Effect of carbetocin administration during the mid-period of parturition on farrowing duration, newborn piglet characteristics, colostrum yield and milk yield in hyperprolific sows

Control of the farrowing process is crucial to reduce the risk of post-parturient disorders in sows and newborn piglet mortality. Carbetocin is a long-acting oxytocin-like compound that has been introduced to domestic animal obstetrics. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of carbetocin administration during the mid-period of parturition on farrowing duration as well as colostrum and milk production and its side effects on neonatal piglet characteristics in hyperprolific sows. The study included 89 Landrace x Yorkshire crossbred sows and 1534 piglets. Sows were randomly distributed into two groups: CONTROL (n = 46), where sows were allowed to farrow naturally, and TREATMENT (n = 43), where sows were administered 0.5 μg/kg carbetocin intramuscularly after the birth of the 7th piglet. In each litter, the piglets were classified into two groups according to birth order: 1-7 and ≥8. The colostrum yield of sows and the colostrum intake of each individual piglet were calculated. Litter weight gain of the piglets from 3 to 5 days of lactation was used to estimate milk yield. Farrowing duration tended to be reduced from 338.4 ± 35.2 min in the CONTROL group to 255.3 ± 36.4 min in the TREATMENT group (P = 0.105). However, the colostrum yield in the TREATMENT group was lower than that in the CONTROL group (3828 ± 149 and 3041 ± 158 g, respectively, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, milk yield during 3-5 days of lactation in the TREATMENT group did not differ significantly compared to that in the CONTROL group (7.53 ± 0.01 and 7.54 ± 0.01 kg/day, respectively, P = 0.643). The incidence of stillbirths in the TREATMENT group was not significantly different from that in the CONTROL group (8.3 and 7.4%, respectively, P = 0.944). However, the incidence of piglets born with umbilical cord rupture in the TREATMENT group with birth order ≥8 was higher than that in the CONTROL group in the same birth order (16.6 and 5.7%, P < 0.001). Across groups, colostrum intake of piglets born with birth order ≥8 was lower than that of piglets born in the birth orders 1-7 (187.4 ± 8.7 and 241.5 ± 9.0 g, P < 0.001). Interestingly, the colostrum intake of piglets with birth orders 1-7 in the TREATMENT group was also lower than that of piglets with the same birth order in the CONTROL group (214.9 ± 12.9 and 268.1 ± 12.5 g, respectively, P = 0.003). Colostrum intake was lowest in the piglets with birth order ≥8 in the TREATMENT group (159.6 ± 12.3, P < 0.001). Carbetocin administration after the birth of the 7th piglet reduced the birth interval of piglets but increased the incidence of piglets born with umbilical rupture and reduced colostrum intake. Therefore, colostrum supplementation and care of the newborn piglets immediately after birth are strongly recommended after carbetocin administration.

Oxytocin increases pregnancy rates after fixed time artificial insemination in Kazak ewes

It is probable that reduced pregnancy rates in ewes after fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) is attributable, in part, to the reduced number of normal spermatozoa that colonize the oviduct. Administration of oxytocin stimulates both cervical dilation and uterine/oviductal contractility. The hypothesis that oxytocin can enhance sperm transport into the uteri and the oviducts, and thereby increase pregnancy rates, was tested in the present study. Oestrus was synchronized in 199 multiparous Kazak ewes using intravaginal flurogestone-impregnated sponge. The sponge was left in the vagina for 12 days followed with an injection of 330 IU of eCG at sponge removal. Each ewe was intracervically inseminated twice at 50 hr and 62 hr after the removal of sponges using an insemination catheter containing 0.25 ml of diluted semen. Semen was collected from seven Texel rams and all the ejaculates were pooled and diluted in ultra-high temperature-treated commercial skimmed milk without (Control group, 0.05 ml of saline per mL milk, n = 144) or with oxytocin supplement (Oxytocin group, 0.5 U of oxytocin per ml milk, n = 55). Pregnancy status was determined by transabdominal ultrasound examination 45 days after insemination. Lambing performance was recorded at delivery. Significant differences were observed between the Oxytocin group and the Control group in terms of the pregnancy rate and the fecundity rate (85.5% and 92.7% versus 68.8% and 72.9%, respectively). In conclusion, low dose oxytocin supplementation of semen extender significantly increased pregnancy and fecundity rates in oestrus-synchronized Kazak ewes after FTAI.

Intra-umbilical vein injection of carbetocin versus oxytocin in the management of retained placenta

INTRODUCTION

Retained placenta can be defined as lack of expulsion of the placenta within 30 min of delivery of the infant. It is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity throughout the developing world.

AIM OF THE WORK

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra-umbilical vein injection of carbetocin versus oxytocin in the management of retained placenta.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 200 women were included in this study. They were divided into two groups; each 100 women. The first group received intra-umbilical vein injection of 1 mL carbetocin (containing 100 μg carbetocin) diluted in 20 mL normal saline 0.9% and the second group received intra-umbilical vein injection of 20 IU oxytocin diluted in 20 mL normal saline 0.9%.

RESULTS

Total blood loss (ml) and duration of the third stage of labor (minutes) were significantly lower in carbetocin group when compared to oxytocin group. Postoperative Hb concentration (g/dl) was significantly higher in carbetocin group. Also there was a highly significant difference between both groups as regard change in Hb concentration (g/dl) with less change in the carbetocin group. The need for additional uterotonic drugs following placental delivery and the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage and the need for blood transfusion were significantly lower in the carbetocin group.

CONCLUSION

Intra-umbilical carbetocin is more effective than intra-umbilical oytocin as a method for management of retained placenta. Intra-umbilical carbetocin seems to have more acceptable hemodynamic safety profile when compared to intra-umbilical oxytocin in the management of retained placenta.