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Veterinary Sciences Aug 2023A review of congenital malformations in swine relating to abnormal twinning was carried out. The aim was to describe and estimate these defects. Among the recorded... (Review)
Review
A review of congenital malformations in swine relating to abnormal twinning was carried out. The aim was to describe and estimate these defects. Among the recorded twins, the most common defect was the or . A couple of dicephali and diprosopus congenital anomalies were also registered. At last, some cases of thoraco-omphalopagus piglets were surveyed. There was also a report of an acardiac twin () and a case of a conjoined parasitic twin. The pathogenetic mechanisms of this condition, frequently reported in veterinary practice, are discussed. The importance of embryonic imperfect twinning is commonly associated with dystocia.
PubMed: 37756058
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090534 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jul 2023The decline in farm revenue due to volatile milk prices has led to an increase in the use of beef semen in dairy herds. While this strategy ("Beef-on-dairy" (BoD)) can... (Review)
Review
The decline in farm revenue due to volatile milk prices has led to an increase in the use of beef semen in dairy herds. While this strategy ("Beef-on-dairy" (BoD)) can have economic benefits, it can also lead to unintended consequences affecting animal welfare. Semen sale trends from breeding organizations depict increasing sales of beef semen across the globe. Calves born from such breeding strategies can perform better when compared to purebred dairy calves, especially in terms of meat quality and growth traits. The Beef-on-dairy strategy can lead to unintentional negative impacts including an increase in gestation length, and increased dystocia and stillbirth rates. Studies in this regard have found the highest gestation length for Limousin crossbred calves followed by calves from the Angus breed. This increase in gestation length can lead to economic losses ranging from 3 to 5 US$ per animal for each additional day. In terms of the growth performance of crossbred animals, literature studies are inconclusive due to the vast differences in farming structure across the regions. But almost all the studies agree regarding improvement in the meat quality in terms of color, fiber type, and intra-muscular fat content for crossbred animals. Utilization of genomic selection, and development of specialized Beef-on-dairy indexes for the sires, can be a viable strategy to make selection easier for the farmers.
PubMed: 37443980
DOI: 10.3390/ani13132182 -
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang... Dec 2023Because there have been changes in the management of macrosomic pregnancies and shoulder dystocia in the past decade, this study was conducted to compare the incidences...
INTRODUCTION
Because there have been changes in the management of macrosomic pregnancies and shoulder dystocia in the past decade, this study was conducted to compare the incidences of shoulder dystocia and perinatal outcomes between the periods of 2000-2009 and 2010-2019.
METHODS
This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary obstetric unit. All cases of shoulder dystocia were identified using the hospital's electronic database. The incidences, maternal and fetal characteristics, obstetric management methods, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two study periods.
RESULTS
The overall incidence of shoulder dystocia decreased from 0.23% (134/58 326) in 2000-2009 to 0.16% (108/65 683) in 2010-2019 (P=0.009), mainly because of the overall decline in the proportion of babies with macrosomia (from 3.3% to 2.3%; P<0.001). The improved success rates of the McRoberts' manoeuvre (from 31.3% to 47.2%; P=0.012) and posterior arm extraction (from 52.9% to 92.3%; P=0.042) allowed a greater proportion of affected babies to be delivered within 2 minutes (from 59.0% to 79.6%; P=0.003). These changes led to a significant reduction in the proportion of fetuses with low Apgar scores: <5 at 1 minute of life (from 13.4% to 5.6%; P=0.042) and <7 at 5 minutes of life (from 11.9% to 4.6%; P=0.045).
CONCLUSION
More proactive management of macrosomic pregnancies and enhanced training in the acute management of shoulder dystocia led to significant improvements in shoulder dystocia incidence and perinatal outcomes from 2000-2009 to 2010-2019.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Delivery, Obstetric; Dystocia; Incidence; Shoulder Dystocia; Retrospective Studies; Hong Kong; Shoulder
PubMed: 37704569
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj2210038 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024The use of metformin for treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains controversial because it can pass through the placenta. This meta-analysis aimed to compare... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The use of metformin for treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains controversial because it can pass through the placenta. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of metformin and insulin on maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with GDM.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impacts of metformin and insulin on both maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with GDM.
RESULTS
Twenty-four RCTs involving 4934 patients with GDM were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with insulin, metformin demonstrated a significant reduction in the risks of preeclampsia (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.78, < .0001), induction of labor (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98, = .02), cesarean delivery (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98, = .01), macrosomia (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.83, = .0004), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.86, < .0001), neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.63, < .00001), and large for gestational age (LGA) (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.94, = .007). Conversely, metformin showed no significant impact on gestational hypertension (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.06, = .15), spontaneous vaginal delivery (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08, = .05), emergency cesarean section (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.16, = .58), shoulder dystocia (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.39, = .27), premature birth (RR 0. 92, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.39, = .69), polyhydramnios (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.30, = .77), birth trauma (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.39, = .56), 5-min Apgar score < 7 (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.68, = .55), small for gestational age (SGA) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.22, = .62), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.08, = .11), jaundice (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.25, = .24) or birth defects (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.74, = .57).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that metformin can reduce the risk of certain maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with insulin therapy for GDM. However, long-term follow-up studies of patients with GDM taking metformin and their offspring are warranted to provide further evidence.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Diabetes, Gestational; Fetal Macrosomia; Hypoglycemia; Insulin; Metformin; Weight Gain
PubMed: 38124287
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2295809 -
Journal of Diabetes Science and... Sep 2023Strict monitoring of blood glucose during pregnancy is essential for ensuring optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes. Telemedicine could be a promising solution for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Strict monitoring of blood glucose during pregnancy is essential for ensuring optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes. Telemedicine could be a promising solution for supporting diabetes management; however, an updated meta-analysis is warranted. This study assesses the effects of telemedicine solutions for managing gestational and pregestational diabetes.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL were searched up to October 14, 2020. All randomized trials assessing the effects of telemedicine in managing diabetes in pregnancy relative to any comparator without the use of telemedicine were included. The primary outcome was infant birth weight. A meta-analysis comparing the mean difference (MD) in birth weight across studies was applied, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. The revised Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS
From a total of 18 studies, ten (totaling 899 participants) were used to calculate the effect on infant birth weight. The results nonsignificantly favored the control (MD of 19.34 g; [95% confidence interval, CI -47.8; 86.47]), with moderate effect certainty. Heterogeneity was moderate ( = 37.39%). Statistically significant secondary outcomes included differences in two-hour glucose tolerance postpartum (gestational diabetes; two studies: standardized mean difference 9.62 mg/dL [95% CI: 1.95; 17.28]) that favored the control (GRADE level, very low) and risk of shoulder dystocia (four studies: log odds -1.34 [95% CI: -2.61; -0.08]) that favored telemedicine (GRADE, low).
CONCLUSIONS
No evidence was found to support telemedicine as an alternative to usual care when considering maternal and fetal outcomes. However, further research is needed, including economic evaluations.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Birth Weight; Diabetes, Gestational; Telemedicine; Blood Glucose
PubMed: 35533131
DOI: 10.1177/19322968221094626 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... Jun 2024Preventing dystocia can stabilise beef cattle management. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) S-N... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Preventing dystocia can stabilise beef cattle management. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) S-N values and estrone sulphate (ES) concentrations during pregnancy and the calf birth weight in beef cattle and to evaluate their usefulness as new predictive parameters for dystocia due to foetal overgrowth. Thirty-eight pregnant Japanese Black cattle were used. Blood samples were collected at 40, 70, 100, 150, 200, 250, 280, and 285 days after artificial insemination (AI), and birth weight of the offspring was measured. Serum PAGs S-N values and ES concentrations were measured, and the area under the curve (AUC) and the ratio of change based on 70 days after AI were calculated, followed by calculation of the correlation coefficient with the birth weight of the offspring and comparison between the eutocia (n = 32) and dystocia (n = 6) groups. The birth weight of the offspring was moderately positively correlated with the AUC of serum PAGs S-N values and ES concentrations in the second (r = 0.425, P < 0.01) and third (r = 0.595, P < 0.01) trimesters, respectively. The ratio of change in serum ES concentrations between 70 and 280 days after AI was greater (P < 0.05) in the dystocia group (1276.6 ± 229.1 %) than in the eutocia group (852.6 ± 69.6 %). These results suggest that blood PAGs S-N values at mid-pregnancy (100-199 days after AI) and the ratio of changes in blood ES concentrations between 70 and 280 days after AI may be new parameters for predicting dystocia.
Topics: Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Estrone; Cattle; Dystocia; Birth Weight; Cattle Diseases; Pregnancy Proteins; Glycoproteins
PubMed: 38810930
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106147 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Sep 2023This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D [1,25-(OH)D] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85-114 days)...
This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D [1,25-(OH)D] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85-114 days) of gestation (Gest) and lactation (Lact) on the reproductive performance of the sows and health of piglets through two experiments (Exp I and II). In Exp I, 120 sows were subjected to four treatments: T1-control (without [1,25-(OH)D] and supplemental CAP); T2-3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)D/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)D/Lact/day; T3-7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4-1.75 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)D + 3.5 µg CAP/Gest/day and 3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)D + 7.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. In Exp II, 200 sows were randomly blocked, factorial 2 × 2 (without or with Vit 1,25-(OH)D and without or with CAP): T1-control (without Vit 1,25-(OH)D and CAP); T2-3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)D/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)D/Lact/day; T3-7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4-3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)D + 7 µg CAP/Gest/day; and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)D + 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. The duration of delivery (3:48 vs. 4:57 h) and the percentage of stillbirths (5.37% vs. 7.61%) were improved ( < 0.05) in the group that received Vit 1,25-(OH)D (Exp II) compared to the control group. Moreover, the dystocia rate decreased ( < 0.05) in Exp II, which received Vit 1,25-(OH)D (4.21 vs. 27.63%), and in Exp I, which received the combination of Vit 1,25-(OH)D + CAP (12 vs. 40%) compared to the respective control groups. Colostrum production was greater ( < 0.05) in sows that received Vit 1,25-(OH)D supplementation compared to the control group, consequently resulting in higher colostrum intake ( < 0.05) of the piglets (330 vs. 258 g/piglet). The additives reduced the incidence of diarrhea ( < 0.05) in piglets (Exp I and II). Thus, the use of additives improved the reproductive performance of sows and contributed to litter growth.
PubMed: 37685058
DOI: 10.3390/ani13172794 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Nov 2023Rhinoceros species range from near threatened to critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. A sustainable ex situ breeding population is critically...
Rhinoceros species range from near threatened to critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. A sustainable ex situ breeding population is critically important to maintain genetic diversity and help ensure the survival of the species; however, not all populations under human care are self-sustaining. While rhinoceros reproductive physiology and pathology have been well studied, there is still a paucity of information describing the normal parameters of parturition and neonatal landmarks. Using video recordings, medical records, and keeper logs, we reviewed and compared data regarding the parturition of three rhinoceros species (black rhinoceros (BR) (), n = 4; greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR) (), n = 21; and southern white rhinoceros (SWR) (), n = 22) managed under human care in the United States. Using equine parameters as a model for comparison, we compiled the following data: the signs of impending parturition, durations of the parturition phases, calving presentation, frequency of dystocia or stillbirth, and time from birth to neonatal landmarks. Data from 47 births, including 26 videos, were examined. The durations of parturition phases I, II, and III had median lengths of 153 min (n = 18), 28 min (n = 21), and 205 min (n = 15), respectively. Anterior presentation of the calf was observed in 59% births, whereas posterior presentation occurred in 41% births. Posterior calving presentation was associated with a longer phase II of parturition ( = 0.04), although more data are needed to determine whether the posterior presentation of the calf carries a higher risk for stillbirth. Most (83%) stillbirths occurred in GOHR, indicating that this species might be at a higher risk for stillbirth compared to SWR (17%) ( = 0.07). The median time from birth to the calf standing was longer in the GOHR (64 min) compared to the SWR (30 min) ( = 0.02). Detailed descriptions of the parturition parameters and neonatal landmarks in rhinoceros will aid facilities with rhinoceros breeding programs to recognize abnormalities in the parturient or post-partum periods and guide indications for veterinary intervention.
PubMed: 38067004
DOI: 10.3390/ani13233653 -
Journal of Dairy Science Sep 2023Public concern about the welfare of farm animals and the livestock industry's awareness of the need to improve animal welfare have led to the implementation of new tools...
Public concern about the welfare of farm animals and the livestock industry's awareness of the need to improve animal welfare have led to the implementation of new tools designed to meet this objective. Especially in the case of small-scale farms in marginalized areas, the lack of available data specifically for assessing welfare led to the present study. Its aim was to use animal- and resource-based indicators that are representative of small-scale farms, to establish an index and develop a benchmarking tool that can be used to dynamically evaluate the welfare of cattle on farms with different husbandry systems and provide farmers, veterinarians, extension officers, and stakeholders with reliable information that can be used as a decision support tool. For this reason, 1,891 cows from 204 herds housed in freestall (n = 111) and tiestall (n = 93) husbandry systems in South Tyrol (Northern Italy) were evaluated. The results showed that 17.6% of herds (36 farms) had an average score below 60 (out of 100), which means that immediate intervention should be adopted to improve welfare. South Tyrolean dairy farms performed well in terms of lameness, skin alterations, avoidance behavior, number and space of lying areas, and dystocia occurrence scores, whereas water supply, cow cleanliness status, claw conformation, and getting-up behavior offered significant potential for improvement. Significant differences were observed between housing systems scoring less than 60 out of 100 points in 9.9% (n = 11) and 26.9%, (n = 25), of the herds kept in freestalls and tiestalls, respectively. A slight difference was found when comparing the percentage of herds with high scores, which corresponded to 30.6% (n = 34) of herds housed in freestalls and 22.6% (n = 21) of herds housed in tiestall housing systems. In addition, it was shown that animals reared on farms with tiestalls more often had problems with body condition, cleanliness, and skin alterations. All individual welfare indicators in the top 25% of herds had scores above 80, indicating that this may be an attainable target for freestall and tiestall herds, respectively, to promote good dairy cow welfare. The overall aim must be to adopt measures to increase the scores on all farms closer to this level.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Cattle; Animals; Farms; Cattle Diseases; Benchmarking; Housing, Animal; Dairying; Animal Welfare
PubMed: 37500430
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22592