Small Ruminant - MT Flashcards
Where is the semen deposited in ewe when doing AI?
Internal os of the cervix
What are the conception rates using fresh semen?
Frozen semen?
- 70-75% conception rates w/ fresh
- 5-15% conception rates w/ frozen
Depositing semen into the _______ vagina of the ewe results in a conception rate of 50-60%.
Anterior vagina
What affects puberty/onset of puberty in small rumis?
- Age
- Nutritional status
- Exposure to rams
- Seasonality ⇒ photoperiodicity
Sheep are ______ day breeders?
Short day
Describe Photoperiodicity’s effects on the ovine.
short day length ⇒ increase melatonin⇒
**increased GnRH = cyclicity **
(increased sensitivity to ovarian estradiol ⇒FSH & LH pulses ⇒Follicle development & ovulation)
What is “Flushing/Flush Feeding”?
Why do we do it to ewes?
- Feeding high energy meals 2-3 wks before breeding season
- Increases ovulation rate
How long is the estrous cycle in the doe?
18 - 22 days
(Doe = female goat)
What is the gestation length of the ewe and doe?
5 mo.
(145 - 150 d)
How long does it take the ova to move to the ewe’s uterus?
72 hrs
(3 d)
When does implantation occur in the ewe?
begins ~ d. 18
The ewe’s CL is the primary progesterone source until what day?
~day 70
Is the first heat often “visible” in the ewe?
NO
1st heat is usually “Silent”
What must you have in place in order to establish a “Lambing Season”?
- Estrus Synchronization program
- Estrus detection
- Adequate sire/ AI
Why do they use Synchronization programs in
small rumis?
- Timed period of lambing/kidding
- To induce estrus during the non-breeding season
- Maintain continuous milk supply from dairy herds
- Allow for optimal nutritional management of dam & youngs
What is the Ram/Buck Effect?
Rams/bucks isolated from ewe/does for 4-6 weeks
Introduction of a teaser male or breeder male into an all female herd will induce estrus w/in 3-4 days due to the pheromones produced by the male.
What must be done in order for the Ram/Buck Effect to be successful?
- Females should have no contact w/ males 3-4 wks prior
- Males used should be isolated for 1-2 months before
- Can use a “Buck Rag”
How long are CIDRs or Impregnated Sponges/Pessaries placed into the anterior vagina of the ewe? the doe?
What hormone do they utilize?
- 12 - 14 days ⇒ ewe
- 18 - 21 days ⇒ doe
- Progesterone
In what phase of the estrous cycle is PGF2a effective?
Luteal phase
Describe how PGF2a can be used to
synchronize ewes & does.
- Ewes → 2 injections of PGF2a or Cloprostenol IM 8-9 days apart → estrus w/in 2-3 days
- Does → 2 injections of PGF2a or Cloprostenol IM 11-12 days apart → estrus w/in 2-3 days
How can you bring transitional ewes into estrus?
- Place vasectomized ram w/ ewes → estrus w/in 6-12 d.
- Give PGF2a or Cloprostenol IM, followed be eCG
What is the uterine transport time in the sheep?
2 to 4 days
When does maternal recognition of pregnancy occur in the ewe?
**Day 12 **
(Interferon-t and rapid elongation of trophoblast)
When does implantation of the embryo occcur in the doe and ewe?
d. 18 of gestation
When does the placenta take over P4 production
in the Ewe?
Implications?
- > d. 75
- Luteolytic agents may not induce abortion after this day
- Corticosteroids may be required
How is pregnancy maitained in the Doe?
P4 from the CL ONLY!!
What type of placenta do sheep & goats have?
Cotyledonary, epitheliochorial placentation
When can you use U/S to DX pregnancy in Small Rumis?
- Transrectal → d. 18 to 60 of gestation
- Transabdominal → d. 30 to 120 of gestation
How can you confirm pregnancy via U/S?
(3)
Visualize:
- Fetus
- Placentomes
- Fluid filled uterine luminal segments
When can twin pregnancies be ID?
Between days 45 to 90 of gestation
When can Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) be ID?
Why do we use it?
- After day 25 of gestation
- To DX multiple fetuses
What is post breeding anestrous?
Failure or ewe/doe to return to heat after breeding
List the signs that the ewe/doe is about to go into labor.
- Udder fills rapidly
- Pelvic ligaments relax
- Vulval edema
- Clear vulval discharge
- Shedding of the cervical plug (up to 1 wk prior)
Characteristics of Stage 1 of Parturition?
- Lasts 2-12 hrs
- Ewe leaves flock → acts uncomfortable & restless
- Ewe urinates frequently
Characteristics of Stage 2 of Parturition?
- Lasts 1-2 hrs
- Active labor and delivery of the lamb
- Ewe in lateral recumbency
- Amnion protrudes from vulva, followed by forefeet and head
Characteristics of Stage 3 of Parturition.
- Lasts 1-8 hrs.
- Delivery of the placenta
- Involution of the uterus
When is involution of the uterus complete?
by 28 d. postpartum
What is Lochia?
Is it normal?
- Non-odorous reddish-brown vaginal discharge
- Normal for 3 wks postpartum
How can you induce parturition in a ewe?
- > day 137 of gestation
- Dexamethasone IM
How can you induce parturition in a Doe?
- > day 144 of gestation
- PGF2a → parturition in 6-12 hrs.
- Corticosteroids
What is the most common cause of dystocia in the ewe?
Simultaneous presentation of 2 fetuses at the pelvic inlet
What is the “Shake down technique” for correcting dystocia in the ewe?
- Elevate the ewe’s hind legs to allow one fetus to be repelled
- Will allow for easy delivery of the 2nd fetus
What is the proper C-section technique in small rumis?
- Adeqaute physical restraint
- Lateral recumbency → left side up
- Inverted L/Paravertebral block
List the infectious agents that can cause abortion in small rumis.
-
Bacterial
- Campylobacter jejuni/intestinalis
- Brucellosis
- Chlamydophila abortus
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonellosis
- Viral → Bluetongue
- Rickettsial → Q-fever
- Protozoal → Toxoplasmosis
C/S of Campylobacteriosis in Small Rumis?
- Abortion rate = > 70%
- Adults ⇒ Mucopurulent discharge
- Placenta ⇒ Edema
- Fetus ⇒ Liver necrosis & SQ edema
How do you DX Campylobacteriosis?
-
Isolate the organism
- Darkfield/contrast microscopy of: placenta, fetal abomasal contents, maternal vaginal discharge
- Impression smear of cotyledon
- Serology
What 3 drugs can be used to TX Campylobacteriosis?
- Tetracycline
- Penicillin
- Tylosin
How can you prevent Campylobacteriosis from getting into your small rumi herds?
- VAX
- Good sanitation practices
- Avoid fecal contamination of feed
C/S of Campylobacteriosis in Humans?
(ZOONOTIC)
- Mild gastroenteritis
- Possible neuromuscular dz.
What agent is responsible for Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE)?
Chlamydophila abortus
(Most common cause of abortion in goats in the USA)
When does C. abortus attack the placenta?
Result?
- at day 90 of gestation = Late term abortions
- due to placentitis of cotyledons & intercotyledonary space
If exposed for the 1st time in the _____ half of gestation,
the animal may abort in the subsequent pregnancy.
Last half of gestation
C/S of Chlamydiosis?
-
Adults
- Late term abortion
- Systemic dz.
-
Placenta
- Placentitis of cotyledons & intercotyledonary space
- Thickened placenta→ white, grey, yellow or red cotyledons
How can you DX Chlamydiosis?
- Impression smears → placenta, fetal tissue, uterine discharge → Inclusion bodies
-
Serology→ ELISA or IFA
- Paired samples 2-3 wks apart.
How do you TX Chlamydiosis?
Tetracycline
How do you prevent Chlamydiosis?
- Killed Vax → sheep
- Remove aborting females from herd
- Good sanitation
- Dams are immune for ~ 3 yrs following abortion
C/S of Chlamydiosis in Humans?
(ZOONOTIC)
- Influenza-like syndrome
- Can cause abortion in pregnant women
C/S of Brucellosis in Goats?
(Not in the USA in goats)
- Abortion storms during the l_ast trimester_
- Systemic disease
- Placenta will be normal w/ B. melintensis
C/S of B. ovis in Sheep?
-
Adults
- Late term abortions
- Epididymitis in rams
-
Placenta
- Thickened & necrotic (unlike B. mellitensis)
How can you try to prevent Brucellosis?
- Vax → live, attenuated for B. melintensis
- Test & slaughter programs → all new herd additions & males yearly before breeding
- Bury/burn placentas & aborted fetuses
What can B. melitensis cause in humans?
Malta Fever→ Undulant fever
Which 3 species of Lepto can goats get?
- L. icteroheamorrhagiae
- L. grippotyphosa
- L. pomona
Which 4 species of Lepto can Sheep get?
- L. hardjo
- L. bratislava
- L. pomona
- L. icterohaemorrhagiae
C/S of Lepto in Sheep & Goats?
-
Adults
- Abortion in the last trimester
- Dams - marked jaundice, hemoglobinuria & anemia
- Affects Goats > sheep
What type of stain is used to look for Lepto in the placenta, fetal tissue & fluids?
Silver stain
(look at using dark field microscopy)
How can you prevent Lepto from entering into a small rumi herd?
Vaccinate 2-4 times/yr.
C/S of Salmonellosis?
-
Adults
- Abortion storms → 70% of the flock
- Fever, depression, diarrhea, metritis, retained fetal membranes (systemic illness)
- Increased mortality in ewes after abortion
How can you DX Salmonellosis is small rumis?
- Culture organism → aborted fetus, placenta & uterine discharge
- Serology → agglutination tests
Which Listeria species ONLY causes abortion in Sheep?
L. ivanovii
(others will cause abortion in sheep & goats)
C/S of Listeriosis?
-
Adults
- Infected early in gestation → abortion
- Encephalitis & septicemia
- Fetuses
- Microabscessation in the liver & brain
TX & Prevention of Listeriosis?
- Good quality silage
- Tetracycline
- Vax w/ 2 doses of live, attenuated vax
C/S of Q Fever?
-
Adults
- Abortion outbreaks (goats > sheep)
- Animals become immune after initial outbreak but become carriers
-
Placenta
- Necrosis of the cotyledons
- Thickening of the intercotyledonary areas
What stain is used to DX Q-fever?
ZN stain
C/S of Q-fever in Humans?
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hepatitis
- Myalagia
- Endocarditis
What occurs when a goat becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii?
(goats > sheep)
- Infected before breeding
- no abortion
- Infected btwn 30-90 days of gestation
- fetal death → resorption or mummification
-
Infected late in gestation
- abortion
On necropsy of a doe, you notice that the intercotyledonary area of her placenta is normal. But, she has grey-white to yellow foci of necrosis and calcification scattered througout.
What is the causative agent?
T. gondii
(Toxoplasmosis)
What will the aborted fetus’s brain look like if it was due to Toxoplamosis?
Will have chalky white, necrotic brain lesions
How can you DX Toxoplasmosis?
- Placental lesions
- Abs in fetal fluids → MAT, ELISA, IFA
- Isolation of the organism from placenta, fetal brain, lung or muscles
How long is the estrous cycle in the Ewe?
14-19 days
What are your main 2 options for estrous synchronization?
- Ram/Buck effect
- **Homonal methods **
-
Progesterone
- **sponges, CIDRs, Norgestomet implants **
- **Prostaglandins **
-
Progesterone
Estrus Synch Protocol using Prostaglandins
- **2 injections of PGF2aor Cloprostenol IM **
- 8-9 d apart in the ewe and 11-12 d apart in the doe
- Estrus is seen within 2-3 d
Signs of estrus in the doe and ewe
**Signs of estrus difficult to spot **
(use teasers with marking harness)
How do you induce partus in ewe? doe?
Ewe
- Dexamethasone > D137
Doe
- PGF2a
What is the most common cuase of dystocia in the ewe/doe?
**Most commonly due to multiple fetuses presented at the pelvic inlet **
**NB!!!! thing you need to be aware of with a doe in parturition **
Uterus is very friable!!!!
**NB! Vaccination status for clostridia **
What is Hydrometra?
Dx?
Tx?
Fertility post tx?
**Goat appears pregnant but does not kid **
Maintained by CL
Dx: U/S - fluid filled uterus but no cotyledons/fetus; typical honeycomb appearance
**Tx: PGF2a injection daily for 1-3 days; doe will have a “cloud burst” and evacuate all fluid **
What are the categories of the male BSE?
- History
- Physical exam
- Specific reproductive exam (check for pizzle rot)
- Semen collection
- Veneral dz (B. ovis - do serology)
BSE parameters that are evaluated in the ram/buck?
- Libido
- Examine prepuce and penis
- Scrotal circuference
- Testes
- Epididymis
How do you evaluate libido in bucks/rams?
Usually from hx, serving capacity tests uncommon
When examing the prepuce and penis during a buck/ram BSE, what should you check for?
- Pizzle rot
- Phimosis
- Examine penis
- Urethral process (urolithiasis)
What is the most common cause of abortion in sheep in the US
Campylobacteriosis
What should the scrotal circuference be for the following age categories of rams?
8-14 m
>14 m
- 8-14m
- 30-36 cm
- >14m
- 32-40 cm
With palpating the testes in the ram –> check for symmetry and consistency. Presence of epidiymitis and spermatic granulomas what is your DDx
DDx: B. ovis
BSE semen parameters for the buck/ram (vol., color, motility, morph)
- Vol
- 0.5-1.5 ml
- Color
- Milky - creamy
- Motility
- >30% to pass BSE, but usually >70%
- Morphology
- >70% normal sperm to pass BSE, but usually >70%
What do you do with the following BSE results
Unsatisfactory in any category?
Questionable in any category?
Satisfactory in all categories?
Exceptional in all categories?
- Unsatisfactory
- Cull
- Questionable
- Re-test
- Satisfactory
- Capable of serving 50 ewes
- Exceptional
- capable of serving 100 ewes
Congenital Penile abnormalities affecting the male
- Hypospadias (uncommon)
- Short penile length (uncommon)
Congenital testiticular and epididymal abnormalities in the male
- Testicular hypoplasia
- Cryptorchid
- Other - gynaecomastia
Aquired penile abnormalities in the male
- Urolithiasis and uretheral rupture
- Balanoposthitis
- Hair ring
- Phimosis
- Paraphimosis
- Scrotal mange (uncommon)
Acquired testicular and epididymal abnormalities in the male
- Orchitis
- Epididymitis
- Sperm Granulomas
What are predisposing factors to Balanopothitis (Pizzle Rot)
- Protein rich diet
- alkaline urine
- bacterial infection of the prepuce (corynebact. renale)
- bacteria produce ammonia frem the urethra which has a scalding and cytotoxic effect on the prepuce
C/S of Balanoposthitis (pizzle rot)
Clinical signs
- Painful urination (dribbling
- Kicking at abdoment (pain)
- Scabs at preputial orifice
Tx of Balanopothitis
Mild cases: restrict dietary protein, ad lib H2O
Severe cases: acidify urine (ammonium chloride); irrigate prepuce with mild antiseptic, broad spectrum AB’s
Rx and prognosis for phimosis
- Manually break down adhesions
- NSAIDs - flunixin
- AB’s - penicillin
- Lavage sheath
Prognosis poor if continues for > 2 weeks
Orchitis
Causes
C/S
Rx
Causes
- trauma, chronic epididymitis
C/S
- Hot, painful, swollen testis/testes, assymetrical on palpation
- Pain on walking, decreased libido
Rx
- Antibiotics, NSAID’s
- If valuable breeding animal, consider hemi-castration SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
*
NB!!!!!!!!!!!!! Epididymitis
Pathogen in older rams vs younger rams (note age distribution)
Transmission old vs young
Pathogen
- Old - B. ovis
- Young - Histophilus spp., Actinobacillus spp, Hemophilus spp, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Transmission
- Old
- Contagious veneral dz; homosexual activity in multisire groups; via ewe at breeding
- Young
- Environmental contamination
NB!!!!!!!!!!!!! C/S of Epididymitis
- acute infection: hot, painful swelling of epid. (assymetrical esp in the tail of the epidid.)
- Increased neutrophils in semen
- Hindlimb lameness due to pain
- Chronic infection: hard swellings of epididymal tail
- Increased WBCs in semen
NB!!!!!!!!!! Dx, Tx, and Prevention Epididymitis
Dx
- Older rams: Culture - from semen; Serology- ELISA, CF
- Young rams: Difficult
Tx
- Old - cull
- Young - Oxytetracyclines
Prevention
- Old - Test and cull B. ovis positive animals
- Young - Raise lambs in extensive conditions
In the buck, what is sperm granulomas associated with?
**The intersex condition **
What is the cause of sperm granulomas in the buck?
- abnormal foramtion of the head of the epidid. resulting in blind ending ductules
- sperm builds up and eventually cuases rupture ductules resulting in a severe inflammatory condition and granuloma formation
- may get calcification of granuloma
- back pressure results in testicular degeneration
C/S and Dx of sperm granulomas
C/S
- Firm (often mineralized) swelling at head of epididymis
- Cooresponding small, atrophic testes
- May be initially
Dx
- U/S (mineralization)
- C/S
What is the term for “milking buck syndrome”?
Gynaecomastia = genetic disorder
Are gynaecomastic bucks able to breed
Normal libido and fertility but shoud be selected against since it is genetic
**NB!!!!!!!!!! Intersex Condition - Goats **
In what type of breed is this more common?
More common in dairy breeds (Sanaan, toggenburg and alpine breeds)
NB!!!! Intersex Condition - Goats
Various phenotypic variations, but most commonly _____
**male pseudohermaphrodites **
**- have testes (usually internal) but phenotypically (look like) female goats **
NB!!!!!! Intersex - Goats
What do they look like at birth, and what changes as they get older?
- female like at birth
