scholarly journals Perinatal Changes in Plasma Oestradiol-17b, Cortisol and Progesterone and the Initiation of Lactation in Sows

1983 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 173 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L Willcox ◽  
Peter G Arthur ◽  
Peter E Hartmann ◽  
Justin L Whitely
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Plasma Cortisol Level ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Mature Milk ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Plasma Oestradiol

The concentrations in peripheral plasma of oestradiol-17 p, cortisol and progesterone were determined in 10 sows from 5-6 days prepartum to 4 days post partum. At the same time, the presence and composition of mammary secretion was monitored. Plasma progesterone levels declined from 4�9�0�6flgl-1 (mean�s.e.m.) 12h prepartum to 2�6�0�5flgl-1 at farrowing, and to about 1 flg 1- I by day 1 post partum, although the timing of the fall in plasma progesterone level ranged from day 4 prepartum to the day of parturition in individual sows. Farrowing in all sows was associated with a fall in plasma oestradiol-17P levels, from 0'68�0'07 flgl-' to O'13flgl-' 12h after the start of labour, and with a rise in plasma cortisol level from 14'09�3'74flgl-1 24h prepartum to 43� 66 � 7� 06 flg 1- I when lactation was becoming established. Mammary secretion was obtained from individual sows up to 3 days prepartum: the onset of lactation was assessed visually by evaluation of the colour and viscosity of secretions against a six-point scale ranging from no secretion to precolostral secretion to mature milk. Lactogenesis was estimated also from the concentrations of lactose, immunoglobulins G, Na + and K + in mammary secretions obtained postnatally. The timing of the first expression from the teats was not correlated with the onset of lactation as measured by changes in milk composition. Further more, there was no relationship between circulating progesterone, oestradiol-17 p or cortisol levels and the day on which secretion was first expressed. We conclude that, in the sow, lactogenesis, as indicated by changes in milk composition, coincides postnatally with decreased plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17 p, cortisol and progesterone. Furthermore, observation of the colour and viscosity of mammary secretion, rather than analysis of its constituents, may determine lactogenesis inaccurately in sows owing to the rapid but variable onset of lactation in this species.

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

PERIPHERAL PLASMA PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION OF COWS DURING PUBERTY, OESTROUS CYCLES, PREGNANCY AND LACTATION, AND THE EFFECTS OF UNDER-NUTRITION OR EXOGENOUS OXYTOCIN ON PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. DONALDSON ◽  
J. M. BASSETT ◽  
G. D. THORBURN
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Slow Increase ◽  
Normal Cycle ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

SUMMARY Progesterone concentrations in the peripheral plasma of cows were measured by a protein-binding radioassay method. The mean concentration was lowest at oestrus (0·44 ng/ml) and then increased to a maximum of 6·8 ng/ml about day 14 of the 21-day cycle. The concentration decreased rapidly during the last 4 days of the cycle, reaching low levels on the day before oestrus. There were no significant changes in progesterone concentration during oestrus. After ovariectomy the plasma progesterone concentration decreased to a very low level (< 0·4 ng/ml). After hysterectomy, progesterone concentrations remained high for longer than in a normal cycle. At puberty, plasma progesterone concentrations indicated cyclic ovarian activity before the first observed oestrus. Daily treatment of cows with oxytocin (0·4 u./kg body weight) from day 2 reduced the oestrous cycle length to 9 days, but did not significantly alter the slow increase in plasma progesterone concentration during the first 5 days of the cycle. Plasma progesterone concentrations decreased again after day 5 to low values. Plasma progesterone concentration during early pregnancy was similar to the luteal phase value (4–6 ng/ml), declined during mid-pregnancy and then increased to a maximum (7–8 ng/ml) at about 240 days gestation. The concentration declined 2–3 weeks before calving. During lactation progesterone concentrations were very low until the resumption of cyclic ovarian activity. The first post-partum cycle, whether accompanied by observed oestrus or not, was usually preceded by a small increase in plasma progesterone concentration 3–5 days before the start of the cycle. Undernutrition significantly increased plasma progesterone concentrations in mid- and late pregnancy. Undernutrition of non-pregnant cows increased progesterone concentrations during the luteal phase of the first cycle, but reduced it in later cycles.

SEQUENTIAL CHANGES IN PLASMA PROGESTERONE IN THE COW DURING THE ESTROUS CYCLE, PREGNANCY, AT PARTURITION, AND POST-PARTUM

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. ROBERTSON
Keyword(s):  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Cyclic Activity ◽  
Gradual Decline ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Estrous Behavior

The progesterone concentration in peripheral plasma has been measured sequentially in individual cows during the estrous cycle, gestation, at parturition, and post-partum. During the estrous cycle the concentration was lowest just before, during, and just after estrus when the level (0.1–0.4 ng/ml) was similar to that found in three ovariectomized cows. The concentration commenced to rise on the 4th–6th day (day of estrus = 1st day), reached a peak of 3–6 ng/ml on the 11th–13th day, and dropped rapidly over a 24–48-hr period to a basal value 24–72 hr before the next estrus. In early pregnancy, the plasma progesterone concentration was similar to the maximum levels found during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Between 90 and 150 days there was an indication of a decline to a relatively low plasma progesterone concentration followed by a variable rise. Prior to parturition, there was a gradual decline over a period of 35–70 days reaching a level of <2.0 ng/ml the day before parturition. Following parturition, the level remained at <0.5 ng/ml until the first sign of the resumption of cyclic activity. The time for this to occur was very variable (20–>60 days). Although not conclusive, the evidence favors the view that for estrous behavior to occur, estrus must be preceded by luteal activity. The discharge of mucus can occur without previous luteal activity.

Relationship between plasma leptin concentration and reproductive function in dairy cows

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 2-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
GE Mann ◽  
D Blache
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Metabolic Demand ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Plasma Leptin

In modern dairy cows, poor fertility is an ever-increasing problem. Milk progesterone analysis has revealed that this poor fertility is associated with a high incidence of reproductive cycle problems during the post partum period and with reduced progesterone secretion following mating. One of the likely causes of these problems is the increasing metabolic demand placed on these cows by increasing milk yield. In recent years, the search for an endocrine link between nutritional status and reproductive function has focussed on leptin. The aim of the present study was to determine whether plasma concentrations of leptin differ between cows with and without post partum reproductive problems and to determine if any relationship exists between plasma leptin and post mating plasma progesterone concentration.

Cortisol, progesterone and β-endorphin response to stress in calves

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Cooper ◽  
A. C. O. Evans ◽  
S. Cook ◽  
N. C. Rawlings
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stress Changes ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
Assessment Of Stress

In evaluating stress in farm animals, it would be useful to know whether there were consistent endocrine responses that could be followed. Adrenal cortisol secretion is quite variable, but β-endorphin secretion and adrenal progesterone production may be useful indicators of stress. Changes in plasma concentrations of cortisol, β-endorphin and progesterone were studied in spring-born, castrated male calves (steers) (6 mo of age ± 18 d, 516 ± 26 kg, n = 12) subjected to the stress of routine dehorning. Steers were isolated from their dams for 2 h before headgate restraint (control) or restraint and dehorning. They were bled 60 and 10 min prior to headgate restraint or restraint and dehorning. Blood samples were also collected immediately after headgate restraint or restraint and dehorning (time 0) and 5, 10, 30 and 60 min later. All blood samples were taken from a jugular catheter, and the blood sampling that was done out of the headgate involved minimal manual restraint. Plasma β-endorphin concentrations were similar in control steers and dehorned steers (P > 0.05) and decreased significantly following restraint or restraint and dehorning (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol concentrations rose significantly 5 min after dehorning and were elevated for 60 min; but with restraint only, plasma cortisol concentrations rose to a peak 5 min after release from chute restraint and then declined (P < 0.05). Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater in dehorned steers than in control steers in the period from 10 min after dehorning or headgate restraint to 60 min after headgate restraint (P < 0.0043). Plasma progesterone concentrations rose to a peak 10 min after dehorning and then declined, but in control steers, a peak was seen at 5 min after release from restraint (P < 0.05). Plasma progesterone concentrations were greater in dehorned steers between 5 and 60 min after dehorning than in control steers (P < 0.05). From these data, we concluded that in prepubertal, castrated male calves, β-endorphin was not released in any significant quantities in response to the stress of dehorning. In steers, adrenal cortisol and progesterone were secreted in response to acute stress, and a ratio of the two may provide a useful assessment of stress; this requires further study. Key words: Cortisol, progesterone, β-endorphin, stress, calves

The effects of altered suckling intensity, boar exposure in lactation and gonadotropins on endocrine changes, fertility and the incidence of lactational oestrus in multiparous sows

1995 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Costa ◽  
M. A. Varley
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Lactating Sows ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Experimental Treatments

AbstractOne of the more promising techniques for the improvement of sow productivity has been the use of partial weaning or the separation of the sow and litter for periods of between 3 to 12 h/day towards the end of lactation. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in steroid hormone concentrations, oestrus and fertility responses in lactating sows subjected to altered sucking, boar exposure and gonadotropins in mid lactation and at weaning. Thirty-two crossbred sows were allocated at random to one of four experimental treatments. Treatment 1 sows (no. = 8) were separated from their respective litters for 3 h/day from 12 days post partum through until weaning which was carried out at 21 days post partum. Treatment 1 sows were also given in-pen boar exposure for 1 h/day between day 12 post partum and weaning. Treatment 2 sows (no. = 8) were given the same protocol of litter separation (LS) and boar exposure (BE) as in treatment 1 and they were also given a combination of gonadotropins (Gn) on day 17 of lactation. Treatment 3 sows (no. = 8) were given LS + BE as above and the sows were injected with Gn on the day of weaning. Treatment 4 sows were controls given no LS, BE or Gn (no. = 8). During lactation, treatment 1 sows exhibited significantly (P < 0·05) reduced progesterone concentrations compared with treatment 2 sows. There were no other significant effects of treatment for any of the periods considered. The separation of sows from their piglets with or without gonadotropic treatment did not result in lactational oestrus in any treated sows. No significant treatment differences were found in the subsequent litter size (piglets born alive or total number of piglets). In conclusion, the present results have demonstrated no significant effects of LS, BE and Gn treatment during lactation on sow and litter performance. This was associated with low levels of peripheral plasma progesterone in all lactating sows.

Progesterone and oestrogen receptors in the female genital tract throughout pregnancy in tammar wallabies

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 121-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
MB Renfree ◽  
DR Blanden
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Gravid Uterus ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Point Analysis

The tammar, Macropus eugenii, is a monovular macropodid marsupial which has a post-partum oestrus and an 11 month embryonic diapause. Progesterone and oestradiol cytosol receptors were measured by Scatchard analyses and single point analysis in the lateral vagina, endometrium and myometrium of the gravid and contralateral non-gravid uterus throughout pregnancy, immediately after parturition and during seasonal reproductive quiescence. In endometrial tissues, both progesterone and oestradiol receptors doubled in concentration in both gravid and non-gravid uteri between day 0 and day 5 of pregnancy, coinciding with previously described peak values in peripheral plasma progesterone and oestrogen. Receptor concentrations in endometrial tissue during seasonal quiescence were not significantly different from those immediately after reactivation. After day 12 of pregnancy, downregulation of both progesterone and oestradiol cytosolic receptors occurred concomitant with the increase in progesterone in the peripheral plasma. However, there was a unilateral increase in oestradiol receptor concentrations in endometrium obtained from the non-gravid uterus between day 25 of the 26.5 day gestation and immediately after parturition. Myometrial receptor concentrations mirrored those of the endometrium but were lower. Concentrations of progesterone receptor in the lateral vaginae were at the lower limit of detection, while the oestradiol cytosol receptor concentrations were even lower in this tissue. Thus, the steroid receptor concentrations provide another example of local unilateral endocrine responses in the reproductive tract of the tammar. These results also indicate that the downregulation of progesterone and oestradiol receptors that occurs in both uteri in mid- and late-pregnancy is selectively and locally reversed before parturition in the non-gravid endometrium in response to the local effects of follicular oestradiol from the ipsilateral ovary.

Interrelationships between the blood coagulation profile and plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and cortisol throughout pregnancy and around parturition in sheep

2000 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. EL-BELELY ◽  
A. A. AL-QARAWI ◽  
H. A. ABDEL-RAHMAN
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Thrombin Time ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Steady Decrease ◽  
Consistent Increase

Thirty-two pregnant ewes (Saudi breeds) selected during 1998 and 1999, were studied throughout the whole gestational length and around parturition. Concentrations (mean±S.E.) of plasma progesterone (3·9±0·28 ng/ml), oestradiol-17β (20·5±2·33 pg/ml) and cortisol (4·8±0·58 ng/ml) remained fairly constant throughout the early stages of pregnancy. Characteristic changes in these steroids were evident during the prepartal period involving a steady decrease in plasma progesterone beginning 8 days before parturition; a remarkably consistent increase in oestradiol-17β 4–6 days prior to delivery, peaking in excess of 250 pg/ml at the birth day; and a fivefold increase to 23·7±2·12 ng/ml in plasma cortisol 2 days preceding delivery, showing a large increase during the day of lambing. The timing of the marked reduction in the platelet count and the coagulation screening tests including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT), during the prepartal period, were significantly correlated with the temporal changes in the circulating steroid hormone concentrations. The results suggest that the characteristic prepartal hormonal changes might provide the basis for shifting the fairly balanced coagulable state throughout gestational periods to a mild to moderate degree of hypercoagulability during parturition which is needed to limit the possible intra- and post-partum uterine haemorrhage.

Peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations in pregnant and non-pregnant greyheaded flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) and little red flying-foxes (P. scapulatus)

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
PA Towers ◽  
L Martin
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Flying Foxes ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Pteropus Poliocephalus ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy

Blood was collected from breeding-season and pregnant P. poliocephalus females shot in the wild and from captive pregnant and ovariectomized P. poliocephalus and P. scapulatus females. Peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay were similar to those obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy: in intact non-pregnant P. poliocephalus females without corpora lutea (CLs) values ranged from 2 to 30 ng mL-1; after ovariectomy, they ranged from 1 to 85 ng mL-1. A significant source of progesterone in these bats may be the adrenal. In P. poliocephalus, peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations showed relatively little change over the breeding season or in early pregnancy when a CL formed, but increased from mid pregnancy to reach 200-800 ng mL-1 in late pregnancy. A mid-pregnancy ovary with CL contained 2.80 ng progesterone whereas the contralateral ovary contained 0.13 ng. Overall, CL size decreased during pregnancy and was negatively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations. In late pregnancy, the main source of progesterone appears to be the placenta; plasma concentrations increase with placental growth and are significantly correlated with placental weight, and placentas contain 4-8 micrograms progesterone g-1. There was no evidence that progesterone concentrations fall before parturition. Limited observations indicated that peripheral progesterone concentrations follow similar patterns in P. scapulatus.

scholarly journals Dynamical changes of basic chemical indicators and significant lipophilic vitamins in caprine colostrum

2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (10) ◽  
pp. S15-S19
Author(s):  
Lucia Hodulová ◽  
Lenka Vorlová ◽  
Romana Kostrhounová
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Mature Milk ◽  
Chemical Indicators

Colostrum is currently used as a food supplement. It has been sought after by an increasing number of consumers for its unique composition. Its use is supported by EU legislation that defines colostrum as an animal product for human consumption. Therefore, information on its chemical properties and the content of lipophilic vitamins are important when evaluating colostrum quality and safety. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamic changes of basic chemical properties (protein, fat, lactose, and dry matter) and the content of selected lipophilic vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin E) in white short-haired goat’s colostrum. Attention was paid to the first milk from the first hour to the sixth day after parturition as the initial milk composition changes rapidly during this period. Protein, fat, and lactose concentrations were measured by near infrared spectroscopy, vitamins were analysed simultaneously by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with detection in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum. The most significant changes in chemical indicators occurred during the first three days (P ≤ 0.01) post partum. The highest decrease was observed in protein concentrations. It was × 2 lower than in the first hour post partum. The concentration of vitamin A rapidly decreased during 36 h. In the following hours, gradual changes were observed (P > 0.05). The analysed components in caprine colostrum were similar to mature milk after 132 h post partum.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document