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Lindinger H, Wehrend A. [Behavior of the mare during parturition - a literature review]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2024; 52:153-157. [PMID: 38925128 DOI: 10.1055/a-2321-4422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
In horses, parturition is characterized by the fact that any delays may rapidly result in the death of the foal. Therefore, birth monitoring and the rapid detection of dystocia are of great importance. For this purpose, the differentiation between behavior associated with physiological parturition and activities related to difficult parturition is important. The aim of this publication is to present the physiological behavior of mares during parturition on the basis of a literature review. The behavior of mares in the opening phase of parturition is highly individual. In general, it is characterized by an increase in movement activity. In this phase of parturition, 13 different behaviors have been described (e. g. lying down and standing up, cessation of feed intake, local sweating, frequent defecation and urination). Mares show a more uniform pattern of behavior in the expulsion phase and the following phase of expulsion of the fetal membranes and placenta. More than 95% of mares give birth in the lateral position. A mare usually remains in recumbency for several minutes following the expulsion of the fetus. Immediately after standing up, the mare begins to intensely interact with the foal. The expulsion of the fetal membranes and the placenta usually takes place in a standing position. From a clinical point of view, it is important to give consideration to the difficulty in recognizing the opening phase of parturition due to the mares' individual behavior patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lindinger
- Tierklinik für Reproduktionsmedizin und Neugeborenenkunde, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Tierklinik für Reproduktionsmedizin und Neugeborenenkunde, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
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Lindinger H, Wehrend A. Characterization of Typical Behaviors of Mares in the Opening Phase of Parturition-Influence of Parity and Dystocia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1036. [PMID: 38612275 PMCID: PMC11011104 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071036] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The identification of typical behaviors in stage I of parturition, the opening phase, can be used to improve birth monitoring in the mare. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze mare behavior during the opening phase. Real-time recordings of 66 births involving 56 warmblood mares were analyzed using camera footage. Behaviors such as increased locomotor activity, pawing with front hooves, lifting the tail, rolling, kicking with the hind legs toward the abdomen, and looking at the abdomen increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the four hours preceding parturition. Within the last hour of the observation period, a statistically significant change was observed for the duration of lying in the sternal and lateral position (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between parity and the total number of repetitions of lying in the sternal position (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the birth process influenced the repetitions of lying in the lateral position (p < 0.05). These findings indicate distinct behavioral patterns during the opening phase of parturition, which were evident across the observed mares. Nonetheless, notable individual differences were also identified among the mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lindinger
- Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Lindinger H, Wehrend A. Investigating the suitability of a transponder-based birth monitoring system attached to the vulva of a mare. Vet World 2023; 16:2451-2456. [PMID: 38328361 PMCID: PMC10844779 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2451-2456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim In horse breeding, birth monitoring is an important factor in minimizing losses during parturition. Although different birth monitoring systems are available for this purpose, the current literature lacks systematic suitability analyses. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature. In order to achieve this, we examined a large number of foaling mares to assess the suitability of a transponder-based birth monitoring system attached to the vulva. Materials and Methods Seventy warmblood mares were observed during foaling, and 86 foals were born during the foaling seasons of 2021 and 2022. Video surveillance in the foaling stable provided video recordings of births. This allowed the opportunity to assess the birth monitoring system's reporting accuracy. The exact times and reasons for each alarm were documented and the proportions of correctly detected births, false alarms, and unrecognized births were calculated. Results Overall, 96.5% of foalings were correctly detected using the birth monitoring system, with a sensitivity rate of 96% and a specificity rate of 91%. False alarms were primarily caused when a mare rubbed her tail against the stable walls. Conclusion These data suggest that the tested transponder is well suited for monitoring the birth of mares. However, it is recommended that this method should be used in combination with other birth monitoring methods because not all births were detected correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lindinger
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Small and Large Animals, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Small and Large Animals, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Auclair-Ronzaud J, Barrier-Battut I, Bozec J, Potier PH, Dubois C, Wimel L. Relationship Between Ovulation and Body Temperature in the Mare: A Preliminary Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 130:104927. [PMID: 37717679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104927] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
In the equine industry, monitoring of the reproduction cycle is key to be able to produce one foal per mare and per year. Ovulation detection is difficult partly due to the variability of the estrus length. Currently, the most reliable method for ovulation detection is transrectal ultrasonography. This technique, however, implies handling of the mare as well as veterinary costs. The aim of this experimentation is to study body temperature variations around ovulation. Nine reproduction cycles were monitored around ovulation. Transrectal ultrasonographies were performed each day as well as blood sampling to dose estradiol-17β and progesterone to confirm ultrasonographic results. Body temperature was automatically recorded every 10 minutes using an identification chip equipped with a temperature sensor implanted in the mares' neckline. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Daily body temperature pattern did not vary between the phases of the reproductive cycle (follicular, ovulatory and luteal). Temperature differences between phases, however, were identified and appeared hourly-specific. There was an increase of temperature at ovulation compared to the end of the follicular phase ranging from 0.51°C ± 0.21°C to 0.92°C ± 0.26°C and occurring between 04:30 and 08:00. Moreover, a significant increase of body temperature was measured during the first days of luteal phase, ranging from 0.29°C ± 0.17°C to 0.60°C ± 0.16°C, between 10:30 and 16:00. Body temperature varied around ovulation and it might be a promising tool for mare reproduction monitoring. A more complete study, however, focusing on the whole cycle is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeanne Bozec
- IFCE-Plateau Technique de Chamberet, Chamberet, France
| | | | - Cédric Dubois
- IFCE-Plateau Technique de Chamberet, Chamberet, France
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Aoki T, Shibata M, Violin G, Higaki S, Yoshioka K. Detection of foaling using a tail-attached device with a thermistor and tri-axial accelerometer in pregnant mares. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286807. [PMID: 37267402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is desirable to attend to the mare at the time of foaling in order to assist fetal delivery and prevent complications. The early detection of the onset of labor is an important issue for the equine industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of a sensor for foaling detection using the data of surface temperature (ST), roll angle (rotation about the y-axis) and y-axis (long axis of the tail) acceleration which were collected from a multimodal device attached to the ventral tail base of the mare. The data were collected every 3 minutes in 17 pregnant mares. Roll angle differences from the reference values and the mare's posture (standing or recumbent) confirmed by video were compared and associated. Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.99 when the threshold was set as ± 0.3 radian in roll angle differences. This result clearly showed that the sensor data can accurately distinguish between standing and recumbent postures. The hourly sensor data with a lower ST (LST < 35.5°C), a recumbent posture determined by the roll angle, and tail-raising (TR, decline of 200 mg or more from the reference value in y-axis acceleration) was significantly higher during the last hour prepartum than 2-120 hours before parturition (P < 0.01). The accuracy of foaling detection within one hour was verified using the following three indicators: LST; lying down (LD, change from standing to recumbent posture); and TR. When LST, LD and TR were individually examined, even though all indicators showed that sensitivity was 100%, the precision was 13.1%, 8.1% and 2.8%, respectively. When the data were combined as LST+LD, LST+TR, LD+TR and LST+LD+TR, detection of foaling improved, with precisions of 100%, 32.1%, 56.7% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, the tail-attached multimodal device examined in this present study is useful for detecting foaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Aoki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Makoto Shibata
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Guilherme Violin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shogo Higaki
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Koji Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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Jung Y, Chang H, Yoon M. Development of a foaling alarm system using an accelerometer. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:1237-1244. [PMID: 36811996 PMCID: PMC9890331 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Horse breeders suffer massive economic losses due to dystocia, abortion, and stillbirths. In Thoroughbred mares, breeders often miss the foaling process because approximately 86% of the foaling events occur from 19:00 to 7:00; consequently, breeders cannot assist mares experiencing dystocia. To solve this problem, various foaling alarm systems have been developed. However, there is a need to develop a new system to overcome the shortcomings of the existing devices and improve their accuracy. To this end, the present study aimed to (1) develop a novel foaling alarm system and (2) compare its accuracy with that of the existing Foalert™ system. Specifically, eighteen Thoroughbred mares (11.9 ± 4.0 years old) were included. An accelerometer was used to analyze specific foaling behaviors. Behavioral data were transmitted to a data server every second. Depending on the acceleration value, behaviors were automatically classified by the server as categorized behaviors 1 (behaviors without change in body rotation), 2 (behaviors with sudden change in body rotation, such as rolling over), and 3 (behaviors with long-term change in body rotation, such as lying down laterally). The system was designed to alarm when the duration of categorized behaviors 2 and 3 was 12.9% and that of categorized behavior 3 was 1% during 10 min. The system measured the duration of each categorized behavior every 10 min and transmitted an alarm to the breeders when foaling was detected. To confirm its accuracy, the foaling detection time of the novel system was compared with that of Foalert™. The novel foaling alarm system and Foalert™ alarmed foaling onset respectively 32.6 ± 17.9 and 8.6 ± 1.0 min prior to foal discharge, and the foaling detection rate of both systems was 94.4%. Therefore, the novel foaling alarm system equipped with an accelerometer can precisely detect and alert foaling onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngwook Jung
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea
| | - Honghee Chang
- Department of Animal Science, Gyeongsang
National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Minjung Yoon
- Department of Animal Science and
Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea,Department of Horse, Companion, and Wild
Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224,
Korea,Research Center for Horse Industry,
Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea,Corresponding author: Minjung Yoon,
Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University,
Sangju 37224, Korea. Tel: +82-54-530-1233, E-mail:
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Græsli AR, Thiel A, Fuchs B, Stenbacka F, Neumann W, Malmsten J, Singh NJ, Ericsson G, Arnemo JM, Evans AL. Body temperature patterns during pregnancy and parturition in moose. J Therm Biol 2022; 109:103334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Müller A, Glüge S, Vidondo B, Wróbel A, Ott T, Sieme H, Burger D. Increase of skin temperature prior to parturition in mares. Theriogenology 2022; 190:46-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Classification of behavioral signs of the mares for prediction of the pre-foaling period. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.36.2.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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