Pregnancy Toxemia in Ewes: A Review of Molecular Metabolic Mechanisms and Management Strategies

Abstract

Pregnancy toxemia is a nutritional metabolic disease during late gestation in small ruminants. The condition is characterized by disorders in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Obese and multiparous ewes are particularly susceptible to pregnancy toxemia, which may lead to maternal death, abortion, or premature birth. Highly productive multiparous meat ewes are major breeding animals, which has led to an increased incidence of the disease. However, the pathogenesis of pregnancy toxemia remains unclear and adequate disease prevention and treatment strategies are absent. Investigating the pathogenesis of pregnancy toxemia, especially the metabolic pathways of hepatic lipids, is key to an improved understanding of the condition. This review provides a snapshot of the genes that are associated with lipid metabolism in the ovine liver, including genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, acetyl coenzyme metabolism, and triglyceride synthesis; describes the interrelationships between these genes; and summarizes the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pregnancy toxemia.

Nutrición animal: Texto de formación universitaria

“…Las ovejas obesas y multíparas son particularmente susceptibles a la toxemia de la preñez, que puede provocar muerte materna, aborto o parto prematuro. Las ovejas de carne multíparas altamente productivas son las más susceptibles; sin embargo, la patogenia de la toxemia de la preñez sigue siendo poco claras y no existen estrategias adecuadas de prevención y tratamiento de la enfermedad, aunque el tratamiento usualmente incluye la administración de sustancias glucogénicas (Ji et al, 2023). La suplementación de tiamina como aditivo alimentario en dosis de 45 mg/h/d mejora las respuestas fisiológicas, la composición de la sangre y el rendimiento productivo de ovejas preñadas (Solouma et al, 2022).…”

Pathology and Oxidative Stress Changes Associated with Pregnancy ‎Toxaemia in Ewes

“…Pregnancy toxaemia, also known as ketosis or twin-lamb disease, is a metabolic disorder characterized by the development of ketonemia and ketonuria in pregnant ewes, typically occurring during the last trimester of gestation (Ji et al, 2023). This condition poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of both the ewe and the developing fetuses, often resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates.…”