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Results for “Reproductive parameters”

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At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Basic fibroblast growth factor: peritoneal and follicular fluid levels and its effect on early embryonic development.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on preimplantation embryos and to evaluate the levels of basic FGF in follicular and peritoneal fluid. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University-based laboratory. PATIENT(S): Follicular fluids (FFs) were obtained from women undergoing ovulation induction (n = 62) and peritoneal fluids were obtained from women with (n = 49) or without (n = 12) endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): The effect of basic FGF on mouse embryos was assessed. Basic FGF concentrations were measured in pre-hCG and post-hCG FFs and in peritoneal fluids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Two-cell murine embryos were treated with basic FGF and followed for the rate of blastocyst formation and embryo hatching. Follicular and peritoneal fluid basic FGF levels were measured by ELISA. RESULT(S): Basic FGF (10 ng/mL) decreased the rate of blastocyst formation and embryo hatching. The level of basic FGF did not change in the FF around ovulation, and there was no correlation between FF basic FGF levels and reproductive parameters, with the exception of age. The levels of basic FGF in the peritoneal fluid of women with or without endometriosis were not different. CONCLUSION(S): Basic FGF is present in follicular and peritoneal fluids, but its concentration in these fluids does not change during the menstrual cycle or in the presence of endometriosis. Basic FGF inhibits murine preimplantation embryonic development at concentrations 10-100 times higher than the levels detected in follicular and peritoneal fluids.

Aging↗

PubMed1999

Effect of stage of anestrus on the induction of estrus by the dopamine agonist cabergoline in dogs.

Beagle bitches were administered the dopamine D2 receptor agonist cabergoline in 3 groups of 5 animals each, starting on known days of the estrous cycle. Cabergoline treatment was started in either early anestrus (Days 93 to 108), mid-anestrus (Days 123 to 156), or late anestrus (Days 161 to 192) at doses of 5 ug/kg/d, per os, and was continued until the confirmation of induced proestrus or for 40 d. Reproductive parameters were compared with those in 5 control anestrous bitches (Days 90 to 150). In control bitches, the mean (+/- SEM) interval to the next proestrus (73+/-11 d) resulted in an interestrus interval (192+/-9 d) similar to that of the previous cycles (196+/-11 d). In 14 of the 15 cabergoline-treated bitches, the next proestrus occurred within 4 to 30 d, was premature in early and mid-anestrous bitches and developed with low variability within groups. The resulting intervals to proestrus in bitches treated with cabergoline in early anestrus (20+/-2 d), mid-anestrus (14+/-3 d) and late anestrus (6+/-1 d) resulted in interestrus intervals in those groups of 131+/-5, 166+/-7 and 196+/-2 d, respectively. In response to treatment, interestrus intervals were reduced (P<0.05) and more synchronous (P<0.05) in early and mid-anestrus bitches, and were more synchronous (P<0.05) in late-anestrous bitches compared with those of control bitches or those of the previous cycle. Periovulatory estradiol and progesterone profiles of induced cycles in treated bitches were similar to those of spontaneous cycles in control bitches. Four of 5 control bitches and 12 of the 14 responding cabergoline-treated bitches became pregnant and produced normal litters. Plasma prolactin concentrations at Days 2 and 5 of treatment (0.3+/-0.1 ng/mL) and at the onset of proestrus shortly before the end of treatment (0.4+/-0.1 ng/mL) were lower (P<0.05) than those present in anestrus prior to treatment (1.7+/-0.6 ng/mL) or in control bitches. Prolactin was also low at the onset of proestrus in control bitches (0.5+/-0.2 ng/mL). The results demonstrate that prolactin-lowering doses of the dopamine agonist cabergoline can terminate the normal obligate anestrus in dogs, and that the effect occurs more slowly in early anestrus than in mid or late anestrus.

Anestrus↗

PubMed2002

CAG repeat length in androgen-receptor gene and reproductive variables in fertile and infertile men.

Several reports implicated a relation between the trinucleotide (CAG) repeat length in the androgen-receptor gene and male infertility, whereas others failed to find an association. We investigated the CAG repeat length in relation to sperm production and reproductive hormones in 119 infertile men and 110 men with proven fertility. We found no difference in the distribution of CAG repeat lengths between the groups and no association with reproductive parameters. This finding suggests that, within the normal range of 14-33 repeats, there is no biological link between the CAG repeat length and fertility. This lack of association was comfirmed by an analysis of the data from all previously published European studies (in total 674 infertile men and 660 controls).

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Preclinical toxicity and teratogenicity studies with the narcotic antagonist analgesic drug TR5379M.

The narcotic antagonist TR5379M had po LD50 values of 365 and 750 mg/kg and iv LD50 values of 35.0 and 22.3 mg/kg in the mouse and rat, respectively. Subchronic (one month) po administration to rats at 40, 120, or 400 mg/kg/day and to cynomolgus monkeys at 20, 45, or 100 mg/kg/day showed the compound to be well tolerated at doses of 40 and 45 mg/kg, respectively. Deaths during the subchronic studies included one monkey following a single dose of 100 mg/kg and six rats following repeated doses of 400 mg/kg. Signs of toxicosis in rats included clonic convulsions (high-dose animals only) and mild dose-related salivation and hyperactivity. Signs of toxicosis in monkeys were limited to sporadic emesis and transiently decreased food consumption at all three dose levels. Emesis was not observed at doses of 20 or 45 mg/kg after the first week. Slightly increased weights (not significant at 40 mg/kg) for thyroid and adrenal glands occurred in male rats. Gross, microscopic, and clinical pathologic examinations revealed no treatment-related adverse effects at any dose level for either species. Administration of TR5379M to pregnant rats (20, 70, or 250 mg/kg/day on Days 6-15 of gestation) caused no teratogenicity or embryotoxicity and did not adversely affect any of the reproductive parameters examined. Dams given TR5379M at doses of 70 and 250 mg/kg salivated and had reduced weight gain. It was concluded from these studies that TR5379M has an adequate margin of safety to begin clinical investigations.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed2000

Developmental toxicity of Spinosad administered by gavage to CD rats and New Zealand white rabbits.

The insecticide Spinosad was administered by gavage to pregnant CD(R) rats at 0, 10, 50 or 200 mg/kg/day on gestation days (gd) 6-15 and to New Zealand White rabbits at 0, 2.5, 10 or 50 mg/kg/day on gd-7-19. Rats and rabbits were monitored for clinical signs of toxicity and body weight gains. At gd-21 (rats) or gd-28 (rabbits), maternal organ weights, reproductive parameters, fetal body weights, and fetal external, visceral and skeletal structures were evaluated. Rats given 200 mg/kg/day exhibited a 4% lower body weight on gd-12 and decreased body weight gains on gd-6-16 relative to controls. There was no maternal toxicity at 10 or 50 mg/kg/day, and no developmental toxicity in rats at any dose level. Rabbits given 50 mg/kg/day exhibited decreased feed consumption, reduced fecal output, body weight loss during the initial dosing period (gd-7-10) and a non-statistically significant decrease (31%) in body weight gain during the dosing period (gd-7-20). Two litters aborted due to maternal inanition. There were no maternal effects at lower doses, and no signs of developmental toxicity at any dose. Thus, the maternal no-observed-effect levels (NOEL) were 50 and 10 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits, respectively, and the embryonal/fetal NOELs were 200 mg/kg/day in rats and 50 mg/kg/day in rabbits.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed2001

Factors affecting follicular population, oocyte yield and quality in camels (Camelus dromedarius) ovary with special reference to maturation time in vitro.

Three experiments were conducted to study a series of factors affecting in vitro reproductive parameters in camels. In Experiment 1, the effect of season and presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on ovarian follicular populations, oocyte yield and quality was studied using a total of 252 and 208 ovaries collected during the breeding and non-breeding season, respectively. Small, medium, large and the total number of ovarian follicles, oocyte yield and quality were measured. In Experiment 2, the effect of methods of oocyte retrieval and needle gauge on oocyte yield and quality was evaluated with oocytes recovered using slicing and aspiration with 18-, 19- or 20-gauge needle. Oocytes were evaluated microscopically and classified into three categories. The objective of Experiment 3 was to identify the optimum time for oocyte maturation in the dromedary camel. Oocytes were cultured in CR1aa medium at 38.5 degrees C under 5% CO(2) for 24, 32, 36, 48 and 72h. Maturation was calculated as the percentage of cumulus expansion and oocytes reaching metaphase II (MII). The number of small, medium, large and the total number of ovarian follicles were higher (P<0.01) during the breeding than non-breeding season. The recovery of total number of oocytes and Category I oocytes were also greater (P<0.01) during the breeding season. Ovaries without a CL possessed significantly (P<0.01) more ovarian follicles and more (P<0.05) small and large follicles. The total number of oocytes and Category I oocytes were also greater (P<0.01) in ovaries without CL. Slicing of camel ovaries increased (P<0.01) the yield of oocytes as compared to aspiration. The aspiration of follicles using a 20-gauge needle had greater yields of the total number of oocytes and Category I oocytes than when using 19- (P<0.05) and 18-gauge needle (P<0.01). The culture of camel oocytes for 36h produced higher (P<0.01) percentages of cumulus expansion and oocytes at MII. Increasing culture times up to 48 or 72h increased (P<0.01) the percentage of degenerated oocytes. In conclusion, the growth and development of ovarian follicles in the camel as well as yields of Category I oocyte were greater during the breeding season. Slicing or aspirations using a 20-gauge needle yielded greater numbers of total and Category I oocytes. Finally, maturation of oocytes in CR1aa medium for 36h produced higher percentages of cumulus expansion and oocytes at MII stage.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The effect of melatonin implants on the response to the male effect and on the subsequent cyclicity of Rasa Aragonesa ewes implanted in April.

Rasa Aragonesa ewes were used to evalutate whether treatment with melatonin implants in spring could modify: (i) the response to the male effect in terms of oestrous behaviour and ovulation rate; and (ii) the maintenance of sexual activity and ovulation rate at medium term, i.e. over the next 306 days. On 12 April, 42 ewes were divided into two groups, with (M; n = 21) or without (C; n = 21) a subcutaneous implant containing 18 mg melatonin. On 17 May (day 0), three aproned rams were introduced to each group to induce a ram effect. Ewes were observed for oestrus daily. The rams were removed 40 days later after which one aproned ram was introduced daily. Oestrous detection continued until 28 February, 306 days after the first male-female contact. The ovulation rate was determined by endoscopy in the first three cycles after ram introduction and in September-October and January. Progesterone was assayed from blood samples taken on 6 May, 10 and from day 0 to day 22 after ram introduction. Luteal activity before ram introduction was seen in 33% (M) and 29 (C)% of the ewes, respectively. Significantly more M ewes showed oestrous behaviour during the first 40 days after ram introduction (M: 100%; C: 62%; P < 0.01). Similar differences were observed for ewes anovulatory at ram introduction (M: 100%, C: 47%; P < 0.01). These differences were maintained over the three oestrous cycles in both groups. Treatment with melatonin implants was without detrimental effect on cyclic functions in the following breeding season, after seasonal anoestrus. Melatonin treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) the mean ovulation rate of the first (1.62 +/- 0.11 versus 1.31 +/- 0.13), second (1.78 +/- 0.15 versus 1.36 +/- 0.15) and third cycles (M: 1.73 +/- 0.12 versus C: 1.27 +/- 0.14). There was a significant interaction between the effects of cyclicity at day 0 and melatonin treatment on the ovulation rate in the first cycle (P < 0.05). The mean ovulation rates of both groups were similar at the beginning (September) and middle (January) of the subsequent breeding season. Overall, the results confirmed that melatonin implants, combined with the ram effect, improved the reproductive parameters of reduced-seasonality ewes during spring mating, without impairing sexual activity or ovulation rate during the subsequent breeding season.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Effects of added caffeine on results following artificial insemination with fresh and refrigerated rabbit semen.

Lactating rabbits (n=1335) were artificially inseminated to study the effect of the addition of caffeine on rabbit semen stored for up to 96 h. Concentration of 0-5 mM/l were tested. Whereas a concentration of 0.2 mM/l increased spermatozoa motility, higher concentration values adversely affected reproductive parameters. Spermatozoa stored at 18 degrees C for 72-96 h did not have the capacity to react with caffeine when it was added before insemination. Caffeine did not enhance fertility or prolificacy, regardless of its ability to increase sperm motility.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

In vitro production of testosterone and plasma levels of luteinising hormone, testosterone and cortisol in male rats treated with heptachlor.

Male rats were divided into six groups of five rats each. Rats were injected subcutaneously with different concentrations of heptachlor for 2 weeks. Heptachlor at all doses significantly suppressed plasma testosterone levels (P < 0.05). Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) (P < 0.01) and cortisol (P < 0.02) levels were significantly elevated in heptachlor-treated rats as compared to corn oil-treated controls. LH and testosterone levels showed strong correlation (r = 0.69, P < 0.05). The testes in rats treated with 25 mg/kg body weight of heptachlor showed some pathological changes. We conclude that heptachlor causes adverse effects on several male reproductive parameters in rats.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Environmental estrogens: effects on cholesterol lowering and bone in the ovariectomized rat.

Representative non-steroidal estrogens, from common environmental sources such as plants, pesticides, surfactants, plastics, and animal health products, demonstrated an ability to lower serum cholesterol and prevent bone loss. Specifically, select environmental estrogens (coumestrol, genistein, methoxychlor, bisphenol A, and zeranol) effectively lowered total serum cholesterol in an estrogen-dependent animal model, the ovariectomized rat. Of these entities, coumestrol, methoxychlor, and zeranol prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss. In an in vitro environment, these compounds competed with 17beta-estradiol for estrogen receptor binding and stimulated cell proliferation in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). In addition to their well-documented effects on reproductive tissue, various environmental estrogens can dramatically affect non-reproductive parameters such as cholesterol lowering and bone metabolism.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system and gonadotropin regulation: actions and interactions.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) are polypeptides that regulate growth, differentiation and survival in a multitude of cells and tissues. The IGF system consists of ligands, receptors, binding proteins and binding protein proteases. The influence of the IGF system on reproductive parameters, specifically gonadotropin release and interactions between the IGF system and other effectors of gonadotropin release will be examined in this review.

Amenorrhea↗

PubMed1998

Absence of photoperiodic modulation of gonadotrophin secretion in HPD rams following chronic pulsatile infusion of GnRH.

Hypothalamo-pituitary disconnected Soay rams (HPD rams) were treated chronically with a pulsatile infusion of GnRH (250 ng/2 h) for 10 weeks to reactivate the pituitary-gonadal axis under long days (16L:8D; LD group n=8) and short days (8L:16D, SD group n=8). The aim was to establish whether photoperiod modulates the secretion of gonadotrophins (presumably through the daily melatonin signal) by an action at the level of the pituitary gland. The treatment of the HPD rams with GnRH induced a marked, long-term increase in the peripheral blood concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone, growth of the testes and reappearance of the androgen-dependent sexual skin colouration. There were parallel changes in the short-term, pulsatile fluctuations in the blood concentrations of LH and FSH, the pituitary responsiveness to GnRH and the testicular responsiveness to a standardized injection of oLH, as observed previously in normal intact rams during reactivation of the reproductive axis induced by a switch from long to short days. There were no significant differences in any of the reproductive parameters between the LD and SD HPD groups, although the blood concentrations of prolactin were significantly higher in the LD group, and GnRH provoked a chronic increase in the blood concentrations of prolactin, particularly in the SD group. Overall, the results support the conclusion that (i) melatonin does not act within the pituitary gland to mediate effects of photoperiod on GnRH-induced gonadotrophin secretion; and (ii) changes in prolactin secretion which result from the local action of melatonin in the pituitary gland do not affect gonadotrophin secretion in the ram.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

PrP genotyping of Austrian sheep breeds.

Scrapie, an ovine and caprine transmissible spongiforme encephalopathy, is widely spread among sheep populations in many European countries. As it is known that susceptibility to scrapie is determined genetically, breeding programmes aiming at providing scrapie-resistant flocks have been established. Selection is based on the prion protein (PrP) genotype, which is used to classify animals into risk groups of susceptibility (R1-R5) according to the amino acids encoded by codons at positions 136, 154 and 171, respectively. At position 136 (136V-->136A) alanine and at position 154 (154H-->154R) as well as 171 (171Q-->171R) arginine are the favoured amino acids. Whereas PrP genotyping data are available for many of the European sheep breeds, comparable data for local Austrian sheep breeds are missing. The most known among these are Tyrolean mountain sheep, forest sheep. Tyrolean stone sheep and Carynthian sheep. The genotypes of 112 sheep from these four local breeds were determined. In terms of PrP genetics, Austrian breeds belong to the group of non-valine-breeds, with the exception of the Carynthian sheep, that exhibited a frequency of 136V of 4.2%. The most frequent allele was ARQ with 64.6-71.2% (depending on the breed), followed by ARR (14.8-25.8%). In contrast to the above-mentioned findings, scrapie has never been diagnosed in any of the Austrian sheep breeds. Native Austrian sheep breeds exhibit a very robust constitution, a pronounced adaptation to harsh climates and good reproduction parameters as well as a marked mother instinct. Therefore, these breeds are often used in crossbreeding programmes. Beside the above-mentioned characteristics, our results indicate that the investigated breeds may be effectively used in crossing-out breeding programmes for eliminating valine at position 136 of PrP.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed2001

Semen collection, examination and spermiogram in ostriches.

The level of fertility in the male ostrich exerts considerable influence on the efficiency of the fertilization procedure, and thus also on reproductive performance. The determination of the reproductive capacity is of particular interest with regard to the selection of single individuals for optimizing reproduction ratios. Although the breeding and raising of ostriches has become increasingly important in many countries, little research has been completed on reproductive parameters and factors that may possibly influence them. This study presents observations made concerning the quantity and quality of sperm as found in the spermatological testing of 411 ejaculate samples taken from male ostriches on two farms in Namibia. The semen volume varied between 0.1 and 1.5 ml (mean, 0.64 ml). Normal ejaculate colours ranged from white to ivory; the consistency ranged from thin creamy to viscous. The measured pH values lay between 6.4 and 8.0 (mean, 7.3). Microscopic investigations revealed sperm concentrations of 8.9-78.1 million/microl and individual sperm motility from 42 to 96% (mean, 78%). No mass motility was detectable in 42% of the ejaculates; weak mass motility was found in 46%, and clear mass movements were to be found in only 12% of samples. Regarding the morphology of the sperm, 5 to 26% were abnormal (mean, 17%) and 4 to 28% (mean, 20%) were dead. Seasonal patterns of sperm concentration and the influence of frequency of semen collection were investigated in a group of 56 healthy male ostriches. Peak sperm concentrations were found at the beginning of the breeding season in spring; the lowest values were found at the end of the breeding season in autumn. The highest quality ejaculate was obtained from those males whose semen was collected once a week. The results of this study provide fundamental data for the establishment of minimum quality requirements for ostrich sperm to be met by individuals receiving certification as breeding animals and for the selection of suitable males for use in artificial insemination.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Metformin, an efficacious drug in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with an incidence of 5% in women of reproductive age, is defined as the presence of oligo- or amenorrhea in combination with hyperandrogenism. Most patients also suffer from impaired insulin action (insulin resistance). PCOS thus resembles the metabolic syndrome (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lipid disorders, atherosclerosis). International studies showed a beneficial effect of metformin treatment on biochemical and reproductive parameters in PCOS. The aim of our study is the evaluation of metformin treatment in a German PCOS sample. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 103 PCOS women (age 18-40) were treated, according to their body weight, with either 1000 mg or 1700 mg metformin per day after assessment of insulin resistance. Clinical features as well as endocrine and metabolic parameters were recorded at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months of treatment. Additionally, baseline data were compared with those of 98 control subjects (age 18-38). RESULTS: PCOS women showed significantly higher body mass index, body fat mass and androgen levels, as well as an impaired glucose- and insulin metabolism compared to controls. Metformin treatment ameliorated acne (36% to 4%), hirsutism-score (11.2 to 9.7) and restarted normal menstrual cycles in 66.7% of PCOS-women. Sixteen of 48 patients with unfulfilled wish to conceive became pregnant during therapy. Metformin restored menses in all previously amenorrheic women. Comparing post-metformin versus baseline levels, HOMA-IR (4.6 to 2.3), AUC-I (379 to 225) and 2-h glucose (117 to 90 mg/dl) decreased significantly. Furthermore, metformin decreased testosterone (2.9 to 1.8 nmol/l), free androgen index (9.1 to 5.3) and dehydroepiandrosterone levels (5.1 to 3.9 mg/l). CONCLUSION: Metformin improves significantly hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in PCOS patients and appears to be an efficacious mode of therapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Ovulatory activity, hormonal induction of ovulation and fertility of young Cashmere and Angora female goats in a temperate environment.

Reproductive parameters of young Cashmere and Angora goats born between 1988 and 1990 and grazed on temperate pastures in southern Australia were examined with a view to reducing the age of first breeding. Females born in August or October of 1989 and 1990 were examined each month by laparoscopy to determine natural ovulatory activity when 6-19-months old. Cashmeres commenced ovulating as young as 7 months of age or as light as 12 kg. Almost all Cashmeres were ovulating by 8-10 months of age at a liveweight of at least 18 kg, and their breeding season extended from April to October. By comparison with Cashmeres, Angoras grew more slowly, fewer ovulated, they commenced ovulation later, their ovulation rates were lower and their breeding season was shorter. A stratified sample of these females was injected with 200 I.U. or 400 I.U. of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) after treatment with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices for 16-18 days to induce ovulation at 6, 9, 12, 15 and 19 months of age. Ovulation rates after CIDR-PMSG treatment were higher for Cashmeres than for Angoras and tended to be higher for females injected with 400 I.U. PMSG than 200 I.U. PMSG. The proportion of females remaining anovulatory after exogenous hormonal treatment was higher for Angoras than for Cashmeres (38% and 10% respectively) but it was not affected by the dose of PMSG or age. For kids born in 1989, the kidding rates to insemination (with follow-up mating) after CIDR-PMSG treatment for 8-month-old and 20-month-old Cashmeres (in the breeding season) were similar (75.0% and 83.8% respectively) but the rate for 14-month-old Cashmeres was only 10.0% (in the non-breeding period). The kidding rates for Angoras bred at 8, 14 and 20 months of age were 8.4%, 20.0% and 30.0% respectively. Ovulatory activity and fertility in the non-breeding period, with or without CIDR-PMSG treatment, did not improve with melatonin treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

A survey on the incidence and cause of ovine abortion in Hawkes Bay.

The results of a postal survey which yielded a 57% response and which examined the incidence and cause of abortions in central Hawkes Bay flocks, is presented. Data were provided from a total of 3,952,000 ewes from 1975-80. Overall, highly significant differences in the incidence of abortion were recorded between properties (range 0-16%); years (1975-0.86%, 1976-0.75%, 1977-0.86%, 1978-2.42%, 1979-2.78%, 1980-2.04%); ewe age (maiden 2-year -5.3%, mixed age -1.6%);flock size (higher incidence in smaller flocks); and winter management systems (of the flocks which were experiencing greater than a 2% abortion rate, 73.2% were being rotationally mob stocked during the winter compared with only 23.8% being set stocked). Bacteriological examination of aborted lambs during 1979 revealed that Campylobacter spp. were involved exclusively. In the 1980 survey, only half of the lambs examined showed Campylobacter infection, the other half yielding Toxoplasma either as pure or mixed infections. The results of a trial which utilised 10,592 2-year ewes demonstrated significant differences between animals vaccinated with a killed Campylobacter vaccine and non-vaccinated controls in the following reproductive parameters: ewes aborting, dry dry ewes, total lambs born and lambs marked.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

Review of health problems in group-housed sows, with special emphasis on lameness.

In the Netherlands, there is a trend towards housing gestating sows in groups. Vulva biting and lameness have been described as major health problems in group-housed sows. Besides these problems, the effects of group housing on morbidity, reproduction parameters and the occurrence of infectious disease have been investigated. The literature is reviewed, with special emphasis on lameness.

Animal Husbandry↗