Cases of abortions in cattle were investigated using several different laboratory procedures. The purpose was to collect information on an individual animal and on a herd basis that would allow a correct etiological diagnosis and also the institution of prophylactic measures. The cause of the abortion was diagnosed in 30% of the cases and in 16,3% of the herds. Due to the complexity of the problem, there is not routine diagnostic procedure that can universally be recommended and applied. There was not association between the number of tests performed or the number of herd mates included in the diagnostic work-up and the diagnostic success rate. In order to make a more efficient use of the diagnostic procedures, a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to abortion, on an individual animal basis on a herd basis, is required.

Plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol were compared in 7 ovariectomised cows after application of 2 different intravaginal releasing devices. Peak concentrations of 4-6 ng/ml progesterone were found within 2 hours after application of the devices. From day 2 to day 6 concentrations sank continuously to 2 ng/ml. Progesterone levels of 1-2 ng/ml prevailed from day 6 to the day of removal of the pessaries (day 12 for PRID(R), day 15 for CIDR(TM)). No differences between the two devices were detected. Increased concentrations of estradiol were found for PRID(R) only, reaching maximum levels of 6-7 pg/ml plasma 150 minutes after application.

Cases of abortions in cattle were investigated using several different laboratory procedures. The purpose was to collect information on an individual animal and on a herd basis that would allow a correct etiological diagnosis and also the institution of prophylactic measures. The cause of the abortion was diagnosed in 30% of the cases and in 16.3% of the herds. Due to the complexity of the problem, there is no routine diagnostic procedure that can universally be recommended and applied. There was no association between the number of tests performed or the number of herd mates included in the diagnostic work-up and the diagnostic success rate. In order to make a more efficient use of the diagnostic procedures, a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to abortion, on an individual animal basis and on a herd basis, is required.

Plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol were compared in 7 ovariectomised cows after application of 2 different intravaginal releasing devices. Peak concentrations of 4-6 ng/ml progesterone were found within 2 hours after application of the devices. From day 2 to day 6 concentrations sank continuously to 2 ng/ml. Progesterone levels of 1-2 ng/ml prevailed from day 6 to the day of removal of the pessaries (day 12 for PRID, day 15 for CIDR). No differences between the two devices were detected. Increased concentrations of estradiol were found for PRID only, reaching maximum levels of 6-7 pg/ml plasma 150 minutes after application.

Body temperature is an important physiological parameter and is influenced by a number of factors. By means of a onechannel amplitude-modulated (AM) telemetric apparatus at a frequency of 27 MHz, the influence of pregnancy, parturiton, the sex cycle and feeding on body temperature was examined in 4 highly pregnant and 8 cycling Brown Swiss cows. By shifting feeding times and by feed withdrawal we were able to show that feed intake is responsible for the double peak observed in cows during the course of a day. There were no differences in core temperature between cyclic and pregnant and oestrus and non-oestrus cows. Core temperature fell 10 to 20 hours before parturition by a maximum of 1-degrees-C and rose again during parturition.

Oestrus was induced in 14 anoestrous beagle bitches by intramuscular injection of PMSG in a dose of 20 I.U./kg once daily on five consecutive days, followed by an additional single i.m. injection of 500 I.U. of hCG on the fifth day. The day on which the first injection was given was counted as Day 1 of the experiment. Between the fourth and sixth day, the bitches began to attract the attention of male dogs and between Days 9 and 15 all bitches came in heat. Matings occurred on two to ten occasions, and six of the bitches conceived. The maximum concentrations of oestradiol in the plasma were in most cases reached on Days 10 or 12 and ranged from 42 to 195 pg/ml. In all cases progesterone concentrations rose sharply between Days 10 and 20. The incretion phase of the corpora lutea was noticeably brief in the non-gravid bitches; in five of these eight bitches, anoestrous values below 2 ng/ml were already obtained before the 65th day of the experiment. These results indicate that the administration of PMSG on five consecutive days supplemented by a final single injection of hCG stimulates the ovaries adequately to afford good prospects of conception. The concentrations of ovarian hormones are discussed.

Measurement of the plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone in six bitches on 180 consecutive days showed large fluctuations in the levels of both hormones. The concentrations of oestradiol began to increase 10-12 days before the peak levels of 38.1-89.7 pg/ml were reached, then declined again over the next 3-7 days to or below the minimum measurable value of 9 pg/ml. On the day after the maximum concentrations of oestradiol were recorded, plasma progesterone began to rise rapidly, reaching a plateau after approximately two weeks, then declining gradually after a further two weeks. At the height of the luteal phase, peak levels of 12.6-70.1 ng/ml were measured, although on some days values of less than 1 ng/ml were recorded. The time of occurrence of the initial rise in the progesterone concentration during oestrus presumably indicates that preovulatory luteinization had taken place. During anoestrus the basal concentration of progesterone was generally less than 1 ng/ml and that of oestradiol less than 9 pg/ml. The normal values derived from these observations are discussed with regard to the interpretation of oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in domestic pets under treatment in veterinary practice.

Measurement of the plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone in six bitches on 180 consecutive days showed large fluctuations in the levels of both hormones. The concentrations of oestradiol began to increase 10-12 days before the peak levels of 38.1-89.7 pg/ml were reached, then declined again over the next 3-7 days to or below the minimum measurable value of 9 pg/ml. On the day after the maximum concentrations of oestradiol were recorded, plasma progesterone began to rise rapidly, reaching a plateau after approximately two weeks, then declining gradually after a further two weeks. At the height of the luteal phase, peak levels of 12.6-70.1 ng/ml were measured, although on some days values of less than 1 ng/ml were recorded. The time of occurrence of the initial rise in the progesterone concentration during oestrus presumably indicates that preovulatory luteinization had taken place. During anoestrus the basal concentration of progesterone was generally less than 1 ng/ml and that of oestradiol less than 9 pg/ml. The normal values derived from these observations are discussed with regard to the interpretation of oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in domestic pets under treatment in veterinary practice.

The clinical findings of seven <<White Alp>> rams are discussed. Six of the animals contracted Brucella ovis and exhibited signs of illness. The seventh animal indicated no Brucella ovis contact. The ejaculates of all rams showed significant changes. A spermatocele, typical for Brucella ovis, could be proven, pathologically and anatomically, in only one case. Brucella ovis was isolated from two samples. A brief discussion on the treatment of herds infected with Brucella ovis is included.

In the present study the effect of Flunixin meglumine (FM), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, was investigated on postpartal prostaglandin production and uterine activity in the cow. For that purpose 8 cows were given FM in a dose of 2.2 mg/Kg b.w. twice daily (08.00 and 16.00 h) for the first 10 days p.p. Blood samples were collected at various times before, during and after parturition and the concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha (PGFM), progesterone as well as adrenaline and noradrenaline determined. Eight cows served as controls. Uterine activity was measured by means of pressure microsensors and electrodes which were surgically implanted into the uterine wall before parturition. During the whole treatment period FM inhibited endogenous PG-production by more than 80% (p < 0.05). The suppressive effect of FM was maximal 4 h after the last injection and lasted no longer than 8 h. PGF2 alpha-suppression clearly decreased spontaneous uterine motility and reduced the myometrial response to ocytocin (5 IU i.v.) and PGF2 alpha (15 mg i.v.). Treatment with FM did not interfere with uterine involution, the return to cyclicity and the first postpartal cycle length. Also, no obvious effects were seen on catecholamine concentrations which fluctuated during parturition without regularly representing the actual stress situation. Our results demonstrate that FM is able to effectively inhibit PGF2 alpha-secretion as well as uterine activity in the cow. Further evaluation of FM as a tocolyticum or in the treatment of uterine infections is required.

In the present study the effect of Flunixin meglumine (FM), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, was investigated on postpartal prostaglandin production and uterine activity in the cow. For that purpose 8 cows were given FM in a dose of 2.2 mg/Kg b.w. twice daily (08.00 and 16.00 h) for the first 10 days p. p. Blood samples were collected at various times before, during and after parturition and the concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2alpha (PGFM), progesterone as well as adrenaline and noradrenaline determined. Eight cows served as controls. Uterine activity was measured by means of pressure microsensors and electrodes which were surgically implanted into the uterine wall before parturition. During the whole treatment period FM inhibited endogenous PG-production by more than 80% (p<0.05). The suppressive effect of FM was maximal 4 h after the last injection and lasted no longer than 8 h. PGF2alpha-suppression clearly decreased spontaneous uterine motility and reduced the myometrial response to ocytocin (5 IU i.v.) and PGF2alpha (15 mg i.v.). Treatment with FM did not interfere with uterine involution, the return to cyclicity and the first postpartal cycle length. Also, no obvious effects were seen on catecholamine concentrations which fluctuated during parturition without regularily representing the actual stress situation. Our results demonstrate that FM is able to effectively inhibit PGF2alpha-secretion as well as uterine activity in the cow. Further evaluation of FM as a tocolyticum or in the treatment of uterine infections is required.

The clinical findings of seven "White Alp" rams are discussed. Six of the animals contracted Brucella ovis and exhibited signs of illness. The seventh animal indicated no Brucella ovis contact. The ejaculates of all rams showed significant changes. A spermatocele, typical for Brucella ovis, could be proven, pathologically and anatomically, in only one case. Brucella ovis was isolated from two samples. A brief discussion on the treatment of herds infected with Brucella ovis is included.

Reproduction in Domestic AnimalsVolume 25, Issue 2 p. 68-77 24-Hour Profiles of Plasma Cortisol and Testosterone in the Male Dog: Absence of Circadian Rhythmicity, Seasonal Influence and Hormonal Interrelationships R. Thun, Corresponding Author R. Thun Clinic of Andrology and Gynecology Department of ReproductionAdresse der Autoren: PD Dr. R Thun, Dept. of Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057 Zürich/Switzerland.Search for more papers by this authorE. Eggenberger, E. Eggenberger Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorK. Zerobin, K. Zerobin Clinic of Andrology and Gynecology Department of ReproductionSearch for more papers by this author R. Thun, Corresponding Author R. Thun Clinic of Andrology and Gynecology Department of ReproductionAdresse der Autoren: PD Dr. R Thun, Dept. of Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstr. 260, 8057 Zürich/Switzerland.Search for more papers by this authorE. Eggenberger, E. Eggenberger Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, SwitzerlandSearch for more papers by this authorK. Zerobin, K. Zerobin Clinic of Andrology and Gynecology Department of ReproductionSearch for more papers by this author First published: May 1990 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.1990.tb00683.xCitations: 18Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume25, Issue2May 1990Pages 68-77 RelatedInformation

In the present study spontaneous uterine motility was recorded in 4 cows during late pregnancy, parturition and the puerperium using pressure microsensors and electrodes which were surgically implanted into the myometrium of the pregnant horn 3 to 4 weeks before parturition. Hysterograms were evaluated by means of pressure amplitude, frequency, duration, interval of uterine contractions and also by electromyography. During the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy only single weak uterine contractions of different intensity were seen. About 18-20 hours a.p. frequency and amplitude of mainly tubocervical directed waves continuously increased. When the fetus entered the birth canal and especially during expulsion of the calf extremely strong irregular contractions occurred, which became very regular during the first hours p. p. After the placenta has been released 3-8 hours p. p., spontaneous uterine motility drastically decreased until the second postpartal week, when it started to increase again.

The uterine effects of oxytocin, the prostaglandins dinoprost and cloprostenol as well as clenbuterol, ergometrin, xylazine and Utrorale were investigated in 8 cows during late pregnancy, parturition and early puerperium (until 4th day p. p.). Uterine motility was measured by means of pressure microsensors and electrodes which were surgically implanted 3 to 4 weeks before parturition. Hysterograms were characterized by means of pressure amplitude, frequency and duration of uterine contractions and also by electromyography. Oxytocin (2-5 IE) given intravenously always provoked strong uterine contractions until the 4th day p.p. From the prostaglandins examined during early puerperium only dinoprost (15 mg i.v.) produced uterotonic effects, while the synthetic analogue cloprostenol (0.25 mg i.v.) had a weak stimulatory activity only on day 1 p.p. Both prostaglandins were ineffective when injected intramuscularly. Clenbuterol (0.3 mg i.v.) a beta 2-mimetic compound effectively induced long lasting tocolysis during parturition, which could be abolished by oxytocin. Xylazine (10 mg i.v.) was able to significantly increase uterine motility during late gestation. Following intravenous administration of ergometrin (1 and 10 mg), bunitrolol (1-16 mg) and Utrorale (0.1-4 ml) including its compounds oleum sabinae, oleum terebinthinae, balsamum copaivale and Styrax no uterokinetic activity was recorded at any time.