Zusammenfassung Bei vier 3–5 Jahre alten Kühen der Rasse „Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Rind” (560–650 kg schwer) wurden vom 275. Trächtigkeitstag bis 24 Stunden post partum Blut- und Harnöstrogenwerte bestimmt. Alle Tiere kalbten zwischen dem 278. und 281. Tag der Gravidität und gebaren lebende männliche Kälber. Die Probenentnahme erfolgte meistens in 24stündigen Abständen. Während der Geburtsphasen wurden die Proben alle 6 Stunden gewonnen. Die 4 Kühe zeigten am 275. Trächtigkeitstag einen Harnöstrogengehalt von 4–12 mcg Östrogen / 10 ml Harn. Bei 2 dieser Kühe konnte kurz vor dem Blasensprung, bei einer Kuh 24 Stunden davor, der höchste Östrogenwert (Anstieg um etwa 50%) gemessen werden. Das 4. Tier hatte bereits 80 Stunden vor der Geburt den maximalen Östrogenwert. Entsprechende Beobachtungen konnten bei der Untersuchung der Blutplasmawerte gemacht werden. Am 275. Trächtigkeitstag waren im Blut der Versuchstiere 3–5 ng Gesamtöstrogene/1 ml Plasma nachweisbar. Der zur Geburt hin zu beobachtende Anstieg betrug 50–70% des Ausgangswertes. 24 Stunden post partum fanden sich sowohl im Harn als auch im Blut nur noch sehr geringe Östrogenwerte. Als Hauptöstrogenfraktion war im Urin 17 α-Östradiol (etwa 55%) und im Blut Östron (etwa 65%) zu ermitteln. Die 2 Kühe, bei denen die größten Östrogenkonzentrationen sowohl im Harn als auch im Blut unmittelbar vor dem Blasensprung auftraten, hatten einen physiologischen Nachgeburtsabgang. Die beiden anderen Tiere zeigten eine Retentio secundinarum. Bei diesen Kühen war der höchste Östrogenwert in Blut und Harn 24 bzw. 80 Stunden ante partum feststellbar. Summary Studies on the oestrogen content of blood and urine before, during and after normal parturition in cows In four 3–5 year old cows of the German spotted breed weighing 560–650 kg. the oestrogen levels in blood and urine were determined from the 275th day of pregnancy until 24 hours after birth. All 4 cows calved between the 278th and 281st day of pregnancy and produced healthy male calves. Samples were mainly taken at 24 hr. intervals. During parturition sampling took place every 6 hours. On the 275th day of pregnancy the cows showed a urine oestrogen level of 4–12 mcg. oestrogen/10 ml. urine. In two of the cows the highest oestrogen level (a rise of about 50%) occurred shortly before the membranes ruptured and in one cow the peak occurred 24 hours earlier. The 4th cow had its maximum oestrogen level 80 hours before parturition. Similar findings resulted with the plasma oestrogen levels. On the 275th day of pregnancy the total plasma oestrogen level was 3–5 ng./ml. plasma. The pre-parturition rise was 50–70%. Only very small amounts of oestrogen were present in blood and urine 24 hours after calving. The main oestrogen fraction in urine was 17 α-oestradiol (about 55%) and in blood it was oestrone (about 65%). The two cows which showed, both in blood and urine, a peak oestrogen level immediately after membrane rupture expelled the membranes normally whereas the other two animals showed secondary retention of the membranes. In the latter cows the highest oestrogen values in blood and urine occurred 24 hr. and 80 hr. ante partum, respectively. Résumé Recherches sur la quantité d'oestrogènes dans le sang et l'urine chez des vaches avant, pendant et après des mises-bas normales On a déterminé les valeurs des oestrogènes dans le sang et l'urine de quatre vaches, âgées de 3–5 ans, de la race pie-noire allemande, (poids 560–650 kg), du 275e jour de gestation jusqu'à 24 heures après la mise-bas. Tous les animaux ont vêlé entre le 278e et le 281e jour de gestation et les veaux étaient des mâles vivants. Les prises d'échantillons ont été faites pour la plupart à des intervalles de 24 heures. On a pris les échantillons toutes les 6 heures pendant les périodes de mise-bas. Les 4 vaches ont montré au 275e jour de gestation une quantité d'oestrogènes dans l'urine de 4–12 mcg oestrogènes/10 ml. On a mesuré la plus grande valeur d'oestogènes (augmentation d'environ 50%) chez 2 vaches peu avant la rupture de la poche des eaux et chez 1 vache, 24 heures avant. Le 4e animal a présenté la valeur la plus élevée 80 heures avant la mise-bas. On a fait les mêmes observations lors de la recherche des valeurs dans le plasma sanguin. On a trouvé 3–5 μg du total des oestrogènes/ml plasma au 275e jour de gestation chez ces animaux. L'augmentation observée à la mise-bas s'est révélée être le 50–70% de la valeur initiale. On a trouvé que de très faibles quantités d'oestrogènes aussi bien dans l'urine que dans le sang 24 heures post partum. On a constaté que la principale fraction des oestrogènes était le 17 α-oestradiol dans l'urine (environ 55%) et l'oestrone dans le sang (environ 65%). Les 2 vaches qui ont montré les plus grandes quantités d'oestrogènes aussi bien dans l'urine que dans le sang avant la rupture de la poche des eaux, ont présenté une délivrance physiologique. Les deux autres animaux présentèrent une rétention secondaire. Ces vaches montrèrent la valeur d'oestrogènes la plus élevée dans le sang et l'urine 24 et 80 heures ante partum. Resumen Estudios sobre el contenido en estrógeno de la sangre y orina de vacas antes, durante y después de partos normales En vacas alemanas berrendas en negro, de 3–5 años de edad (560–650 kg de peso), se valoraron desde el 275° día de gestación hasta 24 horas post partum los valores de estrógeno en orina y sangre. Todos los animales parieron entre el 278° y 281° día de gestación, estando vivos los terneros. La toma de muestras acontecía casi siempre en lapsos de 24 horas. Durante las fases de parto, se recogieron muestras cada 6 horas. Las 4 vacas mostraban el 275° día de gestación un contenido en estrógeno urinario de 4–12 mcg de estrógeno/10 ml de orina. En 2 de estas vacas se pudo medir poco antes de la rotura de aguas, en una vaca 24 horas antes, el valor estrógeno máximo (incremento en un 50%). El 4° animal ya tenía 80 horas antes de acontecer el parto el valor estrógeno máximo. Observaciones equivalentes se pudieron hacer durante el examen de los valores en plasma sanguíneo. El día 275° de gestación eran identificables en la sangre de los animales de ensayo 3–5 ng de estrógenos totales/1 ml de plasma. El aumento observado al aproximarse el parto era del orden de 50–70% del valor inicial. 24 horas post partum solo se hallaron, tanto en orina como en sangre, valores muy escasos de estrógenos. Como fracción principal de estrógeno se apreció en orina 17 α-estradiol (unos 55%) y en sangre estrona (unos 65%) las 2 vacas, en las cuales aparecieron las concentraciones mayores de estrógeno tanto en orina como en sangre inmediatamente antes de la rotura de la bolsa amniótica, tenían un desprendimiento fisiológico de las secundinas. Los otros dos animales presentaron retención de los anejos fetales. En estas vacas, el valor estrógeno máximo se apreció en sangre y orina 24 resp. 80 horas antes del parto.

Zusammenfassung Die tägliche renale östrogenausscheidung (östron, östradiol-17 α, östradiol-17 β und östriol) von zwei Hündinnen wurde in der Spätgravidität untersucht. Bei einer Hündin wurde der Harn während eines ganzen Reproduktionszyklus (11. Tag ante coitum bis 3. Tag post partum) im Abstand von 1 bis 2 Tagen auf seinen östrogengehalt geprüft. Maximumwerte zeigten sich im Proöstrus und am 6. Tag ante partum. Die erhaltenen Werte sprechen für einen besonderen Einfluß des östradiol-17 α in der Spätgravidität und im östrus. In der östriolfraktion wurde beim graviden Hund vor allem 16-Epi-östriol gefunden. Summary Urinary oestrogen determinations in the dog during oestrus and pregnancy Daily renal oestrogen excretion (Oestrone, 17 α-oestradiol and 17 β-oestradiol) was studied in two bitches in late pregnancy. In one bitch the urine was examined for its oestrogen content throughout the whole of the reproductive cycle (11 days before coitus to three days post-partum) at intervals of one to two days. Maximal values were found in pro-oestrus and on the sixth day before parturition. The results suggest a special influence of 17 α-oestradiol in late pregnancy and in oestrus. Among the oestriol fractions the principal one found in the pregnant bitch was 16-epi-oestriol. Résumé Détermination des oestrogènes urinaires chez le chien au cours de l'oestre et de la gestation On détermine l'excrétion rénale journalière des oestrogènes (oestrone, 17 α-oestradiol, 17 β-oestradiol et oestriol) chez deux chiennes vers la fin de la gestation. On détermine également à intervalles de un ou deux jours, la teneur en oestrogènes de l'urine d'une chienne pendant un cycle sexuel complet, du llème jour avant le coït jusqu'au 3ème jour post partum. On observe les valeurs maximums pendant le prooestre et le 6ème jour ante partum. Les valeurs obtenues indiquent une influence particulière du 17 α-oestradiol vers la fin de la gestation et pendant l'oestre. Dans les fractions d'oestriol, on trouve principalement le 16-épi-oestriol chez la chienne gravide. Resumen Valoraciones del estrógeno urinario en la perra durante el celo y gestación Se examinó la eliminación renal diaria de estrógeno (estrona, estradiol-17 α, estradiol-17 β y estriol) de dos perras durante la gestación avanzada. En una perra se analizó la orina durante todo un ciclo de reproducción (11° día ante coitum hasta el tercer día post partum) en lapsos de 1 a 2 días en cuanto a su contenido en estrógenos. Los valores máximos se apreciaron en el proestro y el 6° día ante partum. Los valores obtenidos abogan a favor de un influjo especial del estradiol-17 α en la gestación avanzada y en el estro. En la fracción de estriol de la perra gestante se halló, sobre todo, 16-epi-estriol.

A study to evaluate the effect of progesterone releasing devices on anoestric dairy cows is described. The results, which are consistent with published findings, identified indications for progesterone administration, using releasing devices, in cases of ovarian dystrophics and follicular thecal cysts. The study revealed that, during gestagen medication, the presence of dominant follicles can be prolonged. Despite the unanswered questions on the pathogenesis of anoestrus and therefore the difficulties in interpreting the results of treatment, the registration of progesterone releasing devices in Germany should include the indications mentioned above.

This study examined the value ultrasonography in diagnosing partially luteinised follicular cysts and monitoring the transition of histologically and endocrinologically confirmed ovarian cysts from the original state to luteal cysts. Of partially luteinised follicular cyst, only 7 (58.3%) were diagnosed by a 7.5 Mhz transrectal transducer. Using the 5 Mhz transducer only classical luteal cysts with a grey echogenic rim of luteal tissue more than 3 mm thick were diagnosed correctly. Progesterone concentrations in the cystic fluid of luteal cysts were significantly increased (3,596.7 ng/ml) compared to the fluid of follicular cysts with pal tial luteinisation (116-482.4 ng/ml), The findings of comparable concentrations of progesterone in the cystic fluid question the need for the treatment with PGF2 alpha analogues in or der to reduce luteal tissue in partially luteinised follicular cysts. Because of this finding ultrasonic diagnosis is of limited value, However, ultrasonography does have a diagnostic role when luteal cysts have a high progesterone concentration and detectable ultrasound signs.

Functional capacities and immunophenotypic properties of bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) from blood and uterus from clinical healthy cows were investigated two weeks before to two weeks after parturition. The number of circulating leukocytes and segmented granulocytes showed a continuous increase up to parturition and a decrease after that under the level of two weeks before parturition. The part of unsegmented granulocytes in the blood was relatively high (around 15 %) in periparturient cows. Compared with the period before parturition, in early puerperium isolated PMNs from blood showed a significant decrease in expression of some function associated membrane structures and partially in their functional capacity (generation of reactive oxygen species, cytotoxicity). The results demonstrate statistically significant changes in quantitative and qualitative properties of neutrophils from blood of clinical healthy periparturient cows. For understanding the physiological defence mechanisms and the reasons of pathological course of puerperium it is planned to investigate the role of different factors (steroid hormones, bacterial products, metabolic parameters) on function of PMNs under defined conditions.

The objective of the present paper was to examine the development of the total protein concentration in blood serum and the gamma-GT activity in 49 calves in relation to the health status during the first 14 days of life. For this purpose, blood samples were taken immediately after birth of the animals, after 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours and from then onwards once a day with the calves being subject to a thorough clinical examination each time. All calves received pooled colostrum. At the end of the experiment, the calves were subdivided into three groups on the basis of their health status, i.e. control calves, calves with a slight or moderately severe disease and calves suffering from a severe disease. In all three groups the total protein concentration increased significantly after the colostrum intake and decreased slowly from the 2nd day of life onwards. The gamma-GT activity as well increased significantly after the colostrum intake and decreased rapidly after 12th hour of life and progressively in the further course of the experiment. Both parameters varied considerably from one calf to the next and no statistically significant differences in these parameters between the three groups could be found. It can thus be deduced that the total protein concentration in blood serum and the gamma-GT activity do not allow any predictions about the development of the health status during the first 14 days of life to be made.

The objective of the following study was a veterinary expert opinion dealing with the evaluation of the pasturing of a cow and her calf during fall with special respect to animal welfare. The legal basis of this expert opinion was the Animal Welfare Act as amended on 1993. It is emphasized that there are no binding legal regulations as to the pasturing of livestock and that, especially because of the increasing public interest in animal welfare matters, the definition of minimal requirements would be desirable.

The intention of this study was to develop a model system of puerperal endometritis in cows, which would permit detailed analysis of components and mechanisms relevant to the onset and development of this disease. As the first essential step we examined the induction and migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) into the uterus under defined conditions. Migration of neutrophils into the uterus of healthy estrus synchronized heifers (n=8) was induced by intrauterine infusion of 50 ml of a 30 nmol/l solution of leukotriene B-4 (LTB(4)). Before and 24 h after the infusion, cells were flushed from the uterine lumen. In addition to total leukocyte counts, viability and morphological differentiation of various leukocyte populations, phenotypic characteristics of PMNs were monitored by means of quantitative immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. The capacity of PMNs to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) following activation with phorbol ester was measured using dihydrorhodamine 123. The phagocytic activity of PMNs was determined by their ingestion of fluorochrome labeled nonviable staphylococci. Most methods mentioned above were adapted to flow cytometric analysis. The LTB(4) attracted selectively large numbers of PMNs into the uterus. In comparison with contemporarily harvested blood PMNs, neutrophils recovered from the uterine lumen showed changes in the expression of some but not all of their surface structures. Phagocytic activity of uterine PMNs was significantly lower when compared with that of blood PMNs. In contrast, the generation of ROS was not different between blood and uterine PMNs. Thus, the concept of inducing endometritis directly by local application of a physiological mediator of inflammation such as LTB(4) has been successful. This bovine model permits detailed analysis of migration of PMNs into the uterus and their behavior under defined conditions within the autologous system.

The study was designed to determine the distribution of oestrogen receptors (OR) and progesterone receptors (PR) in specific endometrial cell populations during the oestrous cycle. Uterine biopsy samples and blood were obtained from five clinically healthy cows at Days 1 (initiation of behavioural oestrus), 8, 15 and 19 of the oestrous cycle. All animals conceived after biopsy regimen.Immunoperoxidase staining techniques at light microscopic level were used to localise OR and PR. Specific positive staining reactions for both receptors were always limited to cell nuclei. Immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively. In the surface epithelium, OR were detectable throughout the oestrous cycle and exhibited a significant increase from Days 8 to 15. In stromal cells and glandular epithelial cells, however, staining intensities for OR were strong at behavioural oestrus (Day 1). Significantly lower immunoreactivities were recorded at cycle Day 15. At oestrus, and to a lesser extent at Day 8, a significant gradient in oestrogen receptor content was evident, showing increasing immunoreactivity with the depth of the endometrial tissue.In surface epithelial cells, significantly more progesterone receptor immunoreactivity was evident at Day 8 as compared with Days 1, 15 and 19. In glandular epithelia, only some PR stained at oestrus, many of them occurred at Day 8 and very few could occasionally be seen at Days 15 and 19. In stromal cells, PR exhibited a somewhat different quantitative staining pattern, i.e. many occurred at Days 1, 8 and 19. A significant decrease in immunoreactivity was observed between Days 8 and 15.While occasionally recorded smooth muscle cells of the myometrium could exhibit even strong immunoreactivities for both receptors, such cells of the tunica media of blood vessels were almost devoid of OR and PR. Caruncular tissue districts, in a few cases included in biopsy specimens, did not differ substantially from intercaruncular endometrium in OR and PR contents. Endothelial cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes always were devoid of specific nuclear staining.In the present study, OR and PR contents of the bovine endometrium exhibit cell type and location specific reaction patterns during the oestrous cycle. This suggests that different cell types ab within this target organ can respond in a different manner to identical hormonal stimuli.

Nine heifers and 10 cows of the breed 'German Black Pied' were used in order to evaluate the practicability of measurement of changes in concentration of calcium in udder secretions during the preparatory stage of labour for the prediction of the time of calving. A gradual increase in the concentration of calcium in udder secretions ante partum (a.p.) was determined. Eleven days a.p., the average concentration of calcium was 14.2 mmol/l. Thereafter, the calcium content gradually increased and reached a mean value of 52.1 mmol/l sub partu (secretions of all udder quarters), and 52.4 mmol/l and 51.8 mmol/l in secretions of fore and hind quarters, respectively. Despite the increase in calcium, the time of calving in individual animals could not be predicted reliably, or with a high probability, because the increase in calcium content did not occur in all cows, the variation of the values was high, and the differences between values during the last 48 h a.p. were only small.

Nine heifers and 10 cows of the breed 'German Black Pied' were used in order to evaluate the practicability of measurement of changes in concentration of calcium in udder secretions during the preparatory stage of labour for the prediction of the time of calving. A gradual increase in the concentration of calcium in udder secretions ante partum (a.p.) was determined. Eleven days a.p., the average concentration of calcium was 14.2 mmol/l. Thereafter, the calcium content gradually increased and reached a mean value of 52.1 mmol/l sub partu (secretions of all udder quarters), and 52.4 mmol/l and 51.8 mmol/l in secretions of fore and hind quarters, respectively. Despite the increase in calcium, the time of calving in individual animals could nor be predicted reliably, or with a high probability, because the increase in calcium content did not occur in all cows, the variation of the values was high, and the differences between values during the last 48 h a.p. were only small.

The aim of the following study was to test the hypothesis that an increased local catabolism of prostaglandin F2α might at least in part be responsible for the lower placental tissue concentration of PGF2α found in cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) compared with that of cows without RFM. Activity of 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) was measured in fetal and maternal placental tissue from cows with spontaneous parturition at term, with Cesarian section at term as well as before term either without (Groups A, C, E) or with RFM (Groups B, D, F), respectively. Furthermore, the concentration of progesterone and total estrogens in peripheral blood and degree of placental maturation were determined at the time of tissue sampling. Activity of 15-PGDH was higher in fetal part of the placenta than in the maternal part (P<0.0001). In Groups A and C, enzyme activity was higher than in Groups E and F (P<0.05). Enzyme activity in fetal and maternal placental tissue was positively correlated. A negative correlation was found between enzyme activity in maternal placental tissue and concentration of progesterone, and between concentration of progesterone and total estrogen. Degree of placental maturation was lower in cows with RFM than without RFM. Furthermore, degree of placental maturation was lower in cows calving before term than in cows delivering at term. In conclusion, an increased local catabolism of PGF2α might not be involved in lowering PGF2α concentration in placental tissue from cows with RFM. Activity of 15-PGDH seems to be influenced by stage of gestation and hormonal environment.

Based on the experience gained after the performance of 204 teat amputations with complete closure of the wound, medical as well as economic aspects were discussed. Various types of severe teat injuries leading to a teat amputation were listed. Surgery was successful in 94.6% of all animals subjected to the teat amputation. Approximately 50% of the animals had a reproductive life span after surgery of more than one year. The most common reasons for culling were inconvenience at milking and insufficient milk yield. The milk yield during a lactation period dropped by an average of 5.5%. Cost efficiency of the procedure was evaluated by partial budgeting. The result of this analysis suggested that in most cases, from the economic standpoint of view, there might be an indication for teat amputation.

The objective of the expert opinion presented in this paper is the missing of a second fetus after veterinary obstetrical assistance in a downer cow. The necessity of a thorough examination after obstetrical manipulation is stressed with special reference to problems occuring in recumbent cows. In addition, possible complications after inappropriate removal of retained placental fetal membranes are discussed.

To evaluate changes in the externally recognizable indications of parturition, the body temperature and progesteroneprofile were examined in 9 Holstein-Friesian heifers and 14 Holstein-Friesian cows in the preparatory phase of parturition. A special external obstetric examination was performed on these animals in the last 263 hours of pregnancy. Furthermore, the vaginal and rectal temperature was measured, and blood samples were taken. Of the blood samples the plasma progesterone concentration was determined. The time of birth could be predicted to be in the next 22 hours on the basis of the relaxation of the broad pelvic ligaments in 52.5% of the cases. A prediction was possible in 43.5% of the cases on the basis of the drop in temperature, and in 91.3% of the animals using the reduction in progesterone levels. Considering the clinical signs of parturition "relaxation of the pelvic ligaments" and a "decrease in temperature", predicting the time of parturition was possible in 65.2% of the animals. In 8.7% of the cases, in which no reduction in the progesterone level below 1.5 ng/ml blood plasma could be seen, the time of delivery could be determined by considering the relaxation of the broad ligaments and the reduction in temperature. A prediction of the time of parturition to be in the next 22 hours was possible for all animals the indicators of parturition.

Based on a case analysis of patients with caesarean section (n = 252) performed at the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Cattle of the Veterinary School of Hannover, it was the aim of the following study to make a contribution to the aetiology of wound complications following caesarean section. Wound complications were classified as mild, moderate or severe according to the following criteria:mild: slight swelling in the area of the wound (woundoedema or slight phlegmone), especially in the ventral corner; healing without therapy (n = 17 [6.7 %]),moderate: seroma and moderate phlegmone; wound healing after conservative treatment with hyperaemising ointments (n =16 [6.3 %]),severe: secondary wound healing after lancing of the abscess, rinsing with acridine colour solution and hydrogen peroxide solution plus drainage with iodoform gauze (n = 23 [9.1%]).The following factors had a significant effect on the healing process: duration of parturition (18 % and 37.7 % wound complications in animal with normal and prolonged labor, respectively); macroscopic condition of the allantoic and/or amniotic fluid (19.7 % and 47.8 % wound complications in animals with normal and pathologic allantoic and/or amniotic fluid; respectively); degree of the exposure of the uterus outside the laparotomy wound (13.4 % and 51.7 % wound complications in cases with complete exposure of the uterus [i.e. complete exposure of the pregnant horn with one limb of the fetus, e. g. in anterior position, from hockjoint to the claws] and incomplete or no exposure of the uterus, respectively). The condition of the fetus (alive or dead) and the type of suture material used for the closure of the muscle wound had no effect on the healing process of the laparotomy wound.