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Theriogenology2010; 74(4); 627-631; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.03.006

A comparative stereological study of the term placenta in the donkey, pony and Thoroughbred.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare horse and donkey placentae using stereological techniques. Term placentae were collected at spontaneous foaling from seven Thoroughbred mares, seven pony mares, and six jenny donkeys. Maternal and foal weights were recorded and the mass, volume, and gross area of each allantochorion was also recorded. Ten random biopsies were recovered and processed for light microscopy from which the surface density of the microcotyledons (S(v)) and the total microscopic area of fetomaternal contact were calculated stereologically. Gestation length was longer in the donkeys than the other two groups (median values: 371 vs. 327 and 341 days, P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between foal birthweight and gross area (rho = 0.89; n = 20; P < 0.05), mass (rho = 0.84; n = 20; P < 0.05) and volume (rho = 0.89; n = 20; P < 0.05) of the allantochorion. S(v) was higher in the donkey placenta than the other groups (median values: 0.05 vs. 0.03 and 0.04 microm(-1), P < 0.05) although placental efficiency was lower in the donkeys (median values: 0.87 vs. 1.33 and 1.32 kg/m2, P < 0.01). The results of the study confirmed that, although strong morphological similarities exist between the allantochorion of the horse and donkey, that of the donkey develops more complex microcotyledons, as judged stereologically, and exhibits a lower placental efficiency. These differences may be related to maternal genotype and/or the longer gestation length shown by the donkey compared to the horse, but a negative correlation (rho = -0.92, P < 0.01) was also found between age and placental efficiency in donkeys.
Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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Publication Date: 2010-05-21 PubMed ID: 20494422DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.03.006Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on the comparative study of the placenta in different breeds of equines: donkey, pony, and Thoroughbred horse, during their term of pregnancy. Using stereological techniques, differences were examined in the mass, volume, and area of the allantochorion and the microscopic area of fetomaternal contact.

Study Methodology

  • The study centers around the placenta of seven Thoroughbred mares, seven pony mares, and six jenny donkeys, collected at spontaneous foaling.
  • Every placenta was weighed, and its volume and gross area were calculated, specifically focusing on the allantochorion, a part of the placenta.
  • Apart from this, ten random biopsies were conducted and observed under the light microscope to calculate the surface density of the microcotyledons which were calculated stereologically (using mathematical techniques to interpret three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional images).
  • The researchers also recorded the maternal and foal weights for each of the specimens and noted the length of gestation.

Results and Findings

  • One significant finding was that the gestation period for donkeys was longer than for ponies and Thoroughbreds (median values: 371 vs. 327 and 341 days).
  • Stereological analysis revealed that the surface density of the microcotyledons was higher in donkey placenta compared to the other two groups.
  • Correlations were established between the birth weight of the foal and the area, mass, and volume of the allantochorion.
  • While the donkey placenta was found to develop more complex microcotyledons, its placental efficiency was, however, lower. Placental efficiency refers to how efficiently nutrients and waste products are exchanged between the mother and the foetus through the placenta.
  • In donkeys, a negative correlation was found between the age and placental efficiency, implying that older donkeys may have lower placental efficiency.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that despite the morphological similarities between the allantochorion of a donkey and a horse, the donkey’s had more complexity as judged through stereological methods and exhibited a lower efficiency.
  • The differences, as suggested by the research, might be related to the maternal genotype or the longer gestation length exhibited in donkeys.

Cite This Article

APA
Veronesi MC, Villani M, Wilsher S, Contri A, Carluccio A. (2010). A comparative stereological study of the term placenta in the donkey, pony and Thoroughbred. Theriogenology, 74(4), 627-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.03.006

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 74
Issue: 4
Pages: 627-631

Researcher Affiliations

Veronesi, M C
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy. maria.veronesi@unimi.it
Villani, M
    Wilsher, S
      Contri, A
        Carluccio, A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Body Size
          • Equidae / anatomy & histology
          • Female
          • Placenta / anatomy & histology
          • Placenta / physiology
          • Pregnancy
          • Pregnancy, Animal / physiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 7 times.
          1. Veronesi MC, De Amicis I, Giangaspero BA, Fusi J, Robbe D, Castelli F, Carluccio A. Twin Pregnancy in the Martina Franca Donkey Breed Managed by Natural Reduction and Post-Fixation Manual Crushing. Animals (Basel) 2024 Aug 29;14(17).
            doi: 10.3390/ani14172512pubmed: 39272297google scholar: lookup
          2. Monaco D, Castagnetti C, Lanci A, Osman TK, Lacalandra GM, Fusi J. On-field Gross Morphology Evaluation of Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Fetal Membranes. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 24;14(11).
            doi: 10.3390/ani14111553pubmed: 38891600google scholar: lookup
          3. Sgorbini M, Bonelli F, Percacini G, Pasquini A, Rota A. Maternal and Neonatal Evaluation of Derived Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential in Donkey Mares and Foals. Animals (Basel) 2021 Oct 3;11(10).
            doi: 10.3390/ani11102885pubmed: 34679906google scholar: lookup
          4. Di Francesco CE, Smoglica C, De Amicis I, Cafini F, Carluccio A, Contri A. Evaluation of Colostral Immunity Against Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in Martina Franca's Foals. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:579371.
            doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.579371pubmed: 33330699google scholar: lookup
          5. Lippolis V, Asif S, Pascale M, Cervellieri S, Mancini E, Peli A, De Amicis I, Robbe D, Minervini F. Natural Occurrence of Ochratoxin A in Blood and Milk Samples from Jennies and Their Foals after Delivery. Toxins (Basel) 2020 Dec 1;12(12).
            doi: 10.3390/toxins12120758pubmed: 33271760google scholar: lookup
          6. Nagel C, Melchert M, Aurich C, Aurich J. Differences in Endocrine and Cardiac Changes in Mares and Her Fetus before, during, and after Parturition in Horses of Different Size. Animals (Basel) 2020 Sep 4;10(9).
            doi: 10.3390/ani10091577pubmed: 32899617google scholar: lookup
          7. Bennett R, Pfuderer S. The Potential for New Donkey Farming Systems to Supply the Growing Demand for Hides. Animals (Basel) 2020 Apr 20;10(4).
            doi: 10.3390/ani10040718pubmed: 32326062google scholar: lookup
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