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Reproductive patterns and follicular waves in postpartum lactating versus non-postpartum cycling mares.
Abstract: This comparative study between postpartum lactating (PP Lactating) and non-postpartum cycling (N-PP Cycling) mares aimed to characterize reproductive patterns, types and frequencies of follicular waves, corpus luteum and endometrial echotexture dynamics, and the influence of season and body condition. Mares from each group were paired considering the day of parturition of a PP Lactating mare. The partum-ovulation interval (POI) and the postpartum interovulatory interval (PPIOI) were evaluated for PP Lactating mares, and 2 IOIs were evaluated for N-PP Cycling mares. The following observations were made: (i) PP Lactating mares have several different reproductive patterns, such as continuous reproductive activity (i.e., short or long POIs followed by a PPIOI), ovarian inactivity after the first postpartum ovulation, or continuous ovarian inactivity (postpartum anestrous phase); (ii) a greater total number of minor waves was seen in PP Lactating mares; (iii) major primary follicular waves (i.e., ovulatory) emerge around the day of parturition in mares with short POIs; (iv) the season of parturition (spring season), decrease in body condition score, and body-weight loss can have an associated detrimental effect in PP Lactating mares by increasing the total number of minor follicular waves and, consequently, the POI length; (v) endometrial echotexture scores are higher during the POI and can be influenced by the season of parturition; and (vi) corpus luteum development and demise are similar between PP Lactating and N-PP Cycling mares. This study provides, for the first time, detailed information about reproductive physiological aspects during the postpartum period and may facilitate the interpretation of gynecological practices during the foal heat and subsequent IOI in mares.
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2021-08-13 PubMed ID: 34802620DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103732Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study compares the reproductive patterns in postpartum lactating mares and non-postpartum cycling mares, including follicular waves, corpus luteum dynamics, endometrial echotexture dynamics, and the effects of season and body condition. The research reveals variances in reproductive activity, number of follicular waves, and effects of parturition season and body condition, contributing valuable information to better understand gynecological practices during the foal heat in mares.
Reproductive Patterns
- The research found varied reproductive patterns amongst postpartum lactating mares, including continuous reproductive activity, ovarian inactivity following the first postpartum ovulation, or sustained ovarian inactivity also known as postpartum anestrous phase.
Follicular Waves
- Postpartum lactating mares demonstrated a higher total number of minor follicular waves compared to non-postpartum cycling mares.
- Major primary follicular waves, which lead to ovulation, were observed to occur around the parturition day in mares with short interludes between giving birth and the next ovulation.
Influence of Season and Body Condition
- The study found that the season of parturition, particularly during spring, combined with a drop in body condition and weight loss, can adversely impact postpartum lactating mares. Such conditions can lead to an increase in the total number of minor follicular waves and subsequently prolong the interval between parturition and next ovulation.
Endometrial Echotexture and Corpus Luteum Dynamics
- The research observed higher endometrial echotexture scores during the interval between parturition and next ovulation, which can be influenced by the parturition season.
- The study found that the development and demise of the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure involved in ovulation and early stages of pregnancy, were similar in both postpartum lactating and non-postpartum cycling mares.
Concluding Remarks
- This comprehensive study provides pivotal insights into distinctive reproductive physiological aspects during the postpartum period in mares. This can aid in enhancing the interpretation of gynecological practices during the foal heat and the subsequent interovulatory period in mares.
Cite This Article
APA
Gastal EL, Pastorello M, Godoi DB, Gastal MO.
(2021).
Reproductive patterns and follicular waves in postpartum lactating versus non-postpartum cycling mares.
J Equine Vet Sci, 107, 103732.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103732 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA; Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: egastal@siu.edu.
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.
- Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA; Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses
- Lactation
- Ovarian Follicle
- Ovulation
- Postpartum Period
- Reproduction
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Segabinazzi LGTM, Gilbert RO, Ambrosia RL, Bergfelt DR, Samper JC, Peterson EW, French HM. Structural and Functional Dynamics of the Ovary and Uterus during the Estrous Cycle in Donkeys in the Eastern Caribbean. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 24;13(1).
- Cardona-García M, Jiménez-Escobar C, Ferrer MS, Maldonado-Estrada JG. Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 29;14(5).
- Bashir ST, Baerwald AR, Gastal MO, Pierson RA, Gastal EL. Dominant follicle growth patterns and associated endocrine dynamics in anovulatory and ovulatory waves in women. Reprod Fertil 2023 May 1;4(2).
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