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Journal of Dairy Science Jul 2022Anogenital distance (AGD) has been defined in dairy cows as the distance from the center of the anus to the base of the clitoris. Initial reports on nulliparous Holstein...
Anogenital distance (AGD) has been defined in dairy cows as the distance from the center of the anus to the base of the clitoris. Initial reports on nulliparous Holstein heifers and first- and second-parity Holstein cows have found inverse relationships between AGD and measures of fertility. Our primary objective was to determine the relationship between AGD and measures of fertility in a larger population of North American Holstein cows to validate our previous finding that AGD is inversely related to fertility. Secondary objectives were to determine the associations between AGD and parity, and milk yield. Using digital calipers, we measured AGD in 4,709 Holstein cows [mean ± standard deviation (SD); parity 2.3 ± 1.4; days in milk (DIM) 154 ± 94; 305-d mature equivalent (ME) milk yield 13,759 ± 2,188 kg] from 18 herds in Western Canada and 1 herd in the USA. Anogenital distance (mm) was normally distributed with a mean (±SD) of 132 ± 12, ranging from 95 to 177, and a median of 133. Anogenital distance was linearly but inversely associated with pregnancy to first artificial insemination (P/AI1). For every 1-mm increase in AGD, the estimated probability of P/AI1 decreased by 0.8%. The optimum AGD cut-point that predicted probability of P/AI1 with sensitivity and specificity of 45 and 55%, respectively, was 129 mm. Consequently, data were categorized into either short (≤129) or long (>129) AGD groups across parities, and associations between AGD, parity (first, second, and third+), and fertility measures were determined. Rates of P/AI1 were greater (36 vs. 30%) in short- than in long-AGD cows; short-AGD cows required fewer AI per conception (2.3 vs. 2.4) and had fewer days open (137 vs. 142), and a greater proportion of short-AGD cows (67 vs. 64%) was pregnant by 150 DIM compared with long-AGD cows. The rates of pregnancy up to 150 (hazard ratio of 0.91) and 250 DIM (hazard ratio of 0.93) were smaller in long- than in short-AGD cows. Anogenital distance had a weak positive association with both parity (r = 0.22) and 305-d ME milk yield (r = 0.04). Results indicate an inverse relationship between AGD and measures of fertility in lactating cows, validating our earlier report. We infer that although selecting cows for short AGD is expected to have an adverse effect on milk yield, the anticipated gain in fertility will outweigh the small decline in milk yield, strengthening the potential of AGD as a novel reproductive phenotype for use in future breeding programs to improve fertility.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Fertility; Insemination, Artificial; Lactation; Milk; North America; Parity; Pregnancy; Reproduction
PubMed: 35599035
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20827 -
American Journal of Public Health Sep 2017
Topics: Artifacts; Female; Humans; Longevity; Maternal Age; Parity; Pregnancy; United States; Women's Health
PubMed: 28787215
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303965 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Oct 2018
Topics: Cataract; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Parity
PubMed: 29944637
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001152 -
Journal of Dairy Science Feb 2022We investigated the effects of environmental factors on average daily milk yield and day-to-day variation in milk yield of barn-housed Scottish dairy cows milked with an...
We investigated the effects of environmental factors on average daily milk yield and day-to-day variation in milk yield of barn-housed Scottish dairy cows milked with an automated milking system. An incomplete Wood gamma function was fitted to derive parameters describing the milk yield curve including initial milk yield, inclining slope, declining slope, peak milk yield, time of peak, persistency (time in which the cow maintains high yield beyond the peak), and predicted total lactation milk yield (PTLMY). Lactation curves were fitted using generalized linear mixed models incorporating the above parameters (initial milk yield, inclining and declining slopes) and both the indoor and outdoor weather variables (temperature, humidity, and temperature-humidity index) as fixed effects. There was a higher initial milk yield and PTLMY in multiparous cows, but the incline slope parameter and persistency were greatest in primiparous cows. Primiparous cows took 54 d longer to attain a peak yield (mean ± standard error) of 34.25 ± 0.58 kg than multiparous (47.3 ± 0.45 kg); however, multiparous cows yielded 2,209 kg more PTLMY. The best models incorporated 2-d lagged minimum temperature. However, effect of temperature was minimal (primiparous decreased milk yield by 0.006 kg/d and multiparous by 0.001 kg/d for each degree increase in temperature). Both primiparous and multiparous cows significantly decreased in day-to-day variation in milk yield as temperature increased (primiparous cows decreased 0.05 kg/d for every degree increase in 2-d lagged minimum temperature indoors, which was greater than the effect in multiparous cows of 0.008 kg/d). Though the model estimates for both indoor and outdoor were different, a similar pattern of the average daily milk yield and day-to-day variation in milk yield and milk yield's dependence on environmental factors was observed for both primiparous and multiparous cows. In Scotland, primiparous cows were more greatly affected by the 2-d lagged minimum temperature compared with multiparous cows. After peak lactation had been reached, primiparous and multiparous cows decreased milk yield as indoor and outdoor minimum temperature increased.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Colostrum; Female; Humidity; Lactation; Milk; Parity; Pregnancy
PubMed: 34802739
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20698 -
Modern Rheumatology Jul 2021To clarify the correlation between preeclampsia and parity and to identify protective factors against preeclampsia in multiparous women with systemic lupus erythematosus...
OBJECTIVES
To clarify the correlation between preeclampsia and parity and to identify protective factors against preeclampsia in multiparous women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
METHODS
We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review study of 85 pregnant women. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the association between parity and preeclampsia in women with SLE, and described the detailed clinical courses and management of four women with a history of severe preeclampsia and of a woman who experienced preeclampsia during her latest pregnancy.
RESULTS
Multiparity was significantly associated with a low risk of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio: 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.95). One multiparous woman without a history of preeclampsia developed preeclampsia during her latest pregnancy; she had critical risk factors for preeclampsia, including chronic kidney disease and hypertension, and was not administered aspirin. In contrast, four multiparous women with a history of severe preeclampsia received adequate medications; they did not develop recurrent preeclampsia and delivered live newborns.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiparity and maintenance therapy for SLE before and during pregnancy and preventive treatment for preeclampsia may improve outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Odds Ratio; Parity; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32990121
DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1830466 -
Physiology & Behavior Mar 2019Breeding sows are regularly exposed to on-farm stressors throughout the duration of their production period. The impact of such stressors may differ for primi- and...
Breeding sows are regularly exposed to on-farm stressors throughout the duration of their production period. The impact of such stressors may differ for primi- and multiparous sows, as sows could learn to cope with stressors as they gain experience with them. If parity affects stress in sows, it may also impact their prenatal offspring through differential maternal stress. In addition to parity, litter size is another potential factor involved in stress of sows and piglets. Larger litters may be a source of discomfort for gestating sows, while it can result in intra-uterine growth restriction of piglets. In the current study, we aimed to assess whether parity and litter size affect cortisol measures in breeding sows and their offspring. To do this, we measured salivary cortisol concentrations of 16 primiparous and 16 multiparous sows at three time points: 1) while sows were group housed, 2) after sows were separated from the group prior to moving to the farrowing unit and 3) after handling procedures. In addition, hair cortisol concentration was determined for the sows during late gestation and for their low birth weight (n = 63) and normal birth weight (n = 43) offspring on day 3 after birth, to reflect in-utero cortisol exposure. It was expected that if sows adapt to on-farm stressors, the more experienced, multiparous sows would show decreased stress responses in comparison to primiparous sows. However, we found a comparable acute stress response of primi- and multiparous sows to separation from the group. Handling procedures did not influence sows' salivary cortisol concentrations. Sows' hair cortisol concentration was positively correlated with litter size. Future research is needed to assess whether this finding reflects increased stress in sows carrying larger litters. Parity or litter size did not have a direct effect on their offspring's hair cortisol concentration. Larger litters did have a higher occurrence of low birth weight piglets. For these piglets, females had higher neonatal hair cortisol concentrations than males. Overall, our results indicate that breeding sows do not adapt to all on-farm stressors. In addition, litter size may influence HPA axis activity in both sows and piglets.
Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Female; Hair; Housing, Animal; Hydrocortisone; Lactation; Litter Size; Male; Parity; Pregnancy; Saliva; Swine
PubMed: 30553897
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.014 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2023
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Parity; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37253214
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002205 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2020Pregnancy and breastfeeding prevent ovulation and may slow the depletion of the ovarian follicle pool. These factors may lower the risk of early menopause, a condition...
IMPORTANCE
Pregnancy and breastfeeding prevent ovulation and may slow the depletion of the ovarian follicle pool. These factors may lower the risk of early menopause, a condition associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other adverse health outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association of parity and breastfeeding with the risk of early menopause.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This population-based cohort study within the Nurses' Health Study II cohort (1989-2015) included premenopausal participants who were aged 25 to 42 years at baseline. Response rates were 85% to 90% for each cycle, and follow-up continued until menopause, age 45 years, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, death, cancer diagnosis, loss to follow-up, or end of follow-up in May 2015. Hypotheses were formulated after data collection. Data analysis took place from February to July 2019.
EXPOSURES
Parity (ie, number of pregnancies lasting ≥6 months) was measured at baseline and every 2 years. History and duration of total and exclusive breastfeeding were assessed 3 times during follow-up. Menopause status and age were assessed every 2 years.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Risk of natural menopause before age 45 years.
RESULTS
At baseline, 108 887 premenopausal women aged 25 to 42 years (mean [SD] age, 34.1 [4.6] years; 102 246 [93.9%] non-Hispanic white) were included in the study. In multivariable models, higher parity was associated with lower risk of early menopause. Hazard ratios were attenuated with adjustment for breastfeeding but remained significant. Compared with nulliparous women, those reporting 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more pregnancies lasting at least 6 months had hazard ratios for early menopause of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.79-1.06), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73-0.96), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67-0.92), and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.66-1.01), respectively (P for trend = .006). In multivariable models also adjusted for parity, hazard ratios for duration of exclusive breastfeeding of 1 to 6, 7 to 12, 13 to 18, and 19 or more months were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.85-1.07), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62-0.83), 0.80 (95% CI, 0.66-0.97), and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.69-1.16), respectively, compared with less than 1 month of exclusive breastfeeding (P for trend = .001). Despite the significant test for trend, estimates were not observed to be lower as duration of exclusive breastfeeding increased. In a stratified analysis of parous women, risk of early menopause was lowest among those reporting exclusive breastfeeding for 7 to 12 months in each level of parity (women with 2 pregnancies and 7-12 months of breastfeeding: HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66-0.96; ≥3 pregnancies and 7-12 months of breastfeeding: HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.88; 2 pregnancies and ≥13 months of breastfeeding: HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.66-1.15; ≥3 pregnancies and 13-18 months of breastfeeding: HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.66-1.13; and ≥3 pregnancies and ≥19 months of breastfeeding: HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.72-1.32).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study, an inverse association of parity with risk of early menopause was observed. Breastfeeding was associated with significantly lower risk, even after accounting for parity. Breastfeeding at levels consistent with current recommendations may confer an additional benefit of lower risk of early menopause.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Breast Feeding; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Parity; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; United States
PubMed: 31968114
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19615 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2020
Topics: Cognition; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal; Parity; Postmenopause; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33038143
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001671 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Sep 2019Parous women have a lower risk for pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or delivery of small-for-gestational-age neonates. However, parous women are a... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Parous women have a lower risk for pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or delivery of small-for-gestational-age neonates. However, parous women are a heterogeneous group of patients because they contain a low-risk cohort with previously uncomplicated pregnancies and a high-risk cohort with previous pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and/or small for gestational age. Previous studies examining the effect of parity on maternal hemodynamics, including cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, did not distinguish between parous women with and without a history of preeclampsia or small for gestational age and reported contradictory results.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to compare maternal hemodynamics in nulliparous women and in parous women with and without previous preeclampsia and/or small for gestational age.
STUDY DESIGN
This was a prospective, longitudinal study of maternal hemodynamics, assessed by a bioreactance method, measured at 11 to 13, 19 to 24, 30 to 34, and 35 to 37 weeks' gestation in 3 groups of women. Group 1 was composed of parous women without a history of preeclampsia and/or small for gestational age (n = 632), group 2 was composed of nulliparous women (n = 829), and group 3 was composed of parous women with a history of preeclampsia and/or small for gestational age (n = 113). A multilevel linear mixed-effects model was performed to compare the repeated measures of hemodynamic variables controlling for maternal characteristics, medical history, and development of preeclampsia or small for gestational age in the current pregnancy.
RESULTS
In groups 1 and 2, cardiac output increased with gestational age to a peak at 32 weeks and peripheral vascular resistance showed a reversed pattern with its nadir at 32 weeks; in group 1, compared with group 2, there was better cardiac adaptation, reflected in higher cardiac output and lower peripheral vascular resistance. In group 3 there was a hyperdynamic profile of higher cardiac output and lower peripheral vascular resistance at the first trimester followed by an earlier sharp decline of cardiac output and increase of peripheral vascular resistance from midgestation. The incidence of preeclampsia and small for gestational age was highest in group 3 and lowest in group 1.
CONCLUSION
There are parity-specific differences in maternal cardiac adaptation in pregnancy.
Topics: Adult; Cardiac Output; Female; Gestational Age; Hemodynamics; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Longitudinal Studies; Parity; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Vascular Resistance
PubMed: 30951684
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.03.027