estrone-sulfate and Birth-Weight

Blood estrone sulfate (E(1) S), estrone (E(1) ), estradiol (E(2) ) and progesterone (P(4) ) in newborn piglets were measured to clarify the relationships among birth and placental weight, vitality of offspring and litter size. First, the association between vital status (normal, weak and stillborn) from 165 newborn piglets of 18 litters and steroid concentrations; second, steroid concentrations from 152 newborn normal piglets and litter size; and third, steroid content in fetal placenta from 50 newborn normal piglets of six litters and litter size, were investigated. In the normal group, the birth and placental weight were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Blood E(1) S levels in the stillborn group were significantly lower, whereas E(1) , E(2) and P(4) were significantly higher compared to the normal group. Blood and placental E(1) S levels in the small litter group were significantly higher than those in the other groups. However, there was no significant difference among the three litter size groups in the levels of steroid hormones in maternal blood. These results indicate that vitality of newborn piglets is related to E(1) S concentration of neonate, to birth weight and placental weight. However, steroid hormone concentrations of newborn piglets were greatly affected by the number of littermates.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Estradiol; Estrone; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Litter Size; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Swine

The influence of nutrition during the first and second trimesters of gestation on the occurrence of dystocia was investigated in 3-year-old composite-breed beef heifers. Heifers were allocated according to stratification by weight and genotype to either a high (H/-=76 MJ metabolisable energy (ME) and 1.4 kg crude protein (CP)), or low (L/-=62 MJ ME and 0.4 kg CP daily) nutritional treatment on the day of artificial insemination (day 0) to the same Senepol bull. Half of each nutritional group changed to an opposite nutritional group on day 93 of gestation (-/H=82 MJ ME and 1.4 kg CP; -/L=63 MJ ME and 0.4 kg CP daily), resulting in four treatment groups: HH (n=16); HL (n=19); LH (n=17); LL (n=19). From 180 days until calving all heifers were fed the same diets. Pelvic area measures were taken at heifer selection (-72 days) and at 117 days. Maternal circulating concentrations of estrone sulphate (ES), bovine placental lactogen (bPL), bovine pregnancy associated glycoprotein and progesterone were monitored throughout gestation. Heifers were observed continuously over the calving period and delivery type classified as being either eutocic or dystocic. The occurrence of dystocia was 14.1%. Increased calf birth weight increased the odds of occurrence of dystocia (odds ratio (OR)=1.40; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.12-1.76; P<0.01). High diets in the second trimester were associated with heavier calves at birth (P=0.01). The mean pelvic area of eutocic heifers on -72 d, tended to be greater compared to that of dystocic heifers (P=0.08) such that a 1-cm(2) difference in pelvic area tended to decrease the risk of dystocia (OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.93-1.01; P=0.09). Longer gestation length was associated with an increased risk of dystocia (P=0.03). ES (P=0.04) and bPL (P=0.09) at calving were positively associated with the risk of dystocia. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates (a) that pelvic area measurement at selection in 3-year-old Bos indicusxBos taurus heifers may be useful for identifying heifers at an increased risk of dystocia and (b) increased ES and bPL concentrations at calving are associated with increased risk of dystocia. Pelvic area measurements obtained prior to conception remain valid in their assessment of the relationship between pelvic area and likelihood of dystocia occurring in the event of changing maternal nutrient intake during gestation. This is an important finding given maternal diets high in protein and energy during the second t

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Birth Weight; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Dystocia; Energy Intake; Estrone; Female; Gestational Age; Glycoproteins; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Pelvis; Placenta; Placental Lactogen; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins; Sex Factors

Dystocia and assisted calving in primiparous heifers are persistent problems in beef herds, and incidence increases with increasing birth weight of calves. Plasma samples taken from 33 primiparous, 2-year-old, Angus heifers 2 days prior to parturition were analysed for oestrone sulphate concentration. Additional samples taken at 4, 6, 8 and 10 days prior to parturition were analysed for 17 of these heifers. At parturition, birth weight of the calf, post-partum live weight of the heifer, assistance at calving (n=6) and status of the calf (stillborn (n=4) vs. alive) were recorded. Maternal plasma oestrone sulphate concentration was stable from 10 to 4 days prior to parturition and increased between 4 and 2 days prior to parturition for non-assisted heifers. Maternal plasma oestrone sulphate concentration did not affect the probability of assistance at calving or stillbirth.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Cattle; Estrone; Female; Parturition; Pregnancy; Stillbirth

This study presents serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG), oestrone sulphate (E1-S) and progesterone (P4), and the effects of some dam and foetus-related factors on these profiles during gestation in Borana and crossbred cattle. The PAG concentrations at 4th week post-conception ranged from 1.5-5.5 and 2.1-4.7 ng/ml in Borana (n = 6) and crossbred (n = 8) cattle, respectively. The mean PAG concentrations increased progressively from 4th to 33rd week of gestation (from 3.3-173 ng/ml for Borana and 4.2-240 ng/ml for crossbred cattle) and reached peak around calving. Breed, parity status, dam body weight, foetal sex and foetal birth weight significantly influenced the PAG concentrations. After delivery, the PAG concentrations declined steadily to 5.7 ng/ml in Borana (n = 7) and 3.9 ng/ml in crossbred (n = 6) cattle 10 weeks post-partum. The serum E1-S concentrations at 17th week of pregnancy ranged from 0.3-2.6 and 0.9-5.7 ng/ml in Borana (n = 8) and crossbred (n = 9) cattle, respectively. The mean E1-S concentrations increased progressively from 17th to 33rd week of gestation (from 1.1-4.6 ng/ml for Borana and 2.7-10.8 ng/ml for crossbred). Breed, parity status, dam body weight and foetal sex significantly influenced E1-S concentrations. The P4 concentrations at 4th week of pregnancy ranged from 3.2-5.1 and 1.7-8.9 ng/ml in Borana (n = 6) and crossbred (n = 8) cattle, respectively. The P4 level remained elevated throughout pregnancy. This study indicated that the serum PAG and P4 concentrations at 4th and E1-S approximately 17th week of pregnancy were above the cut-off value for pregnancy test and the hormonal profiles observed were comparable to the previous reports. Furthermore, the PAG and E1-S profiles were considerably influenced by factors such as breed, weight and parity status of the dam, and foetal sex and foetal birth weight (only PAG).

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cattle; Estrone; Female; Gestational Age; Glycoproteins; Hybridization, Genetic; Male; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins; Progesterone; Sex Factors; Species Specificity

The aim of present experiment was to evaluate the plasma concentrations of estrone sulfate (E(1)S) and progesterone (P(4)) during late gestation in recipient cows transferred embryos produced by nuclear transfer (NT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Blood samples were collected from recipients transferred embryos produced by NT (n=9) and IVF (n=13) at 160, 220, 240, 260 and 270 d of gestation and then at 5 d intervals until parturition. Plasma samples were analyzed for E(1)S and P(4) by ELISA. One NT and three IVF cows aborted between days 220 and 260 of gestation. Two NT and one IVF cow had prolonged gestation (over 290 d). One IVF cow had an overweight fetus (50 kg) after abortion (257 d). The patterns of changes in the concentrations of E(1)S during late gestation in the NT and IVF cows were almost identical. The NT and IVF cows that aborted had prolonged gestation and much higher E(1)S concentrations than the average. One NT cow aborted after 220 d of gestation and had a sudden high increase in its E(1)S concentration from 160 d to 220 d of gestation. The NT and IVF cows that had prolonged gestation also had significantly higher (P<0.05) P(4) concentrations than the average. These results raise the possibility that the E(1)S and P(4) profiles can be used to monitor some late gestational problems, such as higher birth weight, abortion and prolonged gestation.

Topics: Abortion, Veterinary; Animals; Biomarkers; Birth Weight; Cattle; Embryo Transfer; Estrone; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Gestational Age; Nuclear Transfer Techniques; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Prolonged; Progesterone

Relationships among plasma hormonal and metabolic variables in the last trimester of gestation in 59 Piedmontese dams (n = 15 heifers, n = 44 cows) and the calf birth weight (BWT) class of their offspring were investigated in seven herds. The BWT data were categorized as follows: > 50 kg (BWT-A), 46 to 50 kg (BWT-B), 41 to 45 kg (BWT-C), and < 41 kg (BWT-D). Blood samples were collected at 33, 36, and 39 wk of gestation. Packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma concentrations of insulin, estrone sulfate (E1SO4), NEFA, and creatinine were determined and correlated to BWT class. Creatinine: E1SO4 ratio also was calculated. Duration of gestation was greater for dams producing a BWT-A calf than for the other BWT classes, and calf BWT was heavier (P < 0.001) for calves in the BWT-A vs. BWT-D class. The heaviest calf in BWT-A was associated with the highest calving difficulty score. Insulin and PCV values were not affected by week of gestation, whereas plasma E1SO4, NEFA, and creatinine content increased (P < 0.001) and creatinine:E1SO4 decreased (P < 0.001) during late gestation. Calf BWT class did not affect PCV value. Plasma E1SO4 concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in BWT-D dams than the other dams, showing the greatest difference at 39 wk of gestation. At 36 and 39 wk of gestation, dams bearing BWT-C and BWT-D calves had a higher (P < 0.01) plasma insulin concentration than those bearing BWT-A and BWT-B calves. Plasma NEFA concentrations at 39 wk of gestation were higher (P < 0.05) in dams of calf BWT-A than in the other dams. We conclude that plasma E1SO4 level is a variable that can be used to monitor problems related to a small size calf. Conversely, the forthcoming birth of a calf with a heavy BW seems to be preceded by a pronounced increase in plasma NEFA level in the dam just a few days before calving.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Breeding; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Creatinine; Dystocia; Estrone; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Hematocrit; Insulin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Animal

Plasma concentrations of estrone sulfate in different breeds of Japanese beef cattle and the relationship between those concentrations and feto-placental growth were examined in order to assess the possibility of monitoring abnormal growth of the fetus. Blood samples were obtained from cows from day 90 of gestation to parturition. The plasma concentration of estrone sulfate was measured by direct enzyme immunoassay. From day 180 of gestation, the mean concentration of estrone sulfate increased gradually and it was drastically elevated after day 240 of gestation with the maximum at day 285. Plasma concentrations of estrone sulfate on day 240 of gestation was significantly increased in F(1) cows (Holstein Friesian and Japanese Black) compared with those in other breeds of cow. From day 270 to 278 of gestation, estrone sulfate concentrations of Holstein Friesian cows inseminated by Holstein Friesian differed from those inseminated by Japanese Black. In the cow with retained placenta, the plasma concentration of estrone sulfate reached plateau at day 240 of gestation and did not increase thereafter. There was no significant relationship between estrone sulfate concentration and duration of gestation, calf birth weight, weight of placenta or viability of newborn calves. These results indicate that changes of plasma estrone sulfate concentration in Japanese beef cattle are very similar to those in Holstein dairy cattle. They also suggest that the plasma concentration of estrone sulfate is associated with the breed of pregnant cow and that its concentration is also affected by calf birth weight depending on the breed of bull. It seems possible to predict the incidence of retained placenta but not the calf birth weight and viability of newborn calves in Japanese beef cattle.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Cattle; Estrone; Female; Gestational Age; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Species Specificity

A total of 54 Holstein-Friesian cows (13 primiparous and 41 multiparous) was used to study maternal plasma oestrone sulphate (E1S) during pregnancy and its relationship to birth weight and viability of calves and time required for placental expulsion after calving. Plasma samples were obtained from the tail vein of cows once every month from days 90 to 180, every 2 weeks from days 181 to 270, and every day from day 270 of gestation to parturition. The E1S concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay, and birth weight, placental measurements, neonatal viability and the period from calving to placental expulsion were recorded. E1S concentrations were correlated positively (0.71 > or = r > or = 0.32, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) with calf birth weight and weights of cotyledons, intercotyledonary membranes and total placenta from days 210 of gestation to 1 day prepartum. Calf birth weight was correlated positively (p < 0.01) with the weight of the cotyledons (r = 0.87), intercotyledonary membranes (r = 0.78) and total placenta (r = 0.88). In addition, E1S concentrations were positively correlated (0.63 > or = r > or = 0.28, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) with the neonatal viability after day 195 of pregnancy, and were negatively correlated (-0.29 > or = r > or = -0.55, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) with the intervals from parturition to placental expulsion after 225 days of pregnancy. The results suggest that variation among dams for circulating E1S levels during late pregnancy may be caused by variation of placental development and ability for oestrogen production and conjugation, and they may influence fetal growth, neonatal viability and retained placenta.

Topics: Animals; Apgar Score; Birth Weight; Cattle; Estrone; Female; Male; Placenta; Placenta, Retained; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Animal; Radioimmunoassay; Statistics, Nonparametric

Treatment of lactating and nonlactating parous cows (n = 379) with 12 mg of FSH-P to evaluate development of multiple bovine fetuses resulted in ovulation rates ranging from 1 to 27 corpora lutea (CL). Fertilization rate (i.e., ova fertilized at 6 to 8 d postmating, 80.0%) was not affected by ovulation rate. The percentage of fetuses developing normally at 51 to 53 d postmating decreased (P less than .01) as ovulation rate increased; 1 CL, 100.0%; 2 CL, 100.0%; 3 CL, 66.7%; 4 CL, 45.8%; 5 CL, 33.3%; 6 to 10 CL, 13.6%; and greater than 10 CL, 8.9%. Of the 86 cows permitted to calve, 47 produced singles, 22 twins, 9 triplets, 7 quadruplets, and 1 quintuplets. Calf birth weight and gestational length decreased (P less than .01) as the number of calves born increased from one to two to three. Smaller decreases (P less than .05) in birth weight occurred among triplets, quadruplets, and quintuplets, whereas gestational length did not differ (P greater than .1) among these groups. Systemic progesterone concentrations in the dam were proportional (P less than .01) to the number of fetuses in utero between d 126 and 266 for dams gestating one, two, or three or more fetuses; estrone sulfate was lower (P less than .01) in dams with one than in those with two or more fetuses. Placental weight (i.e., cotyledons plus intercotyledonary membranes) per fetus at 52 +/- 1 d of gestation and at term decreased as the number of fetuses increased. The chorioallantoic membranes were often fused among multiple fetuses and contained either all viable or all dead fetuses, but not both, within the same anastomosed placental unit. These results suggest that ovulation rate is the first limiting factor to increasing cow productivity for beef cattle because some bovine females had the capacity to gestate up to three fetuses per uterine horn, or a total of five fetuses, above which pregnancy was terminated.

Topics: Abortion, Veterinary; Animals; Birth Weight; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Dystocia; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); Estrone; Female; Fertility; Fertilization; Fetal Death; Litter Size; Male; Ovulation; Placenta; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Superovulation; Twins

At 50 d prior to predicted calving, 37 multiparous Angus cows were grouped by sire of mating, age and weight of cow and placed on either a high energy (HE, n = 19) diet or a moderate energy (ME, n = 18) diet. Objectives were to determine the effect of prepartum nutrition on: prepartum serum concentrations of estrone (E1), estrone sulfate (E1SO4) and progesterone (P4); pre- and postpartum cow body weight changes; calf birth weight and cow and calf postpartum performance. The ME cows were group-fed Coastal bermudagrass hay ad libitum and dormant pasture; HE cows were group-fed 2.7 kg ground corn X head-1 X d-1 in addition to the ME treatment. Both groups were combined and fed identically after calving. Cows fed HE were heavier (P less than .01) than cows fed ME at d 10 prepartum and their calves were heavier (P less than .05) at birth and weaning than calves from cows fed ME. Serum E1 concentrations were not significantly different between groups, but serum E1SO4 was higher (P less than .01) at d 10 prepartum in ME cows compared with HE cows. Serum P4 concentrations of ME cows were higher (P less than .05) than those of HE cows. Cow body weights were greater (P less than .01) for the HE group than for the ME group during the first 6 mo postpartum. Cow rebreeding performance was identical for both groups.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Cattle; Energy Metabolism; Estrone; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Progesterone

The effect of estrogens (Es) on piglet viability was determined as measured by birth to suckling intervals. Starting on d 109 postbreeding daily blood samples were obtained from 15 Yorkshire sows, Immediately after birth, blood samples were taken from the umbilical cord (UC) and the vena cava (VC) of piglets, followed by injections via the VC of either estradiol benzoate (EB) or a saline solution. The interval from birth to suckling (BTS), and body weight gain until 96 h was recorded. Total estrone concentration in the sows' serum rose until the day before parturition and declined sharply by d 2 postpartum. Piglets given EB injections had a shorter interval from BTS (P less than .05) and females suckled sooner than males in both the control and treated groups. No significant differences in weight gain were detected between control and treated groups at 2, 24 or 96 h. Higher (P less than .001) levels of estrone and estrone sulphate were found in the UC than in VC samples, but no correlation existed between levels of Es in the UC and VC (P greater than .05). We concluded that Es or other hydroxylated compounds could be acting upon a high control center of the newborn piglet to cause hyperactivity with a consequent reduction in BTS interval.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Estradiol; Estrogens; Estrone; Female; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Swine