Maternal and fetal ultrasonographic characteristics, vulvar temperature, and vaginal mucous impedance as variables associated with the onset of parturition in term and induced pre-term ewes

Author(s):Show less -

Kako Rodriguez, Mariana Garcia ^[1] ; Correia Santos, Victor Jose ^[1] ; Ramirez Uscategui, Ricardo Andres ^[2] ; Gomes Mariano, Renata Sitta ^[1] ; Rodrigues Simoes, Ana Paula ^[1] ; da Silva, Priscila Del Aguila ^[1] ; Maronezi, Marjury Cristina ^[3] ; Padilha-Nakaghi, Luciana Cristina ^[1] ; Avante, Michele Lopes ^[3] ; Bartlewski, Pawel M. ^[4] ; Rossi Feliciano, Marcus Antonio ^{[1, 5]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho FC, Dept Anim Reprod, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Vales Jequitinhonha & Mucuri UFVJM, Inst Agr Sci, BR-38610000 Unai, MG - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho FC, Dept Vet Surg, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Guelph, Ontario Vet Coll, Dept Biomed Sci, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 - Canada

^[5] Univ Fed Santa Maria UFSM, Dept Large Anim Clin & Surg, BR-97105900 Santa Maria, RS - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Animal Reproduction Science; v. 223, DEC 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess and compare ultrasonographic characteristics of maternal and fetal structures, vulvar temperatures, and vaginal mucous impedance in pregnant ewes in the term parturition group (TPG, n = 15) and induced pre-term parturition group (IPPG; n = 15). All the measurements were taken every 12 h throughout the last gestational week. Maternal and fetal structures and the fetal heart rate (HR) were assessed using ultrasonography. The vulvar temperature and vaginal mucous impedance were determined using a non-contact infrared thermometer, and an electronic estrous detector, respectively. The vulvar temperature was less in the TPG and greater in the IPPG; the end-diastolic velocities (EDVs) of the arteries of the placentome and uterus gradually increased before parturition in the IPPG (P = 0.02, P = 0.02 and P = 0.009, respectively). The placentome shear wave velocity (SWV) was greater in the ewes of the IPPG than TPG 48, 36, and 0 h before parturition (P = 0.001). The following variables were associated with the onset of parturition within the next 12 h in the ewes of the IPPG: resistance index (< 0.54) and EDV (> 0.34 cm/s) of the uterine artery; and vulvar temperature (> 37.3 degrees C). A fetal kidney SWV of < 1.31 m/s was associated with the onset of parturition in the next 12 h in all the ewes. Results indicate vulvar temperature and certain maternal and fetal factors detected using ultrasonograpy may aid in determining fetal maturity and/or the time of parturition in ewes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/14957-6 - Study of new biotechnics for reproduction of canine and small ruminants
• Grantee: Wilter Ricardo Russiano Vicente
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/15282-8 - MUE granted in the process 17/14957-6: Siemens S2000
• Grantee: Wilter Ricardo Russiano Vicente
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program