Spring-calving Angus cows (n = 30) were used to evaluate changes in ruminal temperature (RuT) related to parturition and estrus. Cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated with semen from a single sire. Temperature boluses were placed in the rumen at 7.0 ± 0.2 mo of gestation. Boluses were programmed to transmit RuT every 15 min. Cows (BW = 623 ± 44 kg, BCS = 4.9 ± 0.4) calved during 3...

Parturition and retention of fetal membranes were induced with PGF2 alpha in 3 primiparous dairy cows. Starting on day 12 post partum (PP) the cows were treated with 500 micrograms i.m. of ACTH-analogue (tetracosactid) every 6 h for 6 times. Changes in plasma concentrations of cortisol, progesterone and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha were evaluated immediately after treatment. The effects on the res...

The efficacy and safety of oxytocin, dexamethasone and prostaglandin, used alone or in combination as inducing agents, are discussed. It is contended that insufficient evidence exists to support the routine application of any of these methods in practice. Oxytocin has been the most widely used and it is claimed by some to be free from side effects. However, the synthetic prostaglandin analogue,...

Prostaglandins are essential for the initiation of parturition in mice. The peak in uterine prostaglandin F(2)(alpha) levels occurs at d 19.0 of gestation, just before the onset of labor. Our studies set out to determine the important regulatory step(s) involved in this increase of prostaglandin F(2)(alpha). We show that cytosolic phospholipase A(2) mRNA, protein, and activity do not significan...

In prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), most virgin females are infanticidal. To determine the onset of maternal responsiveness, female prairie voles were tested for maternal behavior as virgins and at different times throughout pregnancy. Female voles that were infanticidal as virgins by and large remained infanticidal throughout pregnancy. In contrast, about 30% of voles that were maternal a...

The aim of the present study was to determine changes in oxidative status plasma sows during periparturient period using markers lipid and protein peroxidation intensity. Plasma from 12 pregnant gilts collected on days 14 1 before parturition 1, 7 postpartum used study. As indicators alterations status, concentrations thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) sulphydryl groups (SH groups)...