Physiological and behavioral stress parameters in calves in response to partial scrotal resection, orchidectomy, and Burdizzo castration.

Establishing artificial cryptorchids by partial scrotal resection without removing the testicles is a technique for castration of bull calves that recently has gained new interest. In contrast to orchidectomy and Burdizzo castration, the stress response of calves to shortening of the scrotum is unknown. In this study, partial scrotal resection in bull calves was compared with orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration, and controls without intervention (n=10 per group, ages 56 ± 3 d). Procedures were performed under xylazine sedation and local anesthesia. We hypothesized that partial scrotal resection is least stressful. Salivary cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, behavior, and locomotion were analyzed. Cortisol concentration peaked 60 min after start of the procedures. Cortisol release was at least in part xylazine induced and none of the experimental procedures released additional cortisol. Heart rate increased in calves of all groups with initial handling, but immediately after xylazine sedation decreased to 30% below initial values and was not modified by surgical procedures. The heart rate variability variables standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval and root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences increased when calves were placed on the surgery table but effects were similar in calves submitted to surgeries and control calves. Locomotion increased, whereas lying time decreased in response to all surgeries. Locomotion increase was most pronounced after orchidectomy. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations increased after orchidectomy only. With adequate pain medication, orchidectomy, Burdizzo castration, and partial scrotal resection do not differ with regard to acute stress and, by inference, pain. Partial scrotal resection when carried out under xylazine sedation and local anesthesia thus is an acceptable castration technique in bull calves.

Cooled storage of canine semen: in vitro effects of different concentrations of an antibiotic combination on growth of mollicutes.

The aim of this study was to examine effects of an antibiotic combination at different concentrations on growth of mycoplasma and ureaplasma during cooled storage of canine semen (n = 20). Semen aliquots were diluted with Tris-citric acid-fructose-egg yolk extender containing either 1.0 g/l streptomycin and 0.6 g/l benzylpenicillin (control) or a combination of gentamycin, tylosin, lincomycin and spectinomycin (GTLS-1: 0.25, 0.05, 0.15 and 0.3; GTLS-2: 0.5, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.6; GTLS-3: 1.0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1.2 g/l). Samples were assessed for motility and membrane integrity by computer-assisted sperm analysis immediately after dilution and at 24, 48 and 72 h of cooled storage. Morphologically, normal spermatozoa were determined, and bacterial culture was performed at 24 and 72 h. Mycoplasma spp. were detected in 14 of 20 ejaculates (70%) with severe growth in 12 samples. A reduction but not total elimination of mycoplasma growth occurred in all GTLS extenders with the most pronounced reduction in group GTLS-3 (control vs GTLS-1 and GTLS-2 p < 0.05, control vs GTLS-3 p < 0.001). Ureaplasmas were detected in four ejaculates, and growth was reduced to the same extent in GTLS and control extender. Progressive motility in all groups, total motility in groups GTLS 1-3 and percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa in groups GTLS 2 and 3 decreased slightly (p < 0.05) over time. In conclusion, dilution of canine semen with GTLS extender has no major detrimental effects on spermatozoa during cooled storage. It reduced the growth but did not totally eliminate mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas from cooled-stored dog semen.

Effects of oral supplementation with ß-carotene on concentrations of ß-carotene, vitamin A and α-tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals and on fertility in mares.

In this study, effects of oral ß-carotene supplementation to mares (ß-carotene group: 1000 mg/day, n = 15; control group: n = 15) from 2 weeks before foaling until 6 weeks thereafter on concentrations of ß-carotene, vitamin A and α-tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk and plasma of their foals were determined. In addition, effects on fertility were studied. Beta-carotene concentrations increased in plasma and colostrum of ß-carotene-supplemented mares compared to control mares (p < 0.05). In mares of both groups, ß-carotene concentrations were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05). In foals, ß-carotene concentrations increased with colostrum uptake and were higher in foals born to supplemented mares (p < 0.05; control group: 0.0003 ± 0.0002 µg/ml on day 0, 0.008 ± 0.0023 µg/ml on day 1; ß-carotene group: 0.0005 ± 0.0003 µg/ml on day 0, 0.048 ± 0.018 µg/ml on day 1). Concentrations of vitamin A and α-tocopherol were higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.05) but did not differ between groups. Concentration of α-tocopherol in plasma of mares decreased over time and in foals, increased markedly within 4 days after birth. All but one mare (control group) showed oestrus within 2 weeks post-partum. Occurrence of oestrus did not differ between groups. More mares of the control group (7/7 vs. 5/12 in the ß-carotene group) became pregnant after being bred in first post-partum oestrus (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ß-carotene supplementation to mares increased ß-carotene concentrations in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals but had no positive effects on fertility.

Proteinuria and immunoglobulinuria in neonatal dogs.

Samples of urine and serum from 45 newborn rottweiler puppies from six litters, and milk from their mothers, were taken 24, 48 and 72 hours and seven and 14 days after birth. Urine total protein and creatinine concentrations were determined and the ratios calculated. The immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA in urine, serum and milk were determined with a commercially available elisa kit. The concentration of total protein in urine decreased from 1.64 to 0.29 mg/ml, and it and the ratio of total protein to creatinine in the urine of the neonatal puppies exceeded the normal values for adult dogs, but all the puppies developed normally. The average concentration of IgG in urine decreased from 0.0035 to 0.0003 mg/ml, that of IgA from 0.0035 to 0.0002 mg/ml and that of IgM from 0.0006 mg/ml to undetectable levels after two weeks. After two weeks, 47 per cent of the puppies had measurable levels of IgA and 70.6 per cent had measurable levels of IgG, but none of them had measurable levels of IgM.

Opioidergic inhibition of luteinising hormone and prolactin release changes during pregnancy in pony mares.

In equine species, luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) release are reduced throughout pregnancy but increase at foaling. The present experiments were designed to study a possible opioidergic regulation of LH and PRL release in pregnant Shetland mares (n=6). At various stages of pregnancy (days 26.4+/-0.6, 75.4+/-5.4, 171.8+/-2.4, 226.2+/-4.8, 282.7+/-3.4 and 319.8+/-2.1), mares were injected with the opioid antagonist naloxone (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and saline. The two treatments were always separated by 2 days, and mares served as their own controls. Two hours after being given naloxone and saline, mares were given the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue buserelin (5 microg per animal). The naloxone experiment was repeated at 2 days after foaling. Blood for the determination of LH and PRL was withdrawn at 15 min intervals for 240 min, and naloxone or saline was injected after 60 min. Naloxone induced significant (P<0.05) LH release on days 172, 226 and 283 of pregnancy but not on days 26, 76 and 320 and 2 days after foaling. Buserelin caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma LH concentrations on days 172, 226, 282 and 320 of pregnancy. The experiments indicate that endogenous opioids are involved in the inhibition of LH release during the second half of pregnancy in equine species. The deactivation of opioid effects on LH release might be a prerequisite for the onset of ovarian activity postpartum. Plasma PRL concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05) after naloxone administration on days 226, 282 and 320 of pregnancy. The naloxone-induced PRL release was most pronounced towards term, indicating an increase in the naloxone-releasable pool and/or the absence of other PRL-release inhibitory mechanisms.

Beta-endorphin in sows during late pregnancy: effects of cloprostenol and oxytocin on plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin in the jugular and uterine veins.

Beta-endorphin was measured in the plasma of pigs during late pregnancy and at different stages of the oestrous cycle. In pregnant animals, beta-endorphin secretion from uteroplacental tissues into the maternal circulation and the possible effects of oxytocin and the prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) analogue cloprostenol on beta-endorphin release were determined. Plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in pregnant sows were significantly higher than in non-pregnant pigs. However, there were no significant changes in beta-endorphin values throughout the oestrous cycle. Because the increase in plasma beta-endorphin concentrations had occurred before luteolysis and onset of labour it could not be attributed to the stress of parturition. The surgical intervention of a laparotomy increased beta-endorphin release into peripheral plasma. Cloprostenol but not oxytocin caused an immediate increase in plasma beta-endorphin concentrations. At parturition, endogenous PGF2 alpha may be involved in the regulation of beta-endorphin secretion. Concentrations of beta-endorphin in the jugular and uterine vein plasma were not significantly different, and so it would appear that beta-endorphin in the plasma of pregnant sows is not of uteroplacental origin. In conclusion, changes in the concentration of beta-endorphin in peripheral plasma, associated with pregnancy but not the oestrous cycle, exist in pigs. Hence a physiological function of peripheral opioid peptides in the periparturient sow is feasible.

Effects of gonadal steroids on the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release in ovariectomized pony mares.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ovarian steroids in the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release in mares. Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on LH and prolactin secretion were determined in ovariectomized pony mares. The animals were pretreated with either progesterone (500 micrograms kg-1) or oestradiol benzoate (10 micrograms kg-1) for 8 days and subsequently with a combination of progesterone and oestradiol for an additional 8 days. Naloxone administration (0.5 mg kg-1 i.v.) resulted in a significant release of LH as well as prolactin in mares after pretreatment with either oestradiol benzoate or progesterone plus oestradiol benzoate (P < 0.05). No significant changes in LH and prolactin secretion were detected in progesterone-treated and non-steroid-treated ovariectomized mares. These results indicate that a prolonged oestrogen influence activates the opioid inhibition of LH and prolactin release in mares. In contrast to other species, progesterone alone does not activate a tonic opioid inhibition of LH and prolactin secretion, but modulates the effect of oestrogens. The opioid systems therefore seem to be regulated by a sequence of different steroid environments, as found during the oestrous cycle. The parallel increases in prolactin and LH secretion in mares may indicate a common regulatory pathway for these two hormones.

Influence of melatonin and oestradiol on the opioidergic regulation of LH and prolactin release in pony mares.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oestradiol, melatonin and season on the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release. Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone (0.5 mg/kg) on LH and prolactin secretion were determined in ovariectomized pony mares. In experiment 1, mares in January (n = 6) were pretreated with oestradiol benzoate (5 micrograms/kg) for 20 days. In experiment 2, beginning in May, mares (n = 7) received melatonin (15 mg) for 15 days and subsequently a combination of melatonin plus oestradiol for 20 days. In experiment 3, beginning in May, mares (n = 6) were pretreated with oestradiol for 30 days, left untreated for 12 days and then given melatonin for 35 days. In all experiments the animals were injected with the opioid antagonist naloxone and saline on 2 consecutive days prior to treatment. In experiment 1, animals received naloxone and saline on days 10 and 11 and 20 and 21 following oestradiol treatment. In experiment 2, naloxone and saline were administered on days 15 and 16 following melatonin treatment and on days 10 and 11 and 20 and 21 of melatonin plus oestradiol treatment. In experiment 3, the animals received naloxone and saline on days 10 and 11, 20 and 21 and 30 and 31 of oestradiol treatment, prior to melatonin treatment and on days 15 and 16, 25 and 26 and 35 and 36 following melatonin. In January (experiment 1), naloxone evoked a significant (P < 0.05) LH release at all times, however the LH increment in response to naloxone increased during oestradiol pretreatment (P < 0.05). During the breeding season (experiments 2 and 3), naloxone induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma LH concentrations when mares had not been pretreated with oestradiol or melatonin and after oestradiol pretreatment. Basal LH concentrations and the LH increment in response to naloxone increased significantly (P < 0.05) during the 30-day oestradiol pretreatment. Melatonin decreased the naloxone-induced LH release and the LH release in response to naloxone and saline no longer differed after 25 and 35 days of melatonin pretreatment. When melatonin was given together with oestradiol for 20 days, again a significant (P < 0.05) LH release in response to naloxone occurred. Prolactin release was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by naloxone when mares had been pretreated with only melatonin. The opioid antagonist did not affect prolactin release in mares that had not been pretreated or received oestradiol either alone or in combination with melatonin. In conclusion, in long-term ovariectomized mares, opioids inhibit LH secretion independent from ovarian factors. This opioid inhibition of LH secretion is enhanced by oestradiol and reduced by melatonin. Although short-term melatonin treatment inactivates the opioid regulation of LH release, a prolonged influence of melatonin as occurs in winter does not prevent activation of the opioid system. This indicates that effects of melatonin on the opioid regulation of LH release change with time. An opioid inhibition of prolactin secretion is activated by melatonin given for 15-35 days but is lost under the prolonged influence of a short-day melatonin signal in winter.

Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on release of luteinizing hormone in mares during the anovulatory season.

To investigate an involvement of endogenous opioids in the regulation of circannual changes in reproductive activity, effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on the concentration of immunoreactive and bioactive luteinizing hormone (LH) in plasma were measured in mares during the anovulatory season. Naloxone (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in immunoreactive as well as bioactive LH concentration in plasma. The amplitude of the increase in LH concentrations measured with an in vitro bioassay was more pronounced than the amplitude of the increase in LH secretion determined by radioimmunoassay. This indicates that although in seasonal anovulatory mares the bioactivity of LH in plasma is low, highly bioactive LH is present in the anterior pituitary and can be released by naloxone. The LH response to naloxone did not depend on the degree of ovarian follicular activity. It can be concluded that a tonic opioid inhibition of LH release is present in mares during at least part of the anovulatory season and that endogenous opioids seem to be involved in the regulation of seasonal reproductive activity in the horse. In contrast to the situation during the breeding season, the opioid systems regulating LH release are activated independently of luteal progesterone.

Lectin binding patterns in normal canine endometrium and in bitches with pyometra and cystic endometrial hyperplasia.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra in the bitch are dioestral syndromes, supposed to be caused by hormonal disturbances and changes in endometrial steroid hormone receptor levels. Histologically, the endometria show cystic dilated glands and, if bacteria succeed in invading the uterus, pyometra may develop in the following metoestrus. In this study, lectin histochemistry was performed on paraffin sections to compare carbohydrate expression of uterine glands and surface epithelium in healthy dogs and in dogs with CEH and pyometra. Lectin binding is a useful tool to identify glycoconjugates, especially of the glycocalyx, which has essential functions in the endometrium during reproduction. Uterine tissue was obtained from 18 healthy bitches in metoestrus or anoestrus and 18 bitches with a clinical diagnosis of CEH or pyometra. Normal endometria showed cycle-dependent changes in SBA, PNA, HPA and UEA binding during metoestrus and anoestrus. LCA did not show cycle-dependent changes and WGA bound to Golgi regions in the apical parts of surface epithelial cells only in metoestrous. Endometria with inflammatory alterations lost cycle-specific lectin binding patterns and, with increasing severity of pathological changes, showed a marked decrease in binding intensity to the glandular and surface epithelial glycocalyx and secretions. In dogs with CEH, unaltered glands with generally strong lectin binding to the glycocoalyx and Golgi regions were found adjacent to altered glands. The decrease of lectin binding in pyometra cases is supposed to be a result of glandular exhaustion after cystic hyperplasia. In addition, bacterial adhesion to sugar residues on the uterine surface epithelium might impede lectin binding.

Effects of lactation on metabolic and reproductive hormones in Lipizzaner mares.

In this study, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin, luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin were analyzed in mares from late pregnancy throughout lactation (group 1, n=46) and in non-lactating mares (group 2, n=11). Plasma GH concentrations in group 1 mares during gestation and lactation were lower than in mares of group 2 (P<0.05). Highest IGF-1 levels were found in lactating mares in the week of foaling. IGF-1 concentrations decreased continuously thereafter. Plasma leptin concentrations decreased after foaling and, for 4 weeks, were lower in lactating than in non-lactating mares (P<0.05). Reduced leptin concentrations may promote feed intake and allow lactating mares to avoid an energy deficit. In group 1 mares, prolactin concentrations reached a maximum in the week of foaling and decreased rapidly thereafter. Plasma LH concentrations in group 1 mares before foaling were lower than at corresponding times in group 2 (P<0.05). LH concentrations then increased and did no longer differ from group 2 until week 2 postpartum. This increase may contribute to the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity in postpartum mares. Subsequently, LH levels in lactating mares decreased again (P<0.05). Increased IGF-1 concentrations early postpartum might contribute to ovarian stimulation while reduced IGF-1 and GH concentrations later in lactation might cause reduced stimulation. The changes in somatotrophic hormones could thus explain, at least in part, a more pronounced stimulation of ovarian function early postpartum than during the following months of lactation.

Regulation of seasonal reproductive activity in the stallion, ram and hamster.

This review considers seasonal reproduction in male animals with emphasis on the stallion, ram and hamster. The pineal hormone melatonin is the common link between photoperiod and reproduction. An increase in the daily diurnal period of melatonin secretion is associated with a decrease in GnRH release in long-day breeders, but an increase in GnRH release in short-day breeders. Melatonin influences GnRH release within or close to the mediobasal hypothalamus in rams; whereas melatonin receptors have not been found in the hypothalamus of horses. Prolactin release is positively correlated with daylength. Prolactin concentrations are consequently low during the breeding season of sheep and high during the breeding season of horses and hamsters. Prolactin stimulates testicular function in rams. Seasonal changes in GnRH release in the horse are regulated by changes in a GnRH-inhibitory opioidergic tone. Opioids are at least, in part, responsible for the decrease in testicular function during winter. An opioidergic inhibition of LH release is present during the breeding season in rams; but dopaminergic pathways inhibit LH release during long daylight hours. A dopaminergic inhibition of LH release does not exist in stallions.

Evidence for opioidergic inhibition of oxytocin release in periparturient mares.

In the horse mare, the onset of parturition is associated with an increase in oxytocin secretion, and it has been suggested that the onset of parturition may be triggered by endogenous oxytocin release. To test the hypothesis that oxytocin secretion is regulated by endogenous opioids in the periparturient period, we have 1) characterized oxytocin secretion in response to vaginocervical stimulation and 2) determined the effect of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, on oxytocin secretion induced by vaginocervical stimulation in prepartum mares and in postpartum mares at estrus and diestrus. During the last 2 months of pregnancy, the first diestrus and subsequent estrus post partum, a total of 66 vaginocervical stimulations were performed. Mares were pretreated with naloxone (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) or saline, administered 20 min before vaginocervical stimulation on subsequent days, using a randomized switchback design in which mares served as their own controls. Plasma was collected from 30 min before until 30 min after stimulation and was analyzed for oxytocin concentrations. Vaginocervical stimulation resulted in a significant increase in oxytocin secretion in all mares. Between Days 30 and 20 prepartum, the total amount of oxytocin secreted (calculated as area under the curve for 0 to 10 min after vaginocervical stimulation) was significantly greater in naloxone-treated than in saline-treated mares. From Day 20 prepartum until parturition, the differences between naloxone and saline-treated mares tended to decrease with approaching parturition, and were no longer statistically different. Peak plasma oxytocin concentrations were greater in naloxone-treated mares than in saline-treated mares during the entire prepartum period. During the postpartum period, total amount of oxytocin secreted following vaginocervical stimulation tended to be greater than during the prepartum period, and stimulated oxytocin secretion was significantly greater in naloxone-treated mares than in saline-treated mares. In conclusion, these data suggest that endogenous opioids suppress oxytocin secretion pre and post partum. It appears that opioid inhibition is not limited to the prepartum period, tends to decrease gradually towards parturition and is reinstated after foaling.

Epididymal sperm from the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) can be frozen successfully with AndroMed and with Triladyl but the addition of bovine seminal plasma is detrimental.

Numerous diseases are carried and can be transmitted from the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) to livestock. Buffaloes free of specific diseases (BFSD) are thus in demand amongst game farmers. Current BFSD derive from a small genetic pool and hence there is a special interest in bringing new genetic material into such herds. In this study epididymal sperm from 16 mature African buffalo bulls was frozen with Triladyl and AndroMed extender (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) with and without addition of bovine seminal plasma. Post-thaw motility, longevity and acrosomal integrity were compared. In all but one animal, post-thaw motility was higher, although not always significant, if sperm was frozen with Triladyl than with AndroMed. Seminal plasma was detrimental to the post-thaw motility. Neither semen extender nor seminal plasma had an influence on post-thaw acrosomal integrity. It can be concluded that bovine seminal plasma at a concentration of 10% is detrimental rather than beneficial for the post-thaw motility of African buffalo sperm. Even though being inferior AndroMed does, however, have the advantage that it is a defined semen extender and therefore clearly has a lower risk of contamination.

Seminal plasma affects membrane integrity and motility of equine spermatozoa after cryopreservation.

Effects of seminal plasma on post-thaw motility and membrane integrity of cryopreserved horse spermatozoa were investigated. Carboxyfluorescein diacetate staining was used for the assessment of sperm membrane integrity. Adding 30% of seminal plasma from stallions with high post-thaw sperm motility to ejaculates from stallions with low post-thaw sperm motility increased progressive motility from 24.0 +/- 1.6 to 34.5 +/- 1.9% (P < 0.05) and membrane integrity from 27.0 +/- 2.1 to 34.3 +/- 2.3% membrane-intact spermatozoa (P < 0.05). Conversely, the addition of seminal plasma from stallions with low post-thaw sperm motility to ejaculates from stallions with high post-thaw motility decreased progressive motility from 36.0 +/- 1.6 to 30.0 +/- 2.7% (P < 0.05) but did not induce changes in membrane integrity. Seminal plasma from stallions with opposite post-thaw motility therefore clearly influenced the resistance of spermatozoa to the freezing and thawing process. We conclude that the individual composition of seminal plasma affects the suitability of stallions for semen cryopreservation.

Effects of antioxidants on motility and membrane integrity of chilled-stored stallion semen.

The use of chilled-stored stallion semen is limited by its relatively short-term fertilizing capacity. An important reason for the decrease in fertility during storage is the peroxidation of sperm membrane lipids. In this study, effects of the antioxidants ascorbic acid (0.45 and 0.9 g/L) and catalase (0.45 x 10(6) and 1.8 x 10(6) units/L) on chilled-stored stallion semen were investigated. Semen was collected by artificial vagina from 7 stallions and was diluted with skim milk extender or glycin extender. Sperm motility and membrane integrity were investigated after dilution and after 24, 48 and 72 h at 5 degrees C. Ascorbic acid significantly increased the percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa at 24, 48 and 72 h at 5 degrees C when compared with that of the controls (P < 0.05), irrespective of the extender. Ascorbic acid decreased the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (P < 0.05) at a concentration of 0.9 g/L in glycin extender. Catalase decreased (P < 0.05) progressively motile spermatozoa after 24, 48 and 72 h at 5 degrees C in skim milk extender at a concentration of 1.8 x 10(6) units/L. Catalase decreased (P < 0.05) the percentage of membrane-intact spermatozoa at 24 h. Motility and membrane integrity of spermatozoa after dilution with glycin extender containing catalase did not differ from the controls. In conclusion, ascorbic acid has protective effects on sperm membrane integrity in diluted stallion semen.

Body weight of mares and foals, estrous cycles and plasma glucose concentration in lactating and non-lactating Lipizzaner mares.

This study summarizes weight development, plasma glucose concentrations and reproductive parameters in lactating (n = 46) and non-lactating Lipizzaner mares (n = 11) throughout the breeding season. It was the aim of the study to analyse if an energy deficit with possible effects on reproductive functions occurs at any time during the first 4 months of gestation. Mean gestation length was 334.3 +/- 7.3 days. Gestation of foals born in May/June was shorter (P < 0.01) than for foals born in March/April. Out of the 46 lactating mares, 44 ovulated between Days 8 and 18 postpartum and two mares ovulated on days 30 and 145, respectively. Pregnant mares were significantly (P < 0.001) heavier (600.1 +/- 5.3 kg) than non-pregnant mares (521.8 +/- 10.0 kg) at the beginning of the study. Birth resulted in weight reduction of 64.8 +/- 2.4 kg. During the first 2 weeks postpartum mares lost on average 3.0 +/- 1.8 kg and in the following 2 weeks gained 3.6 +/- 1.4 kg of weight. Thereafter, weight increased slightly but continuously (P < 0.01). At no time after foaling, weight differed significantly between groups. Weight of the foals three days after birth varied between 29 and 67 kg (53.7 +/- 1.1 kg). Average daily weight gain of foals was relatively constant throughout the study period (1.15 +/- 0.17 kg). Although lactation at no time was associated with a major weight loss, it had clear effects on energy metabolism as shown by constantly lower plasma glucose concentrations in lactating mares. Glucose concentrations decreased after foaling and were significantly lower in lactating mares from Weeks 3 to 16 after foaling than at corresponding times in non-lactating mares (P < 0.01). However, glucose concentrations were still within the physiological range. Mares seem to be able to compensate energy losses during lactation mainly by increasing feed intake and not by mobilisation of body fat.

Prophylaxis of respiratory distress syndrome in premature calves by administration of dexamethasone or a prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue to their dams before parturition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of preterm induction of calving by administration of flumethasone and dinoprost on the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid and on neonatal respiratory distress after birth. ANIMALS: 45 dairy cows and their newborn calves. PROCEDURE: Amniotic fluid from 45 cows was obtained and tested between days 258 and 270 of gestation. Cows were then given flumethasone (10 mg; n = 15), dinoprost (25 mg; n = 15), or saline solution (n = 15). Thirty hours later, left flank cesarean section was performed, amniotic fluid was collected, and the calf was delivered. Blood for determination of progesterone was withdrawn at amniotic fluid sample collections and before induction of calving. Blood for analysis of pH and base deficit was collected from calves during cesarean section and repeatedly after birth. Phospholipids in amniotic fluid were measured by thin-layer chromatography, and progesterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. Base deficit and pH were measured, using a blood gas analyzer. RESULTS: Before treatments, a corpus luteum was present in all cows and the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid did not differ between groups. Thirty hours after injections of flumethasone and dinoprost, progesterone concentration had decreased (P < 0.05) and the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than values in controls. In calves delivered after flumethasone or dinoprost treatments, the degree of acidosis was significantly (P < 0.05) less than that in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Flumethasone and dinoprost, given to pregnant cows, accelerate fetal lung maturation and improve respiratory function after birth.

Lectin binding patterns of uterine glands in mares with chronic endometrial degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes of glycoconjugate in uterine glands of endometrial tissues obtained from mares. ANIMALS: adult mares. PROCEDURE: Uterine biopsy samples were collected during the breeding season and analyzed histologically for signs of chronic endometrial degeneration. Stage of the estrous cycle was established, using clinical examination and determination of hormonal status. Uterine tissue samples were analyzed, using lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques (estrogen and progesterone receptors). Connective tissues were stained to determine alterations of ground substance in periglandular fibrosis. RESULTS: Of 50 mares, 30 (60%) were classified as normal or having modest alterations, and 20 (40%) were classified as having moderate or severe endometrial degeneration. In normal equine endometrium, several lectins (Helix pomatia agglutinin, Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin, Ricinus communis I agglutinin, Ulex europaeus agglutinin, and wheat germ agglutinin) bound to glycoconjugates of the luminal epithelium and openings of uterine glands. Lectin binding patterns of cystic dilated glands or fibrotic glands in endometrial samples were remarkably strong, whereas normal surrounding cells remained unstained. Lotus tetragonolobus lectin was not suitable for detecting endometrial alterations. Connective tissues stained with Alcian blue and results of Hale colloidal-iron binding revealed acidic ground substance in periglandular fibrosis. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were evenly distributed in healthy and affected endometrial samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Glycoconjugate patterns of uterine glands were altered in mares with chronic endometrial degeneration. Therefore, uterine secretions are likely to be altered. These changes are not induced by changes in content of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial tissues.

Influence of labor and neonatal hypoxia on sympathoadrenal activation and methionine enkephalin release in calves.

Labor and delivery stimulate increased release of catecholamines and endogenous opioid peptides in neonates. Catecholamines promote adaptation to the extrauterine environment after birth. Enkephalins are stored together with catecholamines in the adrenal medulla and have an inhibitory effect on catecholamine release. We investigated the influence of labor and neonatal hypoxia on epinephrine, norepinephrine, and met-enkephalin release in calves. Blood samples were taken from the umbilical artery before rupture of the umbilical cord and from the jugular vein repeatedly after birth. Highest plasma norepinephrine concentration was found in calves delivered at the end of gestation (term calves) before umbilical cord rupture. In calves delivered before the physiologic end of gestation (preterm calves), norepinephrine values increased after cord rupture, but remained lower than values in term calves. Epinephrine release followed a similar pattern, but norepinephrine was clearly predominant. In term calves, met-enkephalin values were significantly higher than values in preterm calves. In calves of both groups, met-enkephalin release increased after cord rupture. During birth, the increase in catecholamine release seems to take place earlier than that of enkephalins. Norepinephrine-dominated stimulation during expulsion of the calf might be followed by increasing enkephalinergic inhibition after cord rupture and onset of respiration. Reduced release of catecholamines and enkephalins in preterm calves may be connected with delayed adaptation to the extrauterine environment.