Effects of various procedures for synchronisation of parturition in sows

Objective: The effects of various parturition controlling measures in sows on the relevant parameters for parturition were investigated. Material and methods: A total of 1975 study animals were divided into five groups: control group: A (n = 710); trial groups: B (n = 719), C (n = 180), D (n = 175), E (n = 191). The control group (A) included sows that spontaneously farrowed until day 114 of gestation. The remaining sows were administered a PGF2α-analogue (175 µg cloprostenol) on day 114. All sows that farrowed within 24 hours after prostaglandin-medication were summarised in trial group B. Dams that did not farrow until day 115 were either administered oxytocin (20 IU i. m., group C) or carbetocin in two different doses (70 µg, group D or 35 µg, group E). The sows were monitored during the peripartal period over 24 hours. Results: 83.8% of the farrowings were without any complications. The percentage of dystocia varied between the individual groups. Given a complication-free farrowing the expulsion stage began 13.0 hours (group B), 2.4 hours (group C), 1.6 hours (group D) and 1.4 hours (group E) after medication. The expulsion interval of the farrowing of two piglets decreased from 21.1 minutes with spontaneous farrowings (group A) to 18.6 minutes (group E) as a result of the administration of 35 µg carbetocin. The rate of stillborn piglets as well as the incidence of puerperal disorders and the losses of the suckling piglets also gradually, partly even significantly (p 0.05) decreased from group A to E. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The results of this study show that the use of the long-acting oxytocin carbetocin has advantages compared to oxytocin (e. g. shortened duration of birth, reduction of stillbirths). The tested dosages of carbetocin (35 µg or 70 µg) proved to be equally effective. Administration of the lower dose is recommended, since this reduces use of the active ingredient.

Noninferiority trial investigating the efficacy of a nonantibiotic intramammary therapy in the treatment of mild-to-moderate clinical mastitis in dairy cows with longer lasting udder diseases

A nonblinded, positively controlled, noninferiority trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an alternative, nonantibiotic therapy with Masti Veyxym^® to reduce ineffective antibiotic usage in the treatment of nonsevere clinical mastitis (CM) in cows with longer lasting udder diseases. The solely intramammary treatment with Masti Veyxym^® (three applications, 12 hr apart) and the combined treatment with Masti Veyxym^® and antibiotics as usual on the farm according to label of the respective product were compared with the reference treatment of solely antibiotic therapy. The matched field study was conducted on eight free-stall dairy farms located in Eastern Germany. Cases of mild-to-moderate CM in cows with longer lasting high somatic cell counts in preceding dairy herd improvement test days and with previous CM cases in current lactation were randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups. A foremilk sample of the affected quarter was taken before treatment and again approximately 14 days and 21 days after the end of therapy for cyto-bacteriological examination. Primary outcomes were clinical cure (CC) and no CM recurrence within 60 days after the end of treatment (no R60). Bacteriological cure (BC) and quarter somatic cell count (QSCC) cure were chosen as secondary outcomes although low probabilities of BC and QSCC cure for selected cows were expected. The study resulted in the following findings: the pathogens mostly cultured from pretreatment samples were Streptococcus uberis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. There were no significant differences between the two test treatments in comparison with the reference treatment regarding all outcome variables. The sole therapy with Masti Veyxym^® resulted in a numerically lower likelihood of BC without significant differences to the reference treatment. The combined therapy group showed a numerically higher nonrecurrence rate than the two other treatment groups and noninferiority compared to the reference treatment was proven. Having regard to the selection criteria of cows in this study, the findings indicated that sole treatment with Masti Veyxym^® in nonsevere CM cases may constitute an alternative therapy to reduce antibiotics. However, noninferiority evaluations were mostly inconclusive. Further investigations with a larger sample size are required to confirm the results and to make a clear statement on noninferiority.

Synchronization of estrus and ovulation in sows not conceiving in a scheduled fixed-time insemination program

A field study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a treatment with altrenogest, eCG and hCG or the GnRH-analogue D-Phe(6)-LHRH to synchronize estrus and ovulation of sows diagnosed as non-pregnant in order to reintegrate them back into a scheduled fixed-time insemination program. Sows (n=531) diagnosed as non-pregnant by ultrasonography on days 21-35 after insemination were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) 16 mg altrenogest/day/animal orally for 15 days to block follicular growth, followed by injection of 1000 IU eCG intramuscularly (i.m.) 24h after withdrawal of altrenogest to stimulate follicular growth and 500 IU hCG i.m. 78-80 h after eCG to induce ovulation; (2) similar to (1) except that 20mg altrenogest and 800 IU eCG were used and (3) similar to (2) except that 50 microg D-Phe(6)-LHRH was used to induce ovulation. Females were artificially inseminated (AI) twice at 24 and 40 h, respectively, after hCG/D-Phe(6)-LHRH. Success of treatments was checked by ultrasonography of the ovaries. Rates of conception and farrowing (CR, FR), and number of total and live born piglets (TB, LB) were recorded and compared to those of synchronized first served sows. Females had differing ovarian structures prior to treatment. Altrenogest effectively blocked follicular growth in >80% of the females irrespective of dosage, but 16 mg increased the development of polycystic ovarian degeneration. Four to 18% of the females still had corpora lutea after altrenogest. Most females ovulated either between both inseminations or thereafter (P<0.05). Females treated with D-Phe(6)-LHRH tended to ovulate earlier than those injected with hCG. The CR and FR were up to 25% lower for sows diagnosed as non-pregnant than for sows after first service (P<0.05). Among sows diagnosed as non-pregnant the CR was higher in females treated with D-Phe(6)-LHRH (P<0.05). No differences were found in regard to numbers of TB and LB. In conclusion, a treatment with 20mg altrenogest per day per animal, followed by 800 IU eCG and 50 microg the GnRH-analogue D-Phe(6)-LHRH is appropriate to synchronize estrus and ovulation of sows diagnosed as non-pregnant. Whether there might be a need to feed altrenogest for a longer interval of 18 days has to be investigated.

Lamprey GnRH-III Stimulates FSH Secretion in Barrows

Although studies have indicated that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release can be dissociated in the pig, the underlying mechanisms are still to be answered. Since it was demonstrated that lamprey gonadotropin-releasing hormone (l-GnRH-III) has preferential FSH-releasing potency in several mammalian species, we have investigated the gonadotropin-releasing activity of l-GnRH-III in barrows. Each of nine barrows (body weight: 85-90 kg; age: 207 days) received 2 ml saline (S-barrow), followed by 150 microg l-GnRH-III (1.6-1.7 microg/kg body weight) dissolved in 2 ml saline intramuscularly 7 days later. Three pre-treatment and 13 post-treatment blood samples were taken at intervals of 30 min to 8 h to assess basal and treatment-associated concentrations of FSH and LH, respectively, by radioimmunoassay. Animals were defined as having responded to treatment if, 2 h post-treatment, plasma FSH and/or LH levels were >3 SD of the respective basal concentrations. There was no treatment-associated FSH response after saline treatment, but a clear FSH response in all l-GnRH-III-injected barrows. On average, the maximum FSH level (205% of the basal concentration) was observed at 1 h post-treatment. Mean FSH values were elevated until 10 h post-treatment. There was no LH response either to saline or to l-GnRH-III. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a selective FSH-releasing activity of 150 microg l-GnRH-III in barrows. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this effect is ubiquitous in the pig and what the physiological relevance is.

Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur subpartalen Anwendung von Oxytocinpräparaten bei Sauen

Abstract. Title of the paper: Comparative investigations into the subpartal application of Oxytocin preparations in sows A veterinary supervision and monitoring of the farrowing process was carried out on a weaner production unit comprising of 1,500 sow places with a weekly (7 day) batch farrowing system. Farrowing was recorded as being interrupted in 15.2 % of 1,975 farrowings as a result of inadequate contractions during labour and where the time-interval between the expulsion of consecutive piglets exceeded 40 minutes. 143 affected farrowing sows were allocated into three treatment groups and received an intramuscular injection of 20 I.U. Oxytocin (Group A, n = 44); 140 μg of the agent Carbetocin (contained in 2 ml of the long acting oxytocin preparation Depotocin®; Group B, n = 47) and respectively 70 μg Carbetocin per sow (Group C, n = 52) to stimulate labour contractions. The oxytocin preparation was applied on average 148 minutes following the expulsion of the first piglet. On average 4.2 piglets had been born prior to this point in time. Following the injection of Carbetocin the time required for each piglet to be born, as well as the time to the completion of farrowing, were reduced significantly compared to Group A (p < 0.05) and there was a tendency for a reduction in the proportion of piglets born dead. The various treatments had no fundamental influence on the proportion of those requiring manual assistance at farrowing. The labour contraction inducing injection of 70 μg Carbetocin proved effective; this dosage rate is to be recommended for application during parturition in the pig.

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.

Efficacy of a dried colostrum powder in the prevention of disease in neonatal Holstein calves

The efficacy of a dried colostrum powder, DCW Concentrate, as a colostrum supplement or substitute was tested using four groups of 15 calves. Physical condition and IgG status were examined during the first 30 d of life. Calves were fed the dried colostrum powder (group A), pooled colostrum (group C), or both (groups B and D) 2 h after birth. Calves fed 85 g of the dried colostrum powder dissolved in 3 kg of whole milk (group A) had significantly lower IgG concentrations 24 h after birth than calves of the other groups. Administration of 85 g of the dried colostrum powder plus 3 kg of colostrum (group C) did not lead to significantly higher IgG concentrations 24 h after birth than did administration of 3 kg of colostrum alone (group B). Calves fed 85 g of the dried colostrum powder plus 1.5 kg of colostrum (group D) had an IgG concentration at 24 h of age that was not significantly different from that of calves given 3 kg of colostrum (group B). Morbidity and mortality rates were not significantly different among groups. One calf died in each of groups A and B; no losses occurred in groups C and D. Body weight increase was not significantly different among groups.

[Comparison of arterial and venous blood gas and acid-base values in prematurely born healthy calves or calves with a late asphyxia]

The arterial and venous blood gas and acid-base values of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term were examined during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non-asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. The blood gas and acid-base parameters (blood pH, base deficit, pCO2, pO2) measured in venous blood of the calves without respiratory distress syndrome (group 1) were similar to those cited in the literature for calves delivered at term. Among the calves that had survived respiratory distress syndrome, significantly decreased blood pH and increased base deficit values were found in both venous and arterial blood even on the third day after birth. Differences in pCO2 and pO2 were, however, no longer statistically significant between the two groups after 24 hours of life. For blood pH, base deficit, and pCO2 significant correlations were consistently found between the values in venous blood and the corresponding values in arterial blood in vital (non-asphyxial) calves. Due to the considerably smaller number of animals significant correlations between these parameters were less frequent in asphyxial calves, although some of the correlation coefficients were higher than in the vital calves. Experimentally induced influences and animal variation made the corresponding pO2-values of venous and arterial blood in both test groups less unequivocal. The analysis of arterial blood gas and acid-base parameters was not more conclusive than the analysis of venous blood regarding diagnosis and prognosis of respiratory distress syndrome. The blood pH and base deficit seemed to be the most suitable parameters to evaluate the severeness of the disease.

[Creatinine, urea and mineral levels during the first week of life in healthy premature calves and calves with a delayed asphyxia syndrome]

The physical condition of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term was monitored by clinical and repeated laboratory examinations (analysis of creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus) during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on the clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial); 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. The analysis of the parameters creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus did not reveal any disturbance in kidney function in vital or in asphyxial prematurely born calves. All findings corresponded to those in calves born at term. So these parameters are not very meaningful in relation to metabolic disorders in respiratory distress syndrome.

[AST, GLDH, gamma-GT, total bilirubin and CK values during the first week of life in healthy premature calves or calves with a late asphyxia syndrome]

The physical condition of 44 calves delivered by caesarean section before term was monitored by clinical and repeated laboratory examinations (analysis of AST, GLDH, gamma-GT, CPK, total bilirubin) during the first seven days of life. The newborns were divided into two groups based on the clinical observations during the first hour of life, the blood pH and the base deficit: Group 1: 30 calves without respiratory distress syndrome (vital, non asphyxial); they did not develop any diseases in the course of the experiment. Group 2: 14 calves with respiratory distress syndrome (asphyxial; 9 of these animals died in the course of the experiment. No significant differences between the vital and asphyxial calves were found in respect to the enzymes AST, GLDH, gamma-GT, CK as well as total bilirubin values measured during the first week of life. These blood parameters were within the normal range for calves delivered at term. The results do not indicate any disorder in liver and muscle functions in prematurely born calves with or without respiratory distress syndrome.