[Incidence, diagnosis, therapy and subsequent fertility in goats with hydrometra]. / Auftreten, Diagnose, Therapie und nachfolgende Fruchtbarkeitsleistungen bei Ziegen mit Hydrometra.

The hydrometra is a comparatively common disease in dairy goats. The etiology and pathophysiology of this pathological uterine condition has not been completely clarified yet. In the present study 143 cases of hydrometra were found in 2434 goats which had been subjected to pregnancy diagnosis with transrectal ultrasonography for three years. The mean incidence was 5.78%. The uterus of the goats was filled with a clear or slightly turbid fluid which contained small blobs to a certain extent. The amount of the aseptic fluid in the uterus varied from 0.25 to 8.3 l. Hydrometra occurred in goats which had been mated as well as in those which had not been mated. Hydrometra may also be accompanied by embryonic/fetal mortality. The incidence of hydrometra was significantly increased in older does and in does which had been mated after estrus synchronisation with gestagens and PMSG. Out of the breeding season the incidence was higher than during the breeding season. The breed of the does and the milk yield did not influence the incidence of hydrometra. The application of prostaglandin analoques performed a luteolysis and the cloudburst in the goats with high efficiency. After therapy the performance in breeding was significantly decreased. The performances improved when does were mated in a longer distance to the disease. The goats showed a high risk of developing hydrometra again.

[The content of Na, K, Ca, Mg, total P, Fe, Cu and Zn in different tissues and in the placenta of sheep fetuses and newborn lambs]. / Der Gehalt an Na, K, Ca, Mg, Gesamt-P, Fe, Cu und Zn in verschiedenen Geweben sowie in der Plazenta von Schaffeten und von neugeborenen Lämmern.

The content of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total-P, iron, copper, zinc in several tissues of sheep-fetuses (age: 92 and 120 days) as well as that of new-born lambs was analysed. There are many changes in the chemical composition of the tissues, that are of functional significance.

[The wet weight and the content of DNA, RNA and protein of different tissues of 92 and 120 day old sheep fetuses and newborn lambs]. / Die Frischmasse sowie der Gehalt an DNA, RNA und Protein verschiedener Gewebe von 92 und 120 Tage alten Schaffeten sowie von neugeborenen Lämmern.

In sheep-fetuses of the age of 92 (615 +/- 49 g body weight) and of 120 days (1843 +/- 406 g body weight) as well as in newborn lambs (2815 +/- 648 g body weight) the content of DNA, RNA and protein per g wet weight in 14 tissues and in the fetal and the maternal portion of the placenta was analysed. A calculation of the development of the total content of DNA, RNA and protein in the different organs is given. The changes of the wet-weight:DNA-, the protein:DNA- and the RNA:DNA-ratio in the tissues during growth are described. The significance of these changes is discussed.

[Ascorbic acid concentration in plasma, in amniotic and allantoic fluids, in the placenta and in 13 tissues of sheep fetuses and newborn lambs]. / Die Ascorbinsäurekonzentration im Plasma, in der Amnion- und Allantoisflüssigkeit, in der Plazenta sowie in 13 Geweben von Schaffeten und von neugeborenen Lämmern.

At each 8 on an average 92 (body weight 615 +/- 49 g) and 120 days (b.w. 1.8 +/- 0.40 kg) old fetuses as well as at 6 newborn lambs (b.w. 2.8 +/- 0.65 kg) the concentration of ascorbic acid in the plasma, in the amniotic- and allantois-fluid, in the fetal and maternal part of the placenta and in 13 tissues was analyzed. The highest concentration in the plasma (73 +/- 11 micrograms/ml) was determined in the newborns. The concentration in the amniotic-fluid decreased and that in the allantoic-fluid, the adrenals and the fetal part of the placenta increased in the course of growth. In the cerebrum, the cerebellum, the brain stem, the lungs, the heart, the kidneys, the M. longissimus and the M. semimembranosus the concentration diminished during the fetal growth. In the liver, the spleen and the pancreas the concentration was similar. The function of the ascorbic acid during the fetal development is discussed. The results are compared with those at human, pig and calf fetuses. In analyzing the ascorbic concentration in fetal body fluids of ungulates the high concentration of fructose as an influence-factor in the usual applied methods has to be considered.

[Wound myiasis in cattle infested by Lucilia caesar (Diptera: Calliphoridae)]. / Wundmyiasis beim Rind durch Lucilia caesar (Diptera:Calliphoridae).

A case report on facultative wound myiasis after sectio caesarea in a cow by larvae of Lucilia caesar in May 1986.

[Results of histochemical and biochemical studies of uterus of gilts during the estrous cycle]. / Ergebnisse histochemischer und biochemischer Untersuchungen am Uterus von Jungsauen während des Ostruszyklus.

Alkaline phosphatase activity as well as lipid, polysaccharide, glycogen, and acid mucopolysaccharide levels in the uteri of 79 gilts were histochemically tested during the first three sexual cycles. Intra-cyclic alkaline phosphatase activity exhibited clearly pronounced variations in the surface epithelium, with maximum values reached in metoestrus, and moderate variations in the endometrial stroma, with maximum values reached in dioestrus. Cycle-dependent variations were recordable also from the glycogen and lipid levels in the surface and glandular epithelia and from the acid mucopolysaccharide levels in the endometrial stroma. The activity of alkaline phosphatase as well as the levels of glycogen and acid mucopolysaccharides during the first cycle still were lower than those in the second and third. Biochemical examinations of the endometrium revealed significant cycle-dependent variations in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, and succinate-dehydrogenase as well as in the concentrations of soluble protein and glycogen, with maximum values being recordable on the tenth day of cycle. No significant intracyclic variations were recordable from the activities of acid phosphatase as well as of aspartate alanine-amino transferase.

[Possibilities of ovulation synchronization in puberty-induced gilts]. / Untersuchungen über Möglichkeiten der Ovulationssynchronisation bei pubertätsinduzierten Jungschweinen.

Puberty was induced in 39 clinically prepuberal gilts (two groups of three sub-groups each) by parallel but locally separated application of 500 IU PMSG ("Maretropin") and 250 IU HCG ("Gonadex"), with the view to testing ways to synchronise ovulation. Seventy-two hours were allowed to elapse, before 24 animals received another application of 500 IU HCG and 15 animals 250 IU HCG. The animals were slaughtered in consecutive groups of study ovulation and histolotically examined to disclose endometrial processes. Ovulations were found to be well synchronised in the recipients of a second injection of 500 IU HCG. Only sub-threshold effects with no synchronised ovulation were recorded from the animals that had received a second dose of 250 IU HCG. A second injection of 500 IU HCG should be given not until something between 78 and 82 hours after puberty induction for optimum follicle maturation and adequate proliferation of the endometrium.

[Trials of rut induction with prostaglandin F2alpha in gilts]. / Versuche zur Brunstinduktion mit Prostaglandin F2alpha bei Jungasauen.

The possibility of oestrus induction by means of F-2-alpha prostaglandin was checked on nine gilts. The animals received intramuscular injections of 7.5 mg of 10 mg of PG F2alpha on the tenth or twelfth day of cycle. The sexual behaviours of the animals was followed up, and after slaughter followed macroscopic assessment of the ovaries as well as histomorphological and histochemical examinations of the uterus wall. The results have shown that no oestrus or ovulation could be induced by such injection on the tenth or twelfth day of cycle. Regression of corpora lutea and follicle growth five days following application on the twelfth day of cycle were somewhat faster than the same phenomena when observed following injection on the tenth day. However, oestrus and ovulation failed throughout to occur earlier than they would have occurred any way without any treatment. The cycle was not shortened by application of F-2-alpha prostaglandin.

[Uterus development in swine from birth to 8 months of age]. / Die Entwicklung des Uterus des Schweines von der Geburt bis zum Alter von 8 Monaten.

Macroscopic examination was applied to the ovaries and histological tests to the uterus of 108 pigs aged between one and 240 days. The results have shown that the growth of the uterus in swine had not taken place with continuity. Extraordinarily strong thickness growth of the endometrium and myometrium was observed over the first three months of age. Thickness growth of both layers then continued at reduced rate. The uterine glands began to develop from superficial epithelium in the second week of age and reached the basal part of the endometrium in the fourth week. Both the number of uteroglandular sections per visual field and the glandular surface over the whole area of the endometrium, as recorded from cross-section specimens, increased strongly over the first three months of age, followed by less marked change. Continued development and maturation of the elements involved took place between the twelfth and 24th weeks of age, with the uterine glands acquiring capacity of secretion. Stagnation is uterus development and growth was observed at the age of over 180 days. The most favourable date for zootechnical stimulation of puberty was considered to lie in the period between 170 and 200 days of age, whereas biotechnical induction of puberty might give best results when applied at an age between 180 and 200 days.

[Histomorphological changes in the uterus of gilts during the first 3 sexual cycles]. / Histomorphologische Veränderungen am Uterus von Jungsauen während der ersten 3 Sexualzyklen.

Histomorphological and histometric studies were conducted into the uteri of 79 gilts during their first three oestric cycles. Strong uterus growth was observed during puberty. Thicknesses of the endometrium and myometrium, height of the glandular epithelium, and the relative glandular area were significantly larger than the comparable parameters of prepuberal gilts. Another significant thickness growth was recordable from the endometrium and myometrium in the course of the first three sexual cycles. Epithelial heights, number of glandular sections in one visual field, and relative glandular area remained nearly constant between the first and third cycles, except for certain cyclic alterations. During one cycle, significant variation was recorded from the height of superficial epithelium (maximum: metoestrus), the percentual amount of glands in the total area (maximum: metoestrus to dioestrus I), and the number of glandular sections in one visual field (maximum: dioestrus I). The first sexual cycles, hence, are characterised by continued uterus growth and more stabilisation of uterus function. Gilts, therefore, should not be used for breeding until the second oestrus has taken place.

[Histological findings on the uterus of gilts following synchronized ovulation]. / Histologische Befunde am Uterus von Jungsauen nach Ovulations-synchronisation.

Histological studies were undertaken with the view to testing uterus structure and function of gilts following synchronised ovulation by means of different PMSG doses. All proband groups received 500 I.U. HCG. All histomorphological, histochemical, and histometric checks revealed 500 I.U. PMSG to be too low a dosage, whereas the optimum amount was found to be between 750 and 1,000 I.U. PMSG. The uterine glands of all treated animals in all three groups were less favourably developed than those of the untreated controls. The best morphologico-histochemical pattern was observed following administration of 750 I.U. PMSG.

[Studies on improving the fertility of aged sows. 2. Results of histological studies on the structure of the endometrium in aged sows during estrous cycle]. / Untersuchungen zur Steigerund der Fruchtbarkeitsleistung bei Altsauen 2. Mitt.: Ergebnisse histologischer Untersuchungen über den Aufbau des Endometriums von Altsauen während des Zyklus

Histomorphological and histometric techniques were employed to study cyclic processes in the endometrium. Specimens of uterus were obtained on the 1st, 5th, 8th, 13th, 17th and 21st days of the cycle. The effect of oestrogens, which are produced in large amounts during pro-oestrus, oestrus and to some extent in metoestrus, was reflected in proliferative processes in the epithelium, with increases in the cell population, thickness of the epithelium, and height of the superficial and glandular epithelium. During oestrus the subepithelial layer was broad and was rich in lymphocytes and neutrophile grandulocytes, while the lamina propria showed considerable oedema and hyperaemia. The action of gestagens during dioestrus led to an increase in glandular structures due to the development of more convolutions and a more even distribution of glands throughout the entire propria. There was evidence of active glandular secretion, which during the course of dioestrus resulted in a relatively low and single-layered superficial and glandular epithelium.