oxytocin and Swine-Diseases

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Birth Order; Carbachol; Dexamethasone; Dichlorvos; Enterovirus Infections; Female; Fetal Death; Hemoglobins; Hypoxia; Leptospirosis; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Parvoviridae; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins; Rupture; Streptococcal Infections; Stress, Physiological; Swine; Swine Diseases; Umbilical Cord; Virus Diseases

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Dystocia; Epinephrine; Estrus; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Methods; Muscle Contraction; Oxytocin; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterus

The objective of the present study was to evaluate in penned sows the effect of two commercial oxytocin products on umbilical cord pathology, degree of asphyxia and intra-partum mortality. This study included 120 sows divided in three groups of 40 animals with eight animals for parities one to five per subgroup, respectively. Group 1 (G(1)) or control received saline solution while oxytocin groups (G(2)) and (G(3)) were injected at the onset of fetal expulsion with two oxytocin products. The doses of oxytocin were as follow: Primiparous sows weighing less than 130 kg received 20 IU; multiparous sows weighing 130-180 g received 30 IU, and those above 250 kg, 40 IU. Piglets born alive and/or dead were classified at birth using a subjective scale based on the degree of meconium staining on skin. Umbilical cords of intra-partum stillbirths (IPS) were classified as adhered or ruptured and subdivided into four categories: without pathological changes, edematous, congested and hemorrhagic. Result analyses revealed significant differences (P < 0.01) between groups 1 and 2, and 1 and 3 regarding the following traits: expulsion interval (min) (X: G(1) 27.7; G(2) 22.6; G(3) 22.2), IPS with a severe stain degree (X: G(1) 0.10; G(2) 0.45; G(3) 0.50), IPS with ruptured umbilical cords (X: G(1) 0.07; G(2) 0.42; G(3) 0.47), and detectable heartbeats in IPS (X: G(1) 0.27; G(2) 0.25; G(3) 0.22). Treatment with oxytocin reduced the duration of the expulsion of the fetus, increased the number of IPS with ruptured umbilical cords and with severe meconium-stain degree and reduced the number of fetuses with inspiration attempts. Furthermore, the use of this hormone increased the need for obstetric assistance due to increased frequency of dystocia.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Dystocia; Female; Fetal Death; Fetal Hypoxia; Housing, Animal; Oxytocin; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Rupture, Spontaneous; Swine; Swine Diseases; Umbilical Cord

Oxytocin is associated with reproductive physiology but also with welfare and positive emotions. In this study, oxytocin was measured in saliva samples of 45 pigs that were collected before being transported to the slaughterhouse, at the time of arrival and 4 h after arrival to the slaughterhouse. Two previously validated assays, one that measures free oxytocin and other that measures oxytocin linked to proteins, were used. In addition, cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), total esterase activity (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which are biomarkers associated with stress and pain in pigs, were measured. The results showed a decrease in free and protein-linked oxytocin concentrations at 4 h after transport compared with the time before transport, while cortisol, sAA, TEA, BChE and LDH showed an increase at 4 h after transport compared with the time before transport. Based on these results it can be concluded that the transport and lairage at slaughterhouse in the conditions of this study produce a decrease in oxytocin in the saliva of pigs that could indicate a reduced emotional well-being.

Topics: Abattoirs; Animals; Biomarkers; Hydrocortisone; Oxytocin; Pain; Saliva; Stress, Physiological; Swine; Swine Diseases; Transportation

The Postpartum Dysgalaktie Syndrome (PPDS) also known as metritis agalactia mastitis (MMA), is considered the most common disease of the sow after farrowing. The reasons for PPDS are multifactorial and are to be found in the areas of management and hygiene, feeding, water supply and animal specific factors such as body condition and age of the sows. In this study a veterinary herd health management was carried out in 28 pig farms with PPDS, with the aim to reduce the PPDS prevalence and animal treatment incidence (TI). In 20 of 28 problem farms the PPDS-prevalence could be decreased from 37.4% (± 21.8%) to 24.5% (± 14.1%). The TI was not significantly reduced. The most effective procedures to reduce the PPDS-prevalence were the use of a prepartal transition feed, optimizing the PPDSdiagnostic and the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and oxytocin in the PPDS-treatment.. Das Postpartale Dysgalaktie Syndrom (PPDS), auch Metritis Mastitis Agalaktie (MMA) genannt, gilt als die häufigste Erkrankung der Muttersau nach dem Abferkeln. Die Ursachen für das Auftreten sind multifaktoriell und sind in den Bereichen Management und Hygiene, Fütterung, Wasserversorgung und tierspezifische Faktoren wie Kondition und Alter der Muttersauen zu suchen. Im Rahmen dieser Studie wurde in 28 Schweinezuchtbetrieben mit PPDS-Problematik eine tierärztliche Bestandesbetreuung durchgeführt, mit dem Ziel die PPDS-Prävalenz und die Tierbehandlungsinzidenz (TI) zu senken. Die PPDS-Prävalenz sank in 20 von 28 Problembetrieben von 37.4% (± 21.8%) auf 24.5% (± 14.1%). Die TI konnte nicht signifikant gesenkt werden. Die effektivsten Massnahmen die PPDS-Prävalenz zu senken, waren der Einsatz eines Geburtsvorbereitungsfutters, die Optimierung der PPDS-Diagnostik und der Einsatz von nichtsteroidalen Antiphlogistika (NSAID) und Oxytocin bei der PPDS-Behandlung.. Le syndrome de dysgalactie postpartum (PPDS), aussi appelé mammite, métrite, agalactie (MMA) est considéré comme la pathologie des truies la plus fréquente en période post partum. Ses causes sont multifactorielles et doivent être recherchées aussi bien dans le domaine de la gestion, de l’hygiène, de l’alimentation et de l’abreuvement que dans des facteurs propres aux animaux, comme la condition et l’âge. Dans le cadre de cette étude, on a effectué un suivi d’exploitation dans 28 exploitations d’élevage porcin avec une problématique de PPDS, dans le but de réduire la prévalence de cette affection et l’index des traitements. La prévalence de la PPDS s’est réduite dans 20 des 28 exploitations de 37.4% (± 21.8%) à 24.5% (± 14.1%). L’index des traitements n’a pas pu être abaissé significativement. Les mesures les plus efficaces pour abaisser la prévalence de la PPDS ont été l’utilisation d’un aliment de préparation à la mise-bas, l’optimisation du diagnostic de PPDS et l’utilisation d’antiinflammatoires non-stéroïdiens (AINS) et d’ocytocine pour traiter les cas de PPDS.. La sindrome da disgalasia post-partum (PDS), detta anche sindrome Mastite, Metrite, Agalassia (MMA), è considerata la più frequente malattia della scrofa dopo il parto. Le cause della comparsa della malattia sono multifattoriali e sono da ricercare nei settori della gestione e dell’igiene, nell’alimentazione, nell’approvvigionamento di acqua e in fattori specifici agli animali quali condizioni e età delle scrofe. Nell’ambito di questo studio è stato condotto un trattamento veterinario dell’effettivo in 28 allevamenti di suini con problemi legati alla PDS con l’obiettivo di diminuire la prevalenza di PDS e l’incidenza del trattamento degli animali. La prevalenza di PDS era diminuita in 20 delle 28 aziende dal 37.4% (± 21.8%) al 24.5% (± 14.1%). L’incidenza del trattamento non poteva essere ridotta in modo significativo. Le misure più efficaci per ridurre la prevalenza di PDS si sono rivelate l’uso di mangimi prenatale, ottimizzazione della diagnosi da PDS, l’uso di farmaci antinfiammatori non steroidei (FANS) e ossitocina nel trattamento della PDS.

Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Female; Incidence; Mastitis; Oxytocin; Prevalence; Swine; Swine Diseases

The hypothesis was that a prolonged parturition impairs placenta expulsion and can lead to retained placentas in sows. Furthermore, we hypothesized that application of oxytocin around the time of expulsion of the first placental part improves placenta expulsion. We recorded 142 parturitions of 101 Yorkshire x Large White sows. We determined parity, gestation length, number of liveborn and stillborn piglets, farrowing duration (time between first and last piglet) and the outcome variables: number of expelled placental parts, placenta expulsion duration (time between first and last placental part), first placental part expulsion (time between last piglet and first placental part) and last placental part expulsion (time between last piglet and last placental part). The relationship between farrowing duration and each of the outcome variables was investigated using four distinct multivariable models. Use of oxytocin (used in 44 out of 142 parturitions) increased number of expelled placental parts (3.8 ± 0.2 vs. 2.9 ± 0.3; P = 0.035), decreased the placenta expulsion duration (172 ± 44 vs. 328 ± 26 min; P = 0.011) and time of last placental part expulsion (148 ± 48 vs. 300 ± 24 min; P = 0.025). If oxytocin was not used, farrowing duration obeyed a quadratic relationship with the number of expelled placental parts (P = 0.001), placenta expulsion duration (P = 0.002) and time of last placental part expulsion (P = 0.024). If oxytocin was used, number of expelled placental parts was positively associated with number of liveborn piglets (β = 0.2 ± 0.1; P = 0.002) and affected by parity. 5th parity sows expelled more placental parts (4.3 ± 0.4) than 4th (3.2 ± 0.3; P = 0.024) and 3rd parity sows (2.7 ± 0.4; P = 0.008). Furthermore, placenta expulsion duration was positively associated with number of liveborn piglets (β = 18 ± 8 min; P = 0.025). First placental part expulsion was negatively correlated with farrowing duration (β = 0.3 ± 0.1; P = 0.001). Sows that experienced total (no expulsion of placental parts; n = 4) and partial retained placentas (no expulsion of placental parts after birth of the last piglet; n = 4) had longer farrowing durations (1009 ± 275 and 734 ± 136 min) than sows with no retained placentas (369 ± 202 min; P = 0.021 and P = 0.004). The results show that a prolonged parturition impaired and oxytocin improved placenta expulsion in sows. Furthermore, retained placentas occurred in 3-6% of the sows and was correlated with a prolonged parturiti

Topics: Animals; Female; Litter Size; Oxytocin; Parity; Parturition; Placenta, Retained; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Swine; Swine Diseases; Time Factors

Oxytocin and vetrabutin chlorhydrate (VC) are used to reduce the duration of farrowing in swine. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of these products on intra-partum stillbirth (IPS) rate and asphyxia. At the onset of parturition, sows (n=180) were allocated to receive 2 mL of saline (control group), oxytocin (40 IU i.m.) or 100mg of VC per 60 kg of body weight, with all treatments given i.m. Oytocin-treated sows had a higher number of IPS than the VC and Control groups (means, 1.2, 0.8 and 0.6, respectively; P<0.001), and the highest percentage of ruptured umbilical cords (76.0, 9.4 and 37.5%; P<0.003). There were differences among groups for duration of farrowing (means, 163.0, 211.2 and 306.9 min in the oxytocin, VC and control groups; P<0.001), interval between piglets (13.9, 19.2 and 28.1 min; P<0.001), and in IPS, the incidence of ruptured umbilical cords was 76.0, 9.4 and 37.5% (P<0.003) and absence of a fetal heartbeat was 53.3, 16.9 and 12.5% (P<0.05). Although oxytocin decreased both duration of farrowing and interval between piglets by approximately 50% relative to control sows, it resulted in a significantly higher rate of IPS, in association with a much higher incidence of ruptured umbilical cord and absence of a fetal heartbeat. Treatment with VC reduced farrowing duration by approximately 1.5h, with an IPS rate that was not significantly different from controls but significantly lower than that of oxytocin-treated sows.

Topics: Animals; Asphyxia; Female; Oxytocin; Parturition; Pregnancy; Rupture, Spontaneous; Stillbirth; Swine; Swine Diseases; Time Factors; Umbilical Cord; Uterine Contraction

Partus induction is an important integrative component of reproduction management in the swine industry. In this context, the question is to what extent the application of uterotonic substances may influence the vitality of piglets. The blood pH value is used as a laboratory objective diagnostic parameter of neonatal acidosis. This parameter of the acid-base balance was examined in piglets born spontaneously at the 115th to 116th day of gestation (group 1, n = 57) and after two different partus induction protocols starting at the 114th day of gestation (group 2: combination of 175 microg of cloprostenol and 20 IU of oxytocin, n = 55; group 3: 175 microg of cloprostenol and 35 microg of carbetocin, n = 56). Initial blood samples were taken from each piglet at birth and 2 h later. The results show that the different protocols have no negative influence on the initial pH value and the compensation of neonatal acidosis until the second hour post-natum.

Topics: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Acidosis; Aging; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Blood Gas Analysis; Cloprostenol; Female; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Labor, Induced; Labor, Obstetric; Male; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Swine; Swine Diseases; Time Factors

Cases of sixteen sows treated for lactation failure in piggery farms in Ibadan are reported. Fifteen of them had no complication of mastitis or mammary gland teat blockade. The fifteen uncomplicated cases responded favourably to the treatment with oxytocin (15-20 I. U. per sow). Only two cases needed second treatment with oxytocin due to poor sustenance of flow from only one treatment. Milk flow was achieved in less than 5 minutes in all the treated sows after the intramuscular injection of the drug. The only sow with accompanying acute mastitis responded favourably to procaine penicillin injection. Early diagnosis and treatment of agalactia are important in the prevention and control of baby pig mortality. The favourable response of these sow lactation failures to treatment with oxytocin, confirms the hormonal imbalance as one of the major factors to be considered in the unknown aetiology of lactation failure or failure of milk ejection reflex.

Topics: Animals; Female; Lactation Disorders; Milk Ejection; Nigeria; Oxytocin; Swine; Swine Diseases; Time Factors

We evaluated stillbirth risk factors in two commercial swine farms of the Rio Grande do Sul State (south of Brazil). The study was conducted during 1 month in Farm A and during 2 months in Farm B, both during 1999. Data for all farrowings that occurred during the study period were recorded (101 for Farm A and 373 for Farm B), without interference in the farm management. In Farm A, 39% of all litters born during the period of interest had stillborn piglets and the stillborn risk for piglets was 12%. In Farm B, 25% of all litters had stillborn piglets whereas the stillborn risk was 2%. Variables considered as potential risk factors for stillbirths were: parity (1, 2-3, 4+); breed (purebred or crossbred); sow body-condition (normal or fat); use of oxytocin during parturition (yes or no); obstetric intervention through vaginal palpation (yes or no); farrowing duration (<4 or > or =4h); mummified fetuses (yes or no); total litter size (<12 or > or =12 piglets); and litter birth weight (<11 or > or =11kg). All stillborn piglets had their classification validated by necropsy. In multivariable logistic-regressions, the cases were the litters having at least one stillborn piglet. In Farm A, litters having at least 12 pigs and in which oxytocin was used during the parturition had 20.8-times-higher odds of stillborn occurrence. In Farm B, litters from sows having parity > or =4 had 2.2-times-higher odds of stillborn occurrence than litters from parity 2 to 3 females, litters having > or =12 pigs had 2.0-times-higher odds of a stillborn piglet than smaller litters and farrowings in which vaginal palpation was performed had 8.0-times-higher odds. Farrowing room management to minimize stillborn risk should target higher-parity females, large litters and optimization of practices of obstetric interventions.

Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Weight; Body Constitution; Body Weight; Brazil; Female; Fetal Death; Litter Size; Logistic Models; Oxytocin; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Risk Factors; Swine; Swine Diseases

This trial was conducted in a farrow-to-finish pig unit from November 1999 to February 2000. Since November 1998 an induction-of-parturition program was applied in gilts and sows with PGF2alpha (2 mL Dinolytic, i.m.) 113 d post service, followed by oxytocin (1 mL Intertocine-S, i.m.) 24 h later. This program resulted in a high proportion of animals farrowing within the working hours of the day. At mid December 1999 splay-legs and edematous swelling and reddening of the vulva started to be observed in newborn piglets. A concurrent decline of parameters related to parturition also was noticed. Mycotoxicological analyses of the feeds revealed a co-occurring contamination with deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. For a 4-week period, sows were divided into two groups: (a) an induction-of-parturition and (b) a non-induction-of-parturition group. Significant differences were found between the two groups relating to prevalence of dystocia (<.05) and pregnancy duration (<.05). Moreover, it was found that prevalence of splay-legs and swelling of the vulva were highly correlated (<.05) with reduction of percentage of sows farrowing within the working day and increase of pre-weaning mortality. It was concluded that such an induction-of-parturition program should be avoided during a Fusarium mycotoxicosis.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Dinoprost; Female; Fetal Death; Fusarium; Greece; Labor, Induced; Male; Mycotoxicosis; Mycotoxins; Oxytocin; Swine; Swine Diseases

To determine types and doses of injectable medications given to periparturient sows and reasons for administering those medications, and to compare medication practices among farms of different sizes.. Survey.. 301 farms; 231,016 periparturient sows.. A survey was used to obtain information regarding medications given to sows during the farrowing period. State and federal veterinary medical officers completed surveys during their final interview with producers who had participated in the National Animal Health Monitoring System's (NAHMS) Swine 95 study. Data were summarized and treatment regimens compared among farms of different sizes.. More than a third of the sows received medications during the farrowing period. The most common reasons for administering medications were routine preventive treatment and treatment of dystocia, uterine discharge, and poor appetite. The most commonly used medications for treatment of sick sows were oxytocin, procaine penicillin G, and B vitamins. A high percentage of medications were either not indicated for the specific condition or used at greater or less than the approved dose. In general, treatment rates and medications used did not differ among farms of different sizes.. Better treatment protocols are needed to provide more appropriate treatment of sick sows.

Topics: Animals; Data Collection; Female; Injections; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Penicillin G Procaine; Penicillins; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Vitamin B Complex

Endogenous oxytocin is released by the sow at the time of mating in response to stimulation by the boar, which may explain, at least partially, the importance of the relationship between the boar's courting activity and the subsequent reproductive performance of the sow. The aim of this study was to determine the effects on reproductive performance of supplementing AI doses with exogenous oxytocin during the low fertility season. At an intensive piggery in northwest Spain 3 experimental groups were randomly formed and observed throughout the year. Group 1 sows were inseminated with semen supplemented with 4 IU oxytocin. Group 2 sows received 4 IU oxytocin injected through the vulvar lips mucosa at the time of insemination. Group 3 sows were inseminated without oxytocin and served as the controls. During the low fertility season the results for each group were as follows: farrowing rate 77.02, 56.25 and 54.39%, and litter size 10.77 +/- 0.28, 10.45 +/- 0.31 and 8.53 +/- 0.34 respectively. It is concluded that the addition of oxytocin to seminal doses just before AI is an easily applicable, effective method for increasing fertility and litter size during the summer months.

Topics: Animals; Female; Infertility, Female; Insemination, Artificial; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Spain; Swine; Swine Diseases; Syndrome

In a single large pig production unit of 6000 breeding sows, seven groups of 100 sows each were formed at random on the 110th day of pregnancy. Each group was evaluated and divided according to body condition in three subgroups. The average parity in each subgroup was recorded. The groups were treated as follows: Group 1 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 3 mg single intramuscular dose of alfaprostol. Group 2 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 3 mg single intramuscular dose of alfaprostol, 24 hours later a single intramuscular dose of 10 IU of oxytocin. Group 3 received a single intramuscular dose of 10 IU of oxytocin after the birth of the first piglet. Group 4 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 100 mg single intramuscular dose of prednisolone. Group 5 received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 0.2 mg single intramuscular dose of carbamylcholine. Group 6 received from the 110th day of pregnancy food consisting of 12% fiber, 3 kg per sow per day. Group 7 (control) received a 3 ml physiologic NaCl solution on the 114th day of pregnancy. The following parameter were evaluated: A: Number of live born piglets B: Number of intrapartum stillborn piglets As regard number of live born piglets no significant difference was seen between the experimental groups (1-6) and the control group (7). On the other hand showed the experimental group 1, 2, 5 and 6 significant lower incidence of intrapartum stillbirth when compared to the control (group 7). Within the groups the tendency was seen, that the sows with higher parity and body condition produced less numbers of live born and higher numbers of intrapartum stillborn piglets.

Topics: Animals; Carbachol; Female; Fetal Death; Nutritional Status; Oxytocin; Parity; Prednisolone; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins F; Swine; Swine Diseases

In a single large pig production unit of 6,000 breeding sows, 3 Groups of 100 sows each were formed at random on the 110th day of pregnancy. Each Group was evaluated and divided according to body condition in three subgroups. The Groups were treated as follows: Group 1: received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 3 mg single intramuscular dose of Alfaprostol, 24 hours later a single intramuscular dose of 10 i.U. of Oxytocin. Group 2: received on the 113th day of pregnancy a 0.2 mg single intramuscular dose of Carbamylcholin. Group 3: received a 3 ml intramuscular dose of physiologic NaCl solution on the 113th day of pregnancy. The parameter "intrapartal dead piglets" was evaluated. Group 1 and 2, especially in Subgroups KK3, showed significant less intrapartal death when compared to Group 3.

Topics: Animals; Carbachol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fetal Death; Health Status; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins F; Swine; Swine Diseases

Three experiments were conducted to examine inositol phosphate (IP) turnover in response to treatments applied in vitro to endometrium from cyclic (CYC), pregnant (PREG) and estradiol-induced pseudopregnant (PSP) gilts. In Exp. 1, treatments (in 25 microliters .1 M NaHCO3) were 1) control (NaHCO3), 2) 125 ng oxytocin, 3) .25 micrograms prolactin, 4) 2.5 micrograms prolactin and 5) 5 micrograms pig conceptus secretory proteins (pCSP). Basal IP turnover on d 14 (estrus = d 0) for CYC was 3.9 to 5.0-fold greater than for PREG gilts and .6 to 1.1-fold greater than for PSP gilts (P less than .05). Oxytocin increased IP turnover 23 to 42% in CYC gilts (P less than .05), but not in PREG or PSP gilts. The treatment x reproductive status interaction (P less than .05) indicated that pCSP increased IP turnover 74 to 140% in PREG gilts but decreased it 18 to 22% in CYC and 17 to 50% in PSP gilts. In Exp. 2, treatments were applied in a 2 x 2 x 2 arrangement: 1) 0 or 125 ng oxytocin; 2) 0 or 2.5 micrograms prolactin and 3) 0 or 5 micrograms pCSP. Basal IP turnover on d 14 was 3.3 to 5.4-fold greater (P less than .05) in CYC than in PSP gilts and was affected by interaction (P less than .05) of pCSP and prolactin. Inositol phosphate turnover was increased by prolactin (12 to 22%) and by pCSP (7 to 34%) but, when combined, the stimulatory effects of each were eliminated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Endometrium; Estradiol; Estrus; Female; Fetal Proteins; Inositol Phosphates; Organ Culture Techniques; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Prolactin; Pseudopregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases

The influence of dose of oxytocin and the interval between prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha and oxytocin administration on the synchrony of farrowing, the prevalence of intrapartum complications, and the number of pigs dying perinatally was investigated. In study 1, sows were given 10 mg of PGF2 alpha IM on day 112, 113, or 114 of gestation or were not treated. Twenty hours after PGF2 alpha administration, sows were given 0, 5, 10, 20, or 30 USP U of oxytocin IM. Sows treated with PGF2 alpha or PGF2 alpha plus oxytocin had a shorter interval to farrowing than sows not treated or treated with oxytocin alone. Treatment with PGF2 alpha plus 30 U of oxytocin induced the most rapid onset and the greatest synchrony of farrowing, with the mean onset occurring 2.1 +/- 0.4 hours after oxytocin vs greater than 8 hours for all other treatments. Sows treated with 5 or 10 U of oxytocin had a delayed onset and a less synchronous farrowing, compared with sows treated with 0 or 20 U. Day of PGF2 alpha treatment influenced (P less than 0.05) the interval from oxytocin to onset of farrowing. As day during gestation decreased, there was a corresponding decrease in the interval between oxytocin administration and farrowing. Number of interventions to remove retained pigs was not influenced (P greater than 0.05) by day of PGF2 alpha administration. All sows treated with PGF2 alpha followed by oxytocin had a higher rate of manual interventions, compared with that in sows given PGF2 alpha but not oxytocin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Dinoprost; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Labor, Induced; Labor, Obstetric; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins F; Swine; Swine Diseases; Time Factors; Uterine Inertia

The disk method with Ericson and Bauer's solid nutrient media were employed to ascertain the drug resistance of a total of 54 strains of Escherichia coli, 25 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 11 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes, 7 strains of Corynebacterium pyogenes, 7 strains of Streptococcus uberis, 2 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae, and 1 strain of Streptococcus disgalactiae isolated from utero-cervical exudate and milk samples of sows with clinical symptoms of mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA). It was found that gentamycin only suppressed 100 per cent of the strains. So far as the other chemotherapeutic agents were concerned the organisms showed a varying extent of resistance. After determining the sensitivity of the strains to drugs two groups of pigs (from which the strains referred to were isolated) were subject to treatment. All 20 sows of the first group were treated with oxytocin only, while the 446 animals of the second group were treated with gentamycin in combination with oxytocin. It was found that effective therapy in the case of MMA was impossible with the application of preparations on the base of the hind lobe of the pituitary only. It is necessary to use chemotherapeutic means tow which the isolated organisms are susceptible.

Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Cervix Uteri; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endometritis; Female; Gentamicins; Lactation Disorders; Mastitis; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Milk; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Syndrome

This experiment was conducted in order to compare the effects of injecting PGF2 alpha alone, PGF2 alpha with oxytocin and placebo on the induction of farrowing in swine and to compare the relative effects of 3 different dosages of oxytocin (10, 20 and 30 iu per animal) when combined with PGF2 alpha (10 mg). The findings revealed that animals treated with 30 iu oxytocin farrowed within 10.6 h which was similar to those receiving PGF2 alpha only (9.4 h), but shorter than control animals (53.6 h). Animals receiving 20 and 10 iu of oxytocin farrowed within 1.4 and 1.7 h, respectively. Difficult farrowings requiring manual assistance occurred in 30%, 30%, 50% and 10% of sows given 30 iu, 20 iu and 10 iu of oxytocin and in the control group, respectively. Thirteen of 73 sows treated with PGF2 alpha farrowed within 12.6 +/- 5.3 h. Stillbirths were highest (10.2%) in the control animals whilst in the others it was under 7%. Oxytocin at dosages of 20 and 10 iu, seemed most promising in terms of synchronising farrowing following PGF2 alpha treatment in swine. However, farrowing complications were more common in these groups.

Topics: Animals; Dinoprost; Female; Labor, Induced; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins F; Swine; Swine Diseases

Topics: Animals; Calcium; Edetic Acid; Female; Hypocalcemia; Myometrium; Oxytocin; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterus

Ten healthy lactating sows were given single IV injections of 5 to 10 IU of oxytocin and single IV or IM injections of 0.2 to 0.6 mg of deamino-1-monocarba-(2-O-methyltyrosine)-oxytocin [d(COMOT)]. Studies were done with d(COMOT) concerning the dose-response relationship, the influence of the lactation stage on the duration of the milk let-down effect, and the difference between the IV and IM injections. The mean duration of response was 14 minutes for oxytocin and 6.2 hours for d(COMOT). Intramammary pressure was also measured in 3 sows, using 10 IU of oxytocin IV or 0.6 mg of d(COMOT) IV. Oxytocin resulted in a strong initial increase of the intramammary pressure for about 7 minutes. The d(COMOT) caused the same initial response, followed by secondary oscillations lasting for at least 4 hours.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Female; Lactation; Lactation Disorders; Mammary Glands, Animal; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Pressure; Swine; Swine Diseases

The dose-response and time-response relationships between injected oxytocin and intramammary pressure were investigated in normal lactating sows. In less than 39 s after 20, 40, or 80 U of oxytocin was given (IM injection), there was a rapid initial increase in intramammary pressure (15 to 27 mm of Hg) which lasted 22 to 32 s. After this initial response, there were secondary oscillations in pressure which lasted approximately 40 minutes (20 U) and up to 60 minutes (40 or 80 U). Changes in intramammary pressure during each oscillation varied between 1 and 5 mm of Hg. Mean values for frequency and amplitude of oscillations and total work (area under the trace) were measured. Compared with response obtained after 20 U of oxytocin was given, responses obtained at the 40-U or 80-U dose level had an increased frequency (150.0% and 249.0%, respectively) and total work (36.6% and 104.4%, respectively), but not amplitude. Thus, there may be some clinical advantage in milk let-down effect when sows are given the larger doses of oxytocin (40 or 80 U). These results indicate that newborn pigs should be allowed to nurse at the same time in which oxytocin is injected.

Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Endometritis; Female; Lactation Disorders; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mastitis; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Syndrome

Mammary gland responsiveness to exogenous oxytocin during lactation was assessed by measuring changes in intramammary pressure of healthy sows given (IM injection) synthetic oxytocin (40 U). Response to oxytocin was measured once a week for the first 8 weeks of lactation. Recordings of pressure changes were expressed as mean area (cm2) under the trace at each 10-minute interval over 30 minutes after oxytocin had been given. During the 2nd week of lactation, there was a 55.3% increase (P less than 0.05) in responsiveness to oxytocin (25.1 +/- 4.2 cm2/10 minutes) as compared with the 1st week (13.9 +/- 2.2 cm2/10 minutes). Responsiveness decreased, however, from the 2nd to the 8th week. Since the incidence of mastitis-metritis-agalactia in sows is particularly high during the 1st week of lactation, low responsiveness of the mammary gland to oxytocin may be a contributing factor.

Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Endometritis; Female; Lactation; Lactation Disorders; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mastitis; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Syndrome

Topics: Animals; Cats; Cattle; Dogs; Female; Goats; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Puerperal Disorders; Reproduction; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Swine; Swine Diseases

Topics: Acidosis; Actinomycosis; Animals; Chronic Disease; Endometritis; Ergotism; Female; Hypocalcemia; Lactation Disorders; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mastitis; Necrosis; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases

Topics: Animals; Chlorpromazine; Drug Synergism; Female; Lactation Disorders; Oxytocin; Penicillins; Pregnancy; Streptomycin; Swine; Swine Diseases

Topics: Animals; Female; Lactation Disorders; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Female; Massage; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterine Inertia

Topics: Animals; Ergonovine; Female; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Puerperal Infection; Sepsis; Swine; Swine Diseases