UTJECAJ RAZINE HRANIDBE NA SEKRECIJU FSH I LH ZA VRIJEME LAKTACIJE TE NA RAZVOJ FOLIKULA U KRMAČA NAKON ODBIĆA

Feeding during lactation has been shown to effect physiology of reproduction in sows. A study was conducted to define the hormonal patterns of FSH and LH in lactation (21 days), the development of uterus and follicles after weaning in primiparous sows fed restricted (RE) or ad libitum (AL). 14 sows were used; 7 in each group AL and in group RE (≈70% of the diet of AL-sows). An intravenous catheter was inserted on day 6/7 post partum (pp). Blood samples were collected on days 12, 15 and 18 pp. FSH and LH were analysed by RIA. Daily ultrasonography of the ovaries between day 8 and 20/21 pp was used on a few animals per group to monitor follicular growth. All sows were slaughtered either 1 or 7 days after weaning. Mean daily feed intake during lactation was 3.9 kg in AL- and 2.7 kg in RE-sows. FSH concentrations were similar in AL- and RE-sows on day 12 pp, but higher in AL-sows on day 15 and day 18 pp (P<0,05). Generally LH concentrations were higher in AL- than in RE-sows (P<0.05). The results demonstrate that lactating AL-sows had higher both LH and FSH concentrations during lactation than RE-sows. An association to simultaneously observed differences in follicular growth is assumed. The weights of uterus were higher 24 hours and 7 days after weaning, in AL-sows (399/478g) than in RE-sows (335/392g). Generally the follicular status of ALsows was more developed than in RE-sows.Pokazalo se da hranidba za vrijeme laktacije djeluje na fiziologiju reprodukcije u krmača. Istraživanje je provedeno da se u krmača prvopraskinja, hranjenih ograničenim obrocima (RE) ili ad libitum (AL), odredi hormonalna struktura FSH i LH u laktaciji (21 dan) te razvoj uterusa i folikula nakon odbića prasadi. Istraživanje je provedeno na 14 krmača, 7 iz skupine AL i 7 iz skupine RE (=70% obroka AL krmača). Intravenozni kateter je umetnut 6/7 dan post partum (pp). Uzorci krvi uzimani su 12.,15. i 18. dan pp. FSH i LH su analizirani pomoću RIA. Dnevna ultrasonografija jajnika primijenjena je između 8. i 20/21. dana pp na nekoliko životinja po skupini radi praćenja folikularnog rasta. Sve su krmače žrtvovane 1. ili 7. dana poslije odbića. Prosječni dnevni unos hrane za vrijeme laktacije bio je 3.9 kg u AL krmača i 2.7 kg u RE krmača. Koncentracije FSH bile su slične u AL i RE krmača 12. dana pp ali više u AL krmača 15. i 18. dana pp (P<0.05). Općenito su LH koncentracije bile više u AL krmača nego u RE krmača (P<0.05). Rezultati pokazuju da su koncentracije LH i FSH u laktaciji bile više u AL nego u RE krmača. Povezanost s istovremeno primijećenim razlikama u folikularnom rastu utvrđena je 24 sata i 7 dana poslije odbića. Težine uterusa bile su više u AL krmača (399/478) nego u RE krmača (335/392). Općenito je folikularno stanje AL krmača bilo razvijenije nego u RE krmača

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction

Simply Summary: Real-time ultrasonography (RTU) has become an essential diagnostic value when assessing female swine reproduction in either individual or groups of animals. Diagnostic application of RTU is applied throughout most stages of production, including gilt development, breeding, gestation and farrowing. Along with its most common use in on-farm assessment of pregnancy status, RTU is also used to troubleshoot disruptions in reproductive performance such as delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, decreased conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU in female reproduction on commercial swine farms. Abstract: Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal's breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations.Peer reviewe

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal’s breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal’s breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal’s breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations

Effect of a GnRH analogue (peforelin) on the litter performance of gilts and sows

Background: Maintaining optimal reproductive and litter performance is essential for meeting economic targets in commercial pig production. Treatment with exogenous gonadotropins in sows after weaning or in gilts after altrenogest treatment has been used to stimulate follicular development leading to more piglets born and eventually higher birth weights. The effect of peforelin on litter performance was investigated in 212 gilts, primi- and pluriparous sows in three herds. Animals were randomly allocated to three treatments 24 h after weaning: peforelin (P group), eCG (E group), and physiological saline solution (C group). Numbers of total, liveborn and stillborn piglets and mortality rate during lactation were recorded. Birth weights and coefficient of variation in weights within litter were assessed. All parameters were compared among treatments. Results: Over all parities, no difference was found among treatments in litter size nor mortality rate, but birth weights were significantly lower in the E group. Stillbirth numbers in pluriparous sows were 2.2, 0.9 and 1.4 for P, E and C groups, respectively (p = 0.04). Piglets in the P group had significantly higher live born birth weights in gilts, compared to the E group (1.36, 1.26, 1.32 kg (p < 0.02) for P, E and C group, respectively). No significant differences were found for the other investigated parameters. Conclusions: Peforelin treatment showed no improvement of litter performance compared to no treatment

A single, episodic event of unilateral/bilateral scrotal swelling in a group of adult boars at an Austrian boar stud

Background Scrotal swelling is a clinical situation which can be caused by different aetiologies. In this case report, we describe a multi-week episode of unilateral and bilateral scrotal swelling in boars at an Austrian boar stud and its diagnostic work-up. Case presentation In the summer of 2020, the herd veterinarian of an Austrian boar stud reported that over a period of six weeks, five out of 70 boars presented with unilateral severe swelling of the left scrotum and three out of 70 boars with bilateral severe swelling of the left and moderate swelling of the right scrotum, respectively. A complete history was obtained and an on-site evaluation of the facility was done. Five boars were necropsied, and a variety of samples harvested for further diagnostic investigations. Infectious differential diagnoses associated with unilateral swelling of the scrotum or the testis were excluded through serological and tissue testing. In three of the five boars, histopathology revealed complete acute haemorrhagic necrosis of the left testis concurrent with strongly congested blood vessels. Review of the collected information with a group of experts in the field of boar stud management resulted with consensus that, most likely, trauma was the etiologic event causing the clinical signs and pathology. Coincident with discussion of implementing video recording cameras in the boar housing area, no further clinical cases followed. As this case occurred during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that the distress and travelling restrictions may have contributed to frustration among boar stud workers, which was consequently expressed as misbehaviour against boars. Conclusions Once all known infectious causes of unilateral swelling of the scrotum were excluded, a critical diagnostic work-up focused on non-infectious causes. Non-infectious causes, such as trauma, need to be carefully evaluated, as it may also include human misbehaviour against boars. Summarizing all findings of this case report, the authors hypothesize that a blunt trauma was the reason for the series of mainly unilateral swelling of the scrota of boars.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

[Continuous, subjective sonographic grayscale analysis of uterine involution in sows during the postpartum period].

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyse the continuous and subjective evaluation of echogenicity, echotexture of the puerperal uterus as well as the presence of intrauterine fluid in sows of differing parity stages. The goal was to determine associations between grayscale values and simultaneously assessed uterine diameter, body condition, and additional performance parameters such as farrowing duration, placenta expulsion duration, placenta weight and litter weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study population included 95 sows housed either in free farrowing (n = 46) or crated (n = 49) stables. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed daily between postpartum days 2-14 (p. p.) and the day before weaning. Echogenicity (ranging between anechoic (1)-hyperechoic (6)), echotexture (homogenous/heterogeneous), and the presence of intrauterine fluid (yes/no) was evaluated on three cross-sections of the uterine horn/sow/day. RESULTS In the first week p.p, most sows showed a medium (median = 4.0) echogenicity, whereas from day 7 p. p., echogenicity decreased (median = 3.5 to 3.0). Echotexture between days 2-7 p.p was mainly heterogeneous, whereas between days 8-14 p.p, it proved to be mostly homogeneous. Intrauterine fluid was detected until day 9. Echogenicity exhibited significant association with farrowing duration (FD) on days 8-14 p. p. (p = 0.048). Sows with FD > 300 min showed slightly lower echogenicity (median = 3.0) than sows with FD ≤ 300 min (median = 3.5). There was a positive correlation between uterine diameter and echogenicity on day 2-7 p. p. (r = 0,359, p < 0.001) and days 8-14 p. p. (r = 0,381, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Subjective grayscale analysis by ultrasonography is suitable in characterizing uterine echogenicity and echotexture as well as intrauterine fluid in post-partum sows. The presented findings suggest that this may aide in assessing patterns of the sow's puerperium. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The subjective grayscale analysis is suitable in clinically assessing echogenicity and echotexture during the postpartum phase. The subjective grayscale analysis provides initial indications concerning status of uterine health and involution in sows. Based on the ultrasonographic findings, treatment may be initiated and subsequently evaluated. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with further performance characteristics can be implemented to cull breeding sows. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with additional performance characteristics may be used in order to cull/reject sows exhibiting pathophysiologic findings from further breeding

Principles and Clinical Uses of Real-Time Ultrasonography in Female Swine Reproduction

Within the past 30 years, through ongoing technology and portability developments, real-time (b-mode) ultrasonography (RTU) has increasingly become a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing the female reproductive tract in swine. Initially applied in swine production to visually determine pregnancy status, RTU use has expanded to include assessment of the peri-pubertal and mature non-pregnant females as well. Transabdominal and transrectal modalities to visualizing the reproductive tract in swine have been reported with the transabdominal approach more common due to the fact of its ease of accessibility, animal/personnel safety, and reduced time to perform. Adjustable frequency transducers are preferred as they allow optimization of image quality at various depths. If a single transducer frequency must be selected, a 5 MHz probe provides the best versatility for visualizing the reproductive tract in swine. Other basic requirements for ultrasound equipment which will be used on commercial swine farms include being light weight and easy to handle, readily cleanable and disinfectable, long battery-life, and good durability. When using RTU for pregnancy determination, diagnosis is based upon a combination of the animal’s breeding records, the presence of embryonic fluid, and, depending upon gestational stage, fetal structures. If RTU is used as a diagnostic tool in assessing reproductive problems in an individual or a group of animals, sonographic evaluation of both the uterus and ovaries is performed. Tissues are delineated and assessed based upon their echogenicity, echotexture, and size. Uses of RTU in clinical practice may include assessment of delayed puberty, prolonged wean-to-estrus interval, absence of post-weaning estrus, herd disruptions in conception and farrowing rates, vulval discharge, peripartum and puerperal disorders. This review aims to provide an overview on principles and clinical uses of RTU with respect to application to address female reproductive performance issues in commercial swine operations