The pattern of embryonic fixation and its relationship to pregnancy loss in thoroughbred mares.
Abstract: Ultrasonographic pregnancy records of 195 mares from six Thoroughbred stud farms, over a period of 7 years were retrospectively analysed to assess the effect of various factors on embryonic vesicle (EV) fixation pattern and pregnancy outcome. Of the total of 746 pregnancies analysed, significantly (p < 0.01) more EV fixations were evident in the right uterine horn than in the left (53.35% vs 46.65% respectively). There was no significant effect of either, the side of ovulation, or age of the mare, on the side of EV fixation. However, EV fixation, was significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to occur in the right uterine horn in maiden and barren mares (65.75% vs 57.45% respectively). The age and reproductive status of the mare as well as foal heat breeding failed to demonstrate a consistent effect on pregnancy loss relative to the side of EV fixation. In lactating and foal heat bred mares, EVs were significantly (p < 0.0001) more frequently established in the contralateral horn to the one from which the mare delivered her most recent foal. In lactating mares, significantly (p < 0.05) higher embryonic and pregnancy losses were observed in the ipsilateral horn. In conclusion, (a) side of EV fixation was (i) independent of the side of ovulation and mare age (ii) significantly (p < 0.001) affected by reproductive status, (b) neither age of mare nor reproductive status had any effect on pregnancy loss rates relative to the side of EV fixation and (c) in lactating mares the EV had a greater chance of fixation and survival in the horn contralateral to the one from which the mare delivered her most recent foal.
© 2009 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Publication Date: 2009-10-01 PubMed ID: 19788525DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01523.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article focuses on the influence of various factors on the pattern of embryonic vesicle (EV) fixation and the outcome of pregnancy in thoroughbred mares.
Research Methodology
- The research study used ultrasonographic pregnancy records of 195 mares from six Thoroughbred stud farms, spanning seven years for their analysis.
- A total of 746 pregnancies were factored into the study.
Findings: Factors Affecting Embryonic Vesicle Fixation
- If an EV attaches, it occurs more often in the right uterine horn than in the left, with 53.35% and 46.65% incidents respectively.
- The side of ovulation and the age of the mare have no significant impact on the side of EV fixation.
- However, a marked difference was observed in maiden and barren mares, who were much more likely to have EV fixation in the right uterine horn, specifically, 65.75% in maiden mares and 57.45% in barren mares.
Lactating and Foal Heat Bred Mares
- In lactating and mares bred during the foal heat, the EVs were more often found in the uterine horn opposite to the one from which the mare had most recently delivered a foal.
- In lactating mares, higher embryonic and pregnancy losses were noted when the EV was affixed in the same uterine horn (ipsilateral horn) as the one from which she had most recently given birth.
Factors With No Effect On Pregnancy Loss
- Neither the age of the mare nor her reproductive status showed a consistent effect on pregnancy loss relative to the side of EV fixation.
Conclusions
- The side of the EV fixation was found to be independent of the side of ovulation and the mare’s age.
- The reproductive status significantly influenced the side of the EV fixation.
- Neither the mare’s age nor reproductive status affected the rates of pregnancy loss in relation to the side of the EV fixation.
- For lactating mares, the EV had a greater chance of fixation and survival in the uterine horn opposite to the one where the mare last delivered her foal.
Cite This Article
APA
Sharma S, Davies Morel MC, Dhaliwal GS, Dadarwal D.
(2009).
The pattern of embryonic fixation and its relationship to pregnancy loss in thoroughbred mares.
Reprod Domest Anim, 45(5), e61-e67.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01523.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Civil Veterinary Hospital, Fazilka, Punjab, India.
MeSH Terms
- Abortion, Veterinary / diagnostic imaging
- Aging / physiology
- Animals
- Embryo Implantation / physiology
- Estrus / physiology
- Female
- Horses / embryology
- Ovulation / physiology
- Postpartum Period / physiology
- Pregnancy
- Retrospective Studies
- Ultrasonography
Citations
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