Ultrasonographic features of the mule embryo, fetus and fetal-placental unit.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish baseline ultrasound data concerning the mule conceptus during gestation. Ten multiparous Trotter mares were artificially inseminated with chilled semen from an Amiatino jack donkey. Daily transrectal ultrasonography was carried out from the day of ovulation until Day 50 of gestation to determine the following: first detection of the embryonic vesicle (EV), mobility phase, EV diameter, day of EV fixation, changes in EV shape, date of yolk sac regression and embryo crown-rump length. Monthly ultrasonic assessments from Day 50 of gestation to term were carried out. These assessments included an evaluation of fetal well-being and the growth of the mule conceptus, which were monitored using the following variables: cardiac activity, fetal activity and presentation, fetal fluid echogenicity, combined thickness of the utero-placenta unit and fetal orbital and aortic diameter. Mule EV first detection was observed earlier (37% at Day 8) than that observed in the equine pregnancy. EV diameter at first detection was 4.6 ± 1.1 mm. At Day 10, 75% of EVs were detected. EV fixation occurred on Day 17.1 ± 1.1, with a mean EV diameter of 2.5 ± 0.2 cm. EV growth rate was 4.04 mm/day from Days 11 to 16, 0.4 mm/day from Days 16 to 28 and 1.78 mm/day from Days 28 to 45 of pregnancy. The embryo proper was first detected on Day 19.9 ± 1.9 (average length 2.4 ± 1.4 mm), and the embryonic heartbeat was first detected on Day 24 ± 2.4. The fetal carotid pulse was observed at six months of gestation and provided a good means by which to estimate fetal cardiac activity in advanced gestation. The fetal heart rate was recorded from Month 2 of gestation to term. The mean ± SD of the combined uteroplacental thickness was assessed at the cervical-placental junction and at the ventral abdomen in mares between Months 2 and 5 until term, respectively. An abnormal fetal-placental unit and fetal inactivity was observed in association with abortion. Mule-conceptus biometric measurements correlated significantly with the gestational age, and these data were used to predict an unusually large mule fetus, which might result in dystocia. In conclusion, we can assume that early diagnosis of pregnancy failure and assessment of fetal biophysical profile and growth charts could improve the chances of gestation completion in mule-pregnant mares. The early detection of mares at risk for an abnormal pregnancy or delivery may increase the success of prompt treatments, therefore preventing costly emergency procedures and allowing proper obstetrical and neonatal assistance.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2011-09-29 PubMed ID: 21958639DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.030Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article looks at the use of ultrasound imaging techniques to monitor mule pregnancy; tracking the growth and well-being of the unborn mule fetus within its mother, a Trotter mare, in an effort to better understand, diagnose, and manage at-risk pregnancies.
Methodology
- This study, essentially aimed to establish a fundamental understanding of mule pregnancies, utilized ten multiparous Trotter mares, which were artificially inseminated with semen from an Amiatino jack donkey.
- From the day of ovulation till the 50th day of gestation, daily transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to determine different stages during the gestation process and changes in the developing fetus.
- From day 50 of gestation to full term, monthly ultrasound analyses were done, focusing majorly on the well-being of the fetus and the growth of the mule conceptus with variables such as cardiac activity, fetal activity and presentation, fetal fluid echogenicity, combined thickness of the utero-placental unit, and fetal orbital and aortic diameter.
Findings
- Data from the research revealed that mule embryonic vesicle (EV) was detected earlier (37% at Day 8) than in equine pregnancies with an average diameter of 4.6±1.1 mm.
- At Day 10, 75% of the mule EVs could be detected, while EV fixation occurred on Day 17.1±1.1, with a mean EV diameter of 2.5±0.2 cm.
- The embryo proper was first identified on Day 19.9±1.9 (average length 2.4±1.4 mm) and the embryonic heartbeat followed on Day 24±2.4.
- Fetal carotid pulse was observed at the gestation period’s 6th month, hinting a good predictor for fetal cardiac activity in advanced gestation.
- An abnormal fetal-placental unit and fetal inactivity were observed to be associated with abortion cases.
- The mule conceptus biometric measurements were discovered to correlate significantly with the gestational age. These measurements were important in predicting an unusually large mule fetus, which may potentially lead to dystocia.
Conclusion
- With their research findings, the researchers concluded that successfully predicting and diagnosing pregnancy failure and abnormalities early on in mule-pregnant mares could enhance the chances of gestation completion.
- Early identification of mares at risk for abnormal pregnancy or delivery may increase the effectiveness of timely treatments, thereby preventing expensive emergency procedures and ensuring adequate obstetrical and neonatal assistance, overall enhancing the health and safety of both the mother and unborn mule.
Cite This Article
APA
Paolucci M, Palombi C, Sylla L, Stradaioli G, Monaci M.
(2011).
Ultrasonographic features of the mule embryo, fetus and fetal-placental unit.
Theriogenology, 77(2), 240-252.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.030 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Veterinary Clinics, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Aging
- Animals
- Breeding
- Embryo, Mammalian / diagnostic imaging
- Equidae / embryology
- Female
- Fetal Development
- Fetus
- Gestational Age
- Parturition
- Placenta / diagnostic imaging
- Pregnancy
- Ultrasonography, Prenatal / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Fanelli D, Moroni R, Bocci C, Camillo F, Rota A, Panzani D. Interspecific and Intraspecific Artificial Insemination in Domestic Equids. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 7;13(4).
- Pemayun TGO, Mustofa I, Mahaputra L, Hermadi HA, Wijaya NMR, Mulyati S, Utama S, Restiadi TI, Rimayanti R. Fertility restoration of racing mare with persistent corpus luteum. Vet World 2021 Sep;14(9):2356-2361.
- Rigoglio NN, Matias GSS, Miglino MA, Mess AM, Jacob JCF, Smith LC. Morphological characteristics of mule conceptuses during early development. Anim Reprod 2018 Dec 5;15(4):1214-1222.
- Carluccio A, Bucci R, Fusi J, Robbe D, Veronesi MC. Effect of age and of reproductive status on reproductive indices in horse mares carrying mule pregnancies. Heliyon 2020 Oct;6(10):e05175.
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