas dependentes nos modelos estatísticos: vigor, peso ao nascimento, transferência de imunidade passiva, tratamentos veterinários, ganho de peso diário e sobrevivência. Foi utilizada a regressão linear múltipla para identificar quais foram as variáveis inerentes as bezerras, utilizadas como efeito fixo do modelo na análise confirmatória. Para a análise confirmatória foi utilizado o procedimento PROC MIXED do SAS (versão 9.0). Para o vigor as variáveis grupo genético e velocidade de sucção tiveram efeito significativo (p = 0,0028 e <0,0001, respectivamente), sendo que as maiores notas de vigor foram para as bezerras 1/2HG (4,91) e para o escore 5 de velocidade de sucção (5,58). Para peso ao nascimento foi encontrado uma tendência a ser significativo da variável tipo de parto (p = 0,0804). Para a transferência de imunidade passiva as variáveis grupo genético e velocidade de sucção tiveram efeito significativo (p = 0,0021 e 0,0195, respectivamente), sendo que os animais 1/2HG tiveram uma melhor transferência (8,45g/dL), assim como os animais que ficaram com escore 5 de velocidade de sucção (8,52g/dL). Para o ganho de peso diário a variável grupo genético teve efeito significativo (p = 0,0092), com os animais 1/2HG (0,74Kg) ganhando mais peso por dia do que os animais 3/4HG (0,64Kg) e também teve efeito significatico do vigor (p = 0,0199), sendo que os animais no escore 4 de vigor tiveram um maior ganho de peso (0,75Kg). A relação entre as variáveis consideradas binomiais (sobrevivência e tratamentos veterinários) com as variáveis inerentes as bezerras após a regressão foi avaliada através do teste qui-quadrado, porém não foi encontrado efeito significativo para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas. Conclui-se que a nota de vigor é uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação das bezerras nos primeiros dias de vida, sendo que o grupo genético e a velocidade de sucção foram fatores de grande influência para a distribuição dessa nota. Além disso, com os nossos resultados foi possível encontrar influência da nota de vigor para o ganho de peso diário das bezerras.

The objetive of this dissertation was to develop a practical tool to characterize the vitality of calves and to understand their relationships with the health and performance of these animals. Eighty-two calves born of eutocic (57.32%, N = 47) and dystocic (42.68%, N = 35) calves were distributed in two genetic groups, 1/2HG (N = 23, 28.05 %) and 3/4HG (N = 59, 71.95%). The following inherent characteristics were quantified: suckling latency, posture, suction and suction velocity. Posture and suction scores were added to obtain the vigor score, which ranged from 2 to 6 (2 being the worst strength score and 6 being the best state of vigor), and 42.68% of the calves were in the score 6. Inherited characteristics were registered cows, which together were the maternal behavior note, which, together with the variables latency to suckling, vigor, genetic group of calves and type of calving, were considered as independent variables. Variables considered to be dependent on statistical models were also recorded: vigor, birth weight, transfer of passive immunity, veterinary treatments, daily weight gain and survival. Multiple linear regression was used to identify which inherent variables were heifers, which were used as fixed effect of the model in the confirmatory analysis. For the confirmatory analysis, the SAS PROC MIXED procedure (version 9.0) was used. For vigor, the variables group and suction velocity had a significant effect (p = 0.0028 and <0.0001, respectively), with the highest strength scores being for 1/2HG (4.91) calves and for the suction speed score 5 (5.58). For birth weight a tendency to be significant of the type of birth variable was found (p = 0.0804). For the transfer of passive immunity, the variables genetic group and suction velocity had a significant effect (p = 0.0021 and 0.0195, respectively), with 1/2HG animals having a better transfer (8.45g/dL), as well as those animals that had suction speed score (8.52g/dL). For the daily weight gain, the genetic group variable had a significant effect (p = 0.0092), with 1/2HG animals (0.74Kg) gaining more weight per day than 3/4HG animals (0.64Kg) and also had a significant effect of vigor (p = 0.0199), and animals in vigor score 4 had a greater weight gain (0.75Kg). The relationship between the variables considered binomial (survival and veterinary treatments) and variables inherent to the calves after regression was evaluated through the chi-square test, but no significant effect was found for any of the variables analyzed. It was concluded that the vigor note is an important tool for the evaluation of calves in the first days of life, and the genetic group and the sucking speed were factors of great influence for the distribution of this note. In addition, with our results it was possible to find influence of the vigor note for the daily weight gain of calves.