Comparison of the endocrinological and immunological results of different induction of parturition methods in ewes

Abstract

SummaryObjective: This study aimed to compare different induction of parturition (IP) methods in terms of endocrinological and immunological parameters in ewes and lambs. Materials and methods: A total of 24 ewes and their respective 24 lambs were studied. Groups of six ewes were induced on the 138th day: groups I (control), II (dexamethasone), III (aglepristone) and IV (aglepristone + dexamethasone). Blood samples were taken from the ewes from IP to 2 days postpartum at 12-hour intervals for the prolactin and oxytocin analyses. Colostrum and blood samples were collected from the lambs at 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours for the IgG analysis. The prolactin, oxytocin and IgG levels were measured by ELISA. Results: A significant difference was found in prolactin levels in all groups and in the colostral IgG level in group IV with respect to the sampling time. Additionally, a significant difference in prolactin level was found at 24 hours postpartum between group IV and groups I and III. A significant difference in the colostral IgG level was determined at 24 hours after parturition between group III and the other groups and at 48 hours after parturition between groups II and III. A positive and significant correlation between the colostral and serum IgG levels of the lambs was found at 24 hours in groups I and II. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Although varying individual results were found within the groups, the endocrinological and immunological results did not suggest any superiority among the IP methods. Considering the presented study results, a single dose of aglepristone may be used alone or in combination with dexamethasone for IP.

Treatment considerations for bluetongue virus serotype‐3 cases in sheep

“…The rationale behind this is the same principle as the use of dexamethasone (6 mg daily for up to 10 days) in people with severe Covid‐19 infection (Sterne and others 2020), reducing the severe ‘cytokine storm’ and immune‐mediated damage in severe Covid‐19 pneumonia cases. However, it is important to note that dexamethasone will also induce parturition or abortion in pregnant ruminants (at a dose of 8 mg in ewes) (Salci and others 2018). Additionally, there have been no veterinary controlled trials to examine its efficacy in BTV treatment and prolonged corticosteroid treatments are commonly contraindicated for viral infections, so its use should be approached with caution.…”