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Noninvasive Pregnancy Detection In Wild Felids Using Enzyme Immunoassay Of Fecal 13, 14–Dihydro–15–Keto–Pgf2Α Metabolite (Pgfm), Nikitha Prakash, Suchitra Bhadravathi Raju, Sahadev Annayappa, Leena Gowda, Veena Malavalli Prabhushankar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The study was carried out on Panthera species (4 lions and 5 tigers) housed in Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru. Estrus behavior such as rolling, licking, nudging, chuffing, frequent urination, whitish discharge, vocalisation, lordosis and copulatory behavior such as vocalisation, allowed to be mounted, aggression towards male, mounting, and biting of the nape of female were exhibited both in lions and tigers which helped to identify the time of fecal sample collection. The study’s main aim was to carry out noninvasive and noncontact pregnancy detection in these wild felids. Feces samples collected from the female …

Contribution Of The Microbiome On Reproductive Outcomes During Pregnancy, Kalie Beckers

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A series of translational comparative studies were performed to investigate the effects of the maternal microbiome on reproductive function and outcomes. With the launch of the human microbiome project in 2007, the next generation sequencing of microbiomes is booming. It is not only in the human medicine field, but also in veterinary species. This study specifically investigates the fecal microbiome in blood pressure high sublime 5 (BPH/5) mouse model that spontaneously develops preeclampsia (PE) and obesity. Additionally, the equine reproductive tract microbiome was explored and compared to microbiome of other host body sites. The BPH/5 mouse is a translational model …

Effects Of Pregnancy And Progesterone On Atrial Fibrillation, Heloisa M. Rutigliano

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Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrythmia in adults with likely sex-specific risk factors. Female sex hormones may be important in modulating risk for atrial fibrillation. We hypothesize that pregnancy and progesterone (P4), a hormone found in high levels during pregnancy with abrupt withdrawal immediately after parturition, modulates AF susceptibility in female goats. Cardiac specific TGF-?1 transgenic female goats and age-matched wild-type (WT) female goats were utilized. Pacemakers were implanted in all animals for continuous arrhythmia monitoring and AF inducibility. AF inducibility was evaluated using 5 separate 10 s bursts of atrial pacing (160 - 200 ms). In …

Estrogens Regulate Placental Angiogenesis In Horses, Shingo Haneda, Pouya Dini, Alejandro Esteller-Vico, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Edward L. Squires, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Peter Daels, Yasuo Nambo, Barry A. Ball

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

A sufficient vascular network within the feto-maternal interface is necessary for placental function. Several pregnancy abnormalities have been associated with abnormal vascular formations in the placenta. We hypothesized that growth and expansion of the placental vascular network in the equine (Equus caballus) placenta is regulated by estrogens (estrogen family hormones), a hormone with a high circulating concentration during equine gestation. Administration of letrozole, a potent and specific inhibitor of aromatase, during the first trimester (D30 to D118), decreased circulatory estrone sulfate concentrations, increased circulatory testosterone and androstenedione concentrations, and tended to reduce the weight of the fetus ( …

Variations, Validations, Degradations, And Noninvasive Determination Of Pregnancy Using Fecal Steroid Metabolites In Free-Ranging Pronghorn, Cole A. Bleke, Eric M. Gese, Susannah S. French

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Pregnancy status is a key parameter used to assess reproductive performance of a species as it represents a starting point for measuring vital rates. Vital rates allow managers to determine trends in populations such as neonate survival and recruitment; two important factors in ungulate population growth rates. Techniques to determine pregnancy have generally involved capture and restraint of the animal to obtain blood samples for determining serum hormone levels. Non-invasive pregnancy assessment, via feces, eliminates any hazards between handler and animal, as well as removes handling-induced physiological biases. Using noninvasive fecal sampling, we conducted hormone validations, investigated pregnancy rates, and …

An Assessment Of The Carrier State And A Novel Marker Of Leptospira And Abortion In Central Kentucky Horses, Gloria Louise Gellin

Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science

Leptospirosis is a reemerging zoonotic infection of worldwide importance and affects all mammals. The bacterium is transmitted to animals and humans by urine, fetal membranes and body fluids. Leptospira shedding in the urine contaminates both soil and water, exposing both humans and animals to the bacterium. Leptospirosis in horses can cause abortion and is one of the etiologies of equine recurrent uveitis which can lead to blindness. Equine leptospiral abortion in Central Kentucky is primarily caused by serovar Pomona, with occasional cases attributed to serovar Grippotyphosa. There are a few reports in the literature attributing abortion to serovar Bratislava in …

Oocyte Recovery And In Vitro Embryo Production In Cows Treated With A Single Dose Offollicle-Stimulating Hormone, Thiago Marquez Fernandes, Paulo Roberto Adona, Samuel Guemra, Tiago Henrique Camara De Bem, Moyses Dos Santos Miranda

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Cows were treated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a single dose and then subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU) for evaluation of oocyte recovery and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Cows underwent OPU followed by application of FSH (200 mg) on day 2 and new OPU on day 3. This methodology was repeated 3 times sequentially. In FSH-free the cows (control), OPU was performed at intervals of one week. The number of oocytes recovered was higher in the control cows (22.2 ± 1.5) compared to the treated cows (16.9 ± 1.4; P < 0.05). There was no difference between the control (13.2 ± 0.6) and the treated (11.2 ± 1.1) cows in the number of viable oocytes (P > 0.05). There was no difference between the control cows (47.1 …

Kinetics Of The Chromosome 14 Microrna Cluster Ortholog And Its Potential Role During Placental Development In The Pregnant Mare, Pouya Dini, Peter Daels, Shavahn C. Loux, Alejandro Esteller-Vico, Mariano Carossino, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Barry A. Ball

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Background: The human chromosome 14 microRNA cluster (C14MC) is a conserved microRNA (miRNA) cluster across eutherian mammals, reported to play an important role in placental development. However, the expression kinetics and function of this cluster in the mammalian placenta are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the expression kinetics of the equine C24MC, ortholog to the human C14MC, in the chorioallantoic membrane during the course of gestation.

Results: We demonstrated that C24MC-associated miRNAs presented a higher expression level during early stages of pregnancy, followed by a decline later in gestation. Evaluation of one member of C24MC (miR-409-3p) by in situ hybridization …

Failure To Conceive In Deslorelin-Induced Oestrous Bitches With Regard To Removal Of Hormone Implants After Ovulation, Suppawiwat Ponglowhapan, Atid Suthamnatpong, Achiraya Khamanarong, Ekkapol Akaraphutoporn, Uttra Jamikorn, Suphanut Kulabsri

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Removal of a GnRH agonist deslorelin implant either before or during ovulation in deslorelin-induced oestrous bitches is suggested because prolonged administration of the slow-release agonist may compromise luteal function secondary to pituitary down-regulation. This study aimed at investigating the effect of 4.7 mg deslorelin (Suprelorin®) on oestrous induction, ovulation and conception rate after removing the implant 72-96 hours postovulation to ensure that the entire ovulation process was complete. Ovulation began when serum progesterone reached 5-6 ng/mL. The implants were inserted subcutaneously in the umbilical area in 5 healthy, intact anoestrous beagles (1.5-3 years). Time of implantation was considered as Day …

Uterine Prolapse In A Pregnant Cat, Zeynep Günay Uçmak, Meli̇h Uçmak, Ali̇ Can Çeti̇n, Çağatay Tek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

A 3-year-old, 2.5-kg British shorthair cat with dystocia and protrusion of a mass through the vulva was presented to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, İstanbul University. Upon clinical examination, a complete uterine prolapse was diagnosed. Because of a blood blister and oedema in the uterine horns, ovariohysterectomy treatment was decided. During laparotomy, one foetus was detected in the cranial portion of the left uterine horn. After manual reduction and intraabdominal withdrawal of the prolapsed uterus, a caesarean section was performed to deliver the foetus. The last litter and the queen were discharged from the clinic in …

Evaluation Of Circulating Mirnas During Late Pregnancy In The Mare, Shavahn C. Loux, Kirsten E. Scoggin, Jason E. Bruemmer, Igor F. Canisso, Mats H. T. Troedsson, Edward L. Squires, Barry A. Ball

Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs which are produced throughout the body. Individual tissues tend to have a specific expression profile and excrete many of these miRNAs into circulation. These circulating miRNAs may be diagnostically valuable biomarkers for assessing the presence of disease while minimizing invasive testing. In women, numerous circulating miRNAs have been identified which change significantly during pregnancy-related complications (e.g. chorioamnionitis, eclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss); however, no prior work has been done in this area in the horse. To identify pregnancy-specific miRNAs, we collected serial whole blood samples in pregnant mares at 8, 9, 10 m of gestation …

Metabolic Indicators For Early Pregnancy In Zebu And Crossbreddairy Cows Reared In A Subtropical Climate, Muzamil Abdulah, Tushar Kumar Mohanty, Mukesh Bhakat, Arumugam Kumaresan, Tapas Kumar Patbandha, Ambadas Rakhamaji Madkar, Ashok Kumar Mohanty

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

To identify metabolic indicators in blood and urine for early pregnancy in dairy cows (32 crossbred and 12 purebred zebu cows), blood and urine samples were collected on days 0, 15, 20, 24, and 30 postbreeding. The plasma progesterone (P4) concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in pregnant cows than in nonpregnant cows after day 15. The plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration remained significantly (P < 0.05) higher in pregnant cows on day 15. The plasma concentrations of cholesterol, glucose, protein, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) did not differ between pregnant and nonpregnant cows. The urine protein concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in pregnant zebu cows compared to nonpregnant zebu cows. Plasma P4 was significantly (P < 0.001) and positively associated with urine glucose levels in nonpregnant crossbred cows. In nonpregnant zebu cows, the correlation between P4 was positive (P < 0.05) with plasma cholesterol, glucose, urine glucose, and protein. In pregnant zebu cows, P4 was negatively associated with plasma BUN and positively (P < 0.05) associated with both plasma and urine glucose levels. Thus, urinary proteins can be used as a noninvasive tool for early nonpregnancy confirmation in cows with very high accuracy at around 24 days after artificial insemination.

Optical Density Changes In Ultrasonographic Images Of The Endometrium And Corpus Luteum In Pregnant And Cyclic Cows, Mehmet Cengi̇z, Armağan Çolak, Armağan Hayirli, Orçun Cannazi̇k

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Optical density image (ODI) analysis, based on the intensity of pixels in digital images, is commonly used in orthopedic medicine. This study was conducted to quantify endometrial and luteal changes in early pregnant and cyclic cows by ODI analysis. Twenty healthy primiparous Simmental cows on days 80?120 postpartum were subjected to ultrasonography and ODI analysis on the days of estrus (day 0) and metestrus (day 4) as well as 12, 15, 18, and 21 days after insemination. The ODI values of pregnant (P) and nonpregnant (NP) cows were compared using two-way ANOVA. The P cows tended to have greater endometrial …

Trophoblast Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Expression Is Associated With Immune-Mediated Rejection Of Bovine Fetuses Produced By Cloning, Heloisa M. Rutigliano, Aaron J. Thomas, Amanda Wilhelm, Benjamin R. Sessions, Brady A. Hicks, Donald H. Schlafer, Kenneth L. White, Christopher J. Davies

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Trophoblast cells from bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) conceptuses express major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) proteins early in gestation, and this may be one cause of the significant first-trimester embryonic mortality observed in these pregnancies. MHC-I homozygous-compatible (n = 9), homozygous-incompatible (n = 8), and heterozygous-incompatible (n = 5) SCNT pregnancies were established. The control group consisted of eight pregnancies produced by artificial insemination. Uterine and placental samples were collected on Day 35 ± 1 of pregnancy, and expression of MHC-I, leukocyte markers, and cytokines were examined by immunohistochemistry. Trophoblast cells from all SCNT pregnancies expressed MHC-I, while …

Reference Values For Selected Hematological And Biochemical Blood Parameters From Prepregnancy To Advanced Gestation In Angora Cats, Özkan Şi̇mşek, Şevket Arikan, Mi̇yase Çinar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study was to monitor some hematological and biochemical blood parameters from prepregnancy to advanced gestation in Angora cats. In the present study, 35 blood samples obtained before and during pregnancy from 7 adult cats were used. Blood was collected from cats before pregnancy and on days 15, 30, 45, and 55 of gestation. The blood samples were analyzed in terms of WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, GRA, MON, and LYM values. Additionally, serum ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK activities and total cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, urea, Ca, Mg, and Pi levels were measured. …

Determination Of Alpha-Naphthyl Acetate Esterase (Anae) Activity In Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Of Pregnant, Adult, And Kitten Angora Cats, Alev Gürol Bayraktaroğlu, Özkan Şi̇mşek, Aytül Kürüm, Şevket Arikan, Emel Ergün

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study aimed to determine the alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity of peripheral blood leukocytes in pregnant, kitten, and adult Angora cats. In each group 9 healthy pregnant, adult, and kitten Angora cats constituted the material of the study. Optimum reaction was achieved after a 3 h incubation period at pH 5.8, by ANAE staining. Two types of reaction were observed in ANAE (+) T lymphocytes. The first reaction was a dot-like positivity pattern characterized by the presence of large granules, while the other was a granular positivity pattern characterized by the presence of 3 to 5 small granules. B …

General Reproductive Properties In Pigs, İrfan Tur

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Pig breeding is usually undertaken for fat and meat production, but different sectors (cosmetics industry, pharmaceutical industry, medical sector, etc.) can also use pigs for alternate purposes. Pork is evaluated based on the status of an amended law regarding butchers' meat in Turkey. There have been 25 pig farms registered in Turkey since 7 July 2006 in the framework of compliance with the European Union. On average, a sow has 2.3 farrowings per year, producing 9.5 to 12.5 piglets per litter. It is important that high proportions of selected replacement gilts reach puberty at an early age in order to …

The Effect Of Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures On Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity In A Rat Model Of Preeclampsia, Mutlu Küçük, Mehmet Kaya, Nurcan Orhan, Oğuzhan Eki̇zoğlu, Erol Arslan, Nadi̇r Arican, Rabi̇a Candan Gürses, İmdat Elmas, Ri̇vaze Kalayci, Bülent Ahishali

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in preeclampsia/eclampsia have not been elucidated. This study investigated the effect of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures on the functional and structural properties of the BBB during N (omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension and proteinuria in pregnant rats. Animals were treated with L-NAME for 10 days, beginning on day 10 of pregnancy. The BBB permeability was determined by measurements of sodium fluorescein (NaFlu) extravasation into the brain. Occludin and aquaporin (AQP)-4 immunoreactivities were evaluated in brain sections. Severe proteinuria and significantly increased arterial blood pressure were observed following L-NAME treatment. PTZ-induced seizures in pregnant …

Fecal Progesterone Analysis For Monitoring Reproductive Status In Dairy Goats, Amelia Miranda Morgiana Jack, Chao-Chin Chang, Huo-Cheng Peh, Jacky Peng-Wen Chan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the use of fecal progesterone (FP_4) concentration for early pregnancy diagnosis, estrus detection, and predicting the litter size and parturition date in dairy goats. Fecal samples were collected from 17 hand-mated goats 3 times a week for 22-23 weeks, beginning on the day of mating. The levels of FP_4 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Significant positive correlations were found between the levels of serum P_4 and FP_4 (r = 0.8787, n = 13). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 2 months postmating with transabdominal ultrasonography and confirmed upon birth of the offspring. …

Milk Composition And Yield Changes With Advancing Pregnancy In Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis), Sarzamin Khan, Muhammad Subhan Qureshi, Ifthiar Ahmed, Syed Mirajullah Shah

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The changes in the composition of milk with advancing pregnancy were investigated in Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes. Forty lactating buffaloes were used, within 2-3 months postpartum. The animals were grouped as high, moderate, and low yielders; synchronized for estrus; and inseminated artificially. Milk yield was recorded daily and sampled fortnightly for analysis. The data were analyzed using the univariate weighted mean and general linear model. Decline in milk yield became significant after the 8th week post-conception. The high yielders had the lowest fat contents. Milk fat increased significantly during succeeding weeks post-conception. The highest fat level (8.5%) was observed in week …

Low Pregnancy Rate In Dairy Cattle After Fixed Time Artificial Insemination Using Norgestomet + Pgf2Α + Ecg Program During The Hot And Humid Months In Thailand, Winai Kaewlamun, Junpen Suwimonteerabutr, Thitirat Chaimee, Prachin Virakul, Mongkol Techakumphu

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The present study was conducted to synchronize estrus and fixed time insemination in dairy cattle during the hot and humid months (July to November) in Thailand. Thirty-four cows and heifers were treated by using norgestomet+PGF2α+equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) program. Norgestomet was implanted subcutaneously at the back of the ear for 10 days. PGF2α was administered IM on day 8 and one injection of eCG was given on the day of implant removal. Fixed time artificial insemination(AI) were performed twice, at about 54-60 and 70-74 h, after the eCG injection. Blood samples were collected at 22 days after AI for progesterone …

Investigation Of Serum Cu, Zn, Fe And Se Concentrations During Pregnancy (60, 100 And 150 Days) And After Parturition (45 Days) In Single And Twin Pregnant Sheep, Fuat Gürdoğan, Ati̇lla Yildiz, Engi̇n Balikçi

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to determine the serum Cu, Zn, Se and Fe concentrations at 60, 100, and 150 days of pregnancy and at 45 days of parturition in twin and single pregnant sheep. A total of 30 pregnant Akkaraman sheep in 2 groups (15 single pregnancies, 15 twin pregnancies), aged 3-5 years and weighing 40-50 kg were used. The blood samples were analyzed for serum Cu, Zn, Se and Fe concentrations. No statistically significant difference was found for Se, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations between the twin and single pregnancy groups. Insignificant decreases (P > 0.05) in serum Zn and …

The Effects Of Energy Restricted Diet On The Activities Of Plasma Cu-Zn Sod, Gsh-Px, Cat And Tbars Concentrations In Late Pregnant Ewes, Kemal Öztabak, Sabi̇ha Ci̇velek, Aysel Özpinar, Gülden Burçak, Feraye Esen

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of low energy diets on the enzymatic antioxidant activities of ewes in late pregnancy. Thirty Chios ewes were used. Twenty pregnant ewes were divided into 2 groups of 10 ewes each (groups II and III), with 10 non-pregnant ewes being separated into a third group (group I). The ewes in groups I, II and III were fed rations containing 9.14 MJ ME/kg of dry matter (DM)-10.23% crude protein (CP), 10.20 MJ ME/kg of DM-15.04% CP, and 8.82 MJ ME/kg of DM-14.47% CP, respectively. Plasma copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), glutathione …

Effects Of Vitamin A And /Beta-Carotene Injection On Levels Of Vitamin E And On Glutathione Peroxidase Activity In Pregnant Tuj Sheep, Nadi̇de Nabi̇l Kami̇loğlu, Ebru Beytut, Kutlay Gürbulak, Meti̇n Öğün

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The objective of research was to study the effect of vitamin A and /beta-carotene injections, before breeding and during pregnancy, on the levels of vitamin E in plasma and on the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in sheep. Thirty-two healthy female and four healthy male Tuj sheep, 4-5 years old and weighing approximately 57 kg each, were used. The female animals were divided into 4 groups with 8 sheep in each. The oestrus cycles of the ewes were synchronised by the application of sponges containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and by the intramuscular administration of 500 IU of PMSG. Twenty-four …

The Role Of Immune Cells In The Sow Endometrium During Different Stages Of The Oestrous Cycle And Early Pregnancy, Kampon Kaeoket

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Approximately 30%(range 13-49%) of sows are culled due to fertility disturbances. Reproductive failure on farms are due to anoestrus, repeat breeding (regular and irregular return to oestrus), negative pregnancy diagnosis, abortion or failure to farrow. Reproductive problems are often difficult to diagnose. As a diagnostic tool, post-mortem examination (i.e. macroscopically and histologically) of the reproductive organs is useful when sows with reproductive failure are culled. The present review provides information about the distribution of immune cells, both in non-inseminated and inseminated pregnant sows endometrium, in order to be able to differentiate a physiological distribution of immune cells from pathological conditions. …

The Use Of Real Time B-Mode Ultrasound To Detect Ovulation And Pregnancy In Swine, Kampon Kaeoket

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Real time B-mode ultrasound for ovarian examination in pigs has been used in many experimental studies. All were aimed at elucidating the relationship between the duration of oestrus, the time of ovulation, the time of insemination and fertility. This review describes the uses and benefits of real time B-mode ultrasound for ovulation monitoring and pregnancy diagnosis for fertility control in swine breeding herds. The reliability of diagnosis is very much dependent on the experience of the investigator and the type of ultrasound machine used. It is considered that real time B-mode ultrasound is a useful tool for monitoring the ovulation …

The Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome And The Eastern Tent Caterpillar: A Toxicokinetic/Statistical Analysis With Clinical, Epidemiologic, And Mechanistic Implications, Manu Sebastian, Marie G. Gantz, Thomas Tobin, J. Daniel Harkins, Jeffrey M. Bosken, Charlie Hughes, Lenn R. Harrison, William V. Bernard, Dana L. Richter, Terrence D. Fitzgerald

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

During 2001, central Kentucky experienced acute transient epidemics of early and late fetal losses, pericarditis, and unilateral endophthalmitis, collectively referred to as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). A toxicokinetic/statistical analysis of experimental and field MRLS data was conducted using accelerated failure time (AFT) analysis of abortions following administration of Eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs; 100 or 50 g/day or 100 g of irradiated caterpillars/day) to late-term pregnant mares. In addition, 2001 late-term fetal loss field data were used in the analysis. Experimental data were fitted by AFT analysis at a high (P < .0001) significance. Times to first abortion (“lag time”) and abortion rates were dose dependent. Lag times decreased and abortion rates increased exponentially with dose. Calculated dose × response data curves allow interpretation of abortion data in terms of “intubated ETC equivalents.” Analysis suggested that field exposure to ETCs in 2001 in central Kentucky commenced on approximately April 27, was initially equivalent to approximately 5 g of intubated ETCs/day, and increased to approximately 30 g/day at the outbreak peak. This analysis accounts for many aspects of the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and manifestations of MRLS. It allows quantitative interpretation of experimental and field MRLS data and has implications for the basic mechanisms underlying MRLS. The results support suggestions that MRLS is caused by exposure to or ingestion of ETCs. The results also show that high levels of ETC exposure produce intense, focused outbreaks of MRLS, closely linked in time and place to dispersing ETCs, as occurred in central Kentucky in 2001. With less intense exposure, lag time is longer and abortions tend to spread out over time and may occur out of phase with ETC exposure, obscuring both diagnosis of this syndrome and the role of the caterpillars.

The Effect Of Age, Sex, Housing System And Pregnancy On Some Blood Parameters Of Tuj Sheep, Ömer Bozdoğan, Meti̇n Çenesi̇z, Mehmet Kaya, Nadi̇de Nabi̇l Kami̇loğlu

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study some blood parameters and the effects of age, sex, housing system and pregnancy of Tuj sheep that have been bred in the Kars region of Turkey were researched and compared. The various blood parameters including the amount of haemoglobin, haematocrit value, erythrocyte and leukocyte count, and the differential percentage of white blood cells were determined from blood taken intravenously. The haemoglobin and erythrocyte values were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 5-7-month-old Tuj sheep grazing in an open field than in 2-3-month-old male Tuj sheep feeding in a closed system. The erythrocyte count was found to be higher in 2-3-month-old female Tuj sheep in comparison to males. The haemoglobin, leukocyte and haematocrit values were also higher in this group of animals, though this was not statistically significant. The erythrocyte, leukocyte, haemoglobin, haematocrit values and differential percentage of white blood cells were not different in 5-7-month-old male and female Tuj sheep grazing in an open area. The erythrocyte number decreased after parturition in respect to the oestrus and pregnancy period. This decrease was statistically significant. The erythrocyte values were 10.2 x 10^6 /mm^3 before oestrus, 9.5 x 10^6 /mm3 during pregnancy and 8.2 x 10^6 /mm^3 after parturition. The haemoglobin value decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during pregnancy. The leukocyte number was found to be less during pregnancy in comparison to other periods; it was 7.7 ± 1.9 x 10^3 /mm^3 during pregnancy, 9.3 ± 1.9 x 10^3 /mm^3 before oestrus, and 9.7 ± 2.5 x 10^3 /mm^3 after parturation. The lymphocyte percentage increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the pregnancy period.

Endometrial Cytology Findings At Different Stages Of Sexual Cycle, Pregnacy And Pyometra In Bitches, Ayhan Baştan, Yunus Çeti̇n, Örsan Güngör, Di̇lek Arsoy Başaran

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The purpose of this study was to investigate cellular changes of the uterus during pregnancy, pyometra and different phases of the sexual cycle in dogs using endometrial cytology. We used 30 uteruses from bitches of different ages and breeds and at heterogeneous stages of the sexual cycle (Group 1 proestrus n = 5, Group 2 estrus n = 5, Group 3 diestrus n = 5, and Group 4 anestrus n = 5) as well as animals with open cervix pyometra (Group 5 n = 5), and that were pregnant (Group 6 n = 5). The sexual cycle stage of the …

Comparison Of The Tocolytic Effects Of Ritodrine And Ca^{++} Channel Blockers On Serum Oestradiol And Progesterone Levels, Füsun Tosun, Aymelek Gönenç, Bolkan Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Experimental pregnancy was induced with gonadal steroids in in vivo ovariectomized rats. Conditions for premature delivery were established by giving a salt-rich diet and administering oxytocin to induce high-risk pregnancy. In order to avoid early delivery, a betamimetic ritodrine and the Ca^{++} channel blockers nitrendipine and nicardipine were administered to three separate groups. The effects of these three tocolytic agents were examined by determining serum oestradiol and progesterone levels. Additionally, systolic blood pressure was measured and tachycardia was observed. After the administration of tocolytic agents, it was observed that serum oestradiol levels were increased while there was a decrease in …