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Hallman I, Karikoski N, Kareskoski M. The effects of obesity and insulin dysregulation on mare reproduction, pregnancy, and foal health: a review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1180622. [PMID: 37152686 PMCID: PMC10158983 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1180622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing welfare concern in modern equine populations and predisposes horses to disturbances in energy metabolism such as insulin dysregulation. However, equine metabolic syndrome has only been recognized in recent decades. Functioning energy metabolism is pivotal to normal body homeostasis and affects essentially all organ systems, including reproduction. Previous literature suggests that obesity has an effect not only on the reproductive processes in mares but also on offspring health, predisposing the offspring to later-onset orthopedic and metabolic problems. This review focuses on the effects of obesity, insulin dysregulation and hyperinsulinemia on the reproductive functions of mares and the implications on foal health before and after birth. The points of interest are the cyclicity and ovarian function, uterine environment, gestation, the postpartum period, and the newborn foal. The aim is to review the current state of knowledge, and identify outstanding questions that could stimulate future research. This topic is important not only from the equine industry and production perspective but is also relevant for the welfare of future populations and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Hallman
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Isa Hallman,
| | - Ninja Karikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Kareskoski
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Rua MAS, Quirino CR, Rodrigues ACC, Christo MM, Barreto MAP. Evaluation of environmental effects on reproductive characteristics of Mangalarga Marchador mares in a commercial embryo transfer program. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 195:131-138. [PMID: 29778271 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental effects on embryo recovery rate and pregnancy rate of Mangalarga Marchador mares. The reproductive characteristics of donor and recipient mares were evaluated during five years in Brazilian tropical environment. The mares were used throughout the year and seasons were classified as: October to April (breeding season - BS); May (autumn transition out of the breeding season - ATBS); June to August (non-breeding season - nBS); and September (vernal transition into the breeding season - VTBS). Daily temperature rainfall and hours of daylight (photoperiod) were measured during all months and years of evaluation. The embryo recovery rate (ERR) and the pregnancy rate (PR) were observed and frequencies were calculated. The effect of environmental variables, day of flushing, and hormonal treatments (estradiol benzoate and progesterone) were determined for the reproductive measures using the Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significant effects were noted of the year, season and temperature on ERR (P < 0.05), but no significant effects were observed of the environmental parameters (year, season, hormone treatment, rainfall and photoperiod) on PR (P > 0.05). The day of uterine flush affected ERR (P < 0.05) but did not affect PR (P > 0.05). In addition, hormone treatment also supported favorable results of PR in recipient mares during nBS. The conclusion is that mares of this breed can be used in reproduction all year long, with good pregnancy rates, in Brazil's tropical environment. The hormone treatment also supported favorable pregnancy rates in recipient mares during the non-breeding season. It seems that mares can have good pregnancy rates throughout the year in Brazil´s tropical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alejandro Silva Rua
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil.
| | - Celia Raquel Quirino
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Cerqueira Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil
| | - Mirela Mendes Christo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil
| | - Marcus Antônio Pessanha Barreto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement, Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense/UENF), Brazil
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3
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Abo El-Maaty AM, Mohamed AH, Abu-Aita NA, Morgan HM. Markers for Predicting Overweight or Obesity of Broodmares. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Smith S, Marr C, Dunnett C, Menzies-Gow N. The effect of mare obesity and endocrine function on foal birthweight in Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:461-466. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Smith
- Rossdales Equine Hospital; Exning, Newmarket Suffolk, UK
| | - C.M. Marr
- Rossdales Equine Hospital; Exning, Newmarket Suffolk, UK
| | - C. Dunnett
- Independent Equine Nutrition; Newmarket Suffolk, UK
| | - N.J. Menzies-Gow
- Royal Veterinary College; North Mymms, Hatfield Hertfordshire UK
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Martin-Gimenez T, de Blas I, Aguilera-Tejero E, Diez de Castro E, Aguirre-Pascasio CN. Endocrine, morphometric, and ultrasonographic characterization of neck adiposity in Andalusian horses. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56:57-62. [PMID: 27088603 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can be diagnosed by hormonal measurements; however, it would be important to find simpler measurements that allow easy identification of affected or at risk individuals. In horses, the dorsal neck region is one of the most frequent anatomical sites for fat deposition and neck obesity has been linked to EMS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of hormonal markers of obesity (leptin) and insulin resistance (insulin) with morphometric and ultrasonographic neck measurements in Andalusian horses. Plasma leptin and insulin concentrations were measured by RIA in 127 Andalusian horses. Neck circumferences (NC) were measured at 3 equidistant locations at 25%, 50%, and 75% of neck length (NC-25%, NC-50%, and NC-75%). At the same 3 locations, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT-25%, SFT-50%, and SFT-75%) was measured ultrasonographically. In the population under study, a tendency to adiposity was confirmed by the elevated plasma leptin levels (7.47 ± 5.03 ng/mL). However, plasma insulin concentrations (4.05 ± 3.74 μIU/mL) were within normal range in most horses. Our results indicate that NC showed significant sexual dimorphism and did not correlate well with hormonal measurements. Ultrasonographic assessment of fat thickness at the base of the neck (SFT-75%) was significantly correlated with both plasma leptin and insulin and did not show differences between males and females. Thus, in the search for a single objective parameter which can be used in large populations, SFT-75% is a potential candidate and may be a meaningful parameter to predict EMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Martin-Gimenez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - I de Blas
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - E Aguilera-Tejero
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - E Diez de Castro
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - C N Aguirre-Pascasio
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Fradinho MJ, Correia MJ, Grácio V, Bliebernicht M, Farrim A, Mateus L, Martin-Rosset W, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Effects of body condition and leptin on the reproductive performance of Lusitano mares on extensive systems. Theriogenology 2014; 81:1214-22. [PMID: 24613603 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition (BC), BC changes, and plasma leptin concentrations on the reproductive performance of Lusitano broodmares on extensive systems. Data from 119 mares (ranging from 4 to 22 years of age) were collected over a period of four consecutive breeding seasons. Each case was considered as one foaled mare bred in 1 year. Body condition changes at conception (ΔBCScon) showed a strong effect on fertility at the first two postpartum estrous cycles and a significant interaction with body condition score at conception (BCScon) was observed (P < 0.01). The best fertility results were obtained with positive and greater ΔBCScon. The best predictive value of fertility (91%) was achieved when the BCScon was 3.0 and ΔBCScon was 0.375. Global foaling rate for the 4-year period was 74.5%. Mean foaling interval and gestation length were, respectively, 368.0 ± 2.8 and 340.3 ± 1.0 days. Gestation length was influenced by the month of foaling (P < 0.05) and decreased as mares got older (P < 0.01). The number of estimated estrous cycles per live foal was 1.78 ± 0.12, including foal heat ovulation. Leptin was correlated with BCS (0.41; P < 0.001), but in the present study, plasma leptin concentrations on late gestation and early lactation did not influence fertility results. At 90 days of age, lower growth performances were obtained in foals which dams presented negative BCS changes on the first 3 months of lactation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BC changes at early postpartum period influence the reproductive efficiency of broodmares and the growth of their suckling foals. These findings are important to help breeders on management options concerning feeding strategies in the Lusitano production systems and others under similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Fradinho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M J Correia
- Coudelaria de Alter, Tapada do Arneiro, Alter-do-Chão, Portugal
| | - V Grácio
- Coudelaria de Alter, Tapada do Arneiro, Alter-do-Chão, Portugal
| | | | - A Farrim
- Companhia das Lezírias, Porto Alto, Portugal
| | - L Mateus
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - W Martin-Rosset
- INRA, Centre de Recherche de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, Saint Genes Champanelle, France
| | - R J B Bessa
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R M Caldeira
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - G Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Lange-Consiglio A, Arrighi S, Fiandanese N, Pocar P, Aralla M, Bosi G, Borromeo V, Berrini A, Meucci A, Dell'Aquila ME, Cremonesi F. Follicular fluid leptin concentrations and expression of leptin and leptin receptor in the equine ovary and in vitro-matured oocyte with reference to pubertal development and breeds. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 25:837-46. [PMID: 22951190 DOI: 10.1071/rd12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no published information about follicular-fluid leptin concentrations or the presence of leptin and leptin receptor in the equine ovary or oocyte. Three groups of mares - adult draft mares, draft fillies and adult Standardbred mares - were included in the study. Leptin and leptin receptor were detected in all immature oocytes by immunofluorescence with higher intensity in oocytes from draft mares compared with draft fillies and Standardbred mares. After in vitro maturation a higher proportion of oocytes reached metaphase II in draft mares than in draft fillies and Standardbred mares, and in all groups both leptin and leptin receptor became localised in the oocyte cortex but with higher immunopositivity in draft mares compared with draft fillies and Standardbred mares. These intensities were confirmed by the expression profiles of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA. Moreover, leptin was detected in ovarian blood vessels in all three types of animal and within the corpora lutea in adult mares. Serum and follicular-fluid concentrations of leptin were similar in draft and Standardbred mares but higher in draft mares than in draft fillies. This study supports the hypothesis that expression of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA and the rate of maturation can be related either to adiposity or to puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lange-Consiglio
- Large Animal Hospital, Reproduction Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
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Earl LR, Thompson DL, Mitcham PB. Factors Affecting the Glucose Response to Insulin Injection in Mares: Epinephrine, Short- and Long-Term Prior Feed Intake, Cinnamon Extract, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kędzierski W, Kusy R, Kowalik S. Plasma leptin level in hyperlipidemic mares and their newborn foals. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:275-80. [PMID: 20565697 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01658.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma leptin and lipid levels in breeding mares and their newborn foals. The study was conducted on 17 Polish cold-blood mares and their newborn foals. The mares were divided into two groups, according to the course of delivery. These groups were seven mares which had a normal delivery and 10 mares which had required veterinary intervention during their delivery. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of both the mares and their foals. The blood samples were taken within 30 min after delivery, as well as on four successive mornings directly afterwards. In obtained plasma samples, the leptin, triacylglycerols (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations were measured. The leptin and TG levels in the plasma sampled on the day of delivery and the two following days were significantly higher in mares which received veterinary intervention during the delivery, when compared to the results obtained from the plasma of mares which had normal delivery. The results obtained from foals did not show any statistical differences. In conclusion, the conducted tests have shown that post-parturient hyperlipidemia and hyperleptinemia in mares did not influence the lipid status and plasma leptin level in newborn foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kędzierski
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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Earl L, Thompson D, Mitcham P. Factors affecting the glucose response to insulin injection in mares: Epinephrine and supplementation with cinnamon extract or fish oil. J Equine Vet Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Caltabilota TJ, Earl LR, Thompson DL, Clavier SE, Mitcham PB. Hyperleptinemia in mares and geldings: Assessment of insulin sensitivity from glucose responses to insulin injection1. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:2940-9. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-2879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Pratt-Phillips SE, Owens KM, Dowler LE, Cloninger MT. Assessment of Resting Insulin and Leptin Concentrations and Their Association With Managerial and Innate Factors in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2010.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Huff NK, Thompson DL, Mitcham PB, Storer WA. Hyperleptinemia in horses: Responses to administration of a small dose of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin in mares and geldings1. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:926-36. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Huff N, Thompson D, Bondioli K. Search for Polymorphism in Exon 2 of the Equine Leptin Gene. J Equine Vet Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2009.04.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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