Parturition process in mare and buffalo

1. Parturition Process in Mare and
Buffalo
Presented by
Abdullah Al Mubin
MS in Theriogenology
Dept. of Surgery and Obstetrics
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Course No. VSO- 629
Course Title: Obstetrics

2. Outlines
• Introduction
• Pathway to Parturition
• Parturition Process
• Parturition Process in Mare
• Parturition Process in Buffalo
• Conclusion
• References

3. Introduction
Parturition is a coordinated process of transition from a
quiescent myometrium to an active rhythmically contractile state,
requiring complex interplay between placental, fetal, and maternal
compartments(Vannuccini S, Petraglia M,2019).
It involves the synchronization of myometrial activity and structural
changes of the cervix, leading to regular coordinated uterine
contractions, cervical effacement and dilatation and rupture of
amniotic sac(Hossein et al., 2014).
Multiple endocrine, paracrine and autocrine events and overlapping
maternal/fetal control mechanisms trigger parturition.

5. Parturition Process
Parturition process can be divided into three stages-
 Stage-|
 Stage-||
 Stage-|||

6. Stage-|
This stage lasts for 1 to 4 hours (Anon,2008). The animal may exhibit the
following signs:
 Appear restless, indicated by frequent interruptions in eating. She may
stop chewing feed already in her mouth or she may pace the stall.
 Paw the bedding of ground in different places as if looking for something,
and switch her tail.
 Get up and down frequently.
 Sweat in the flanks.
 Urinate frequently
Parturation Process in Mare

7. Stage-||
• This stage starts with the rupture of the
chorioallantois and ends when the fetus is
expelled.
• Second stage labor usually lasts for 15–30
min. Animal may lie out flat.
• When the fetus engages the cervix, the
Ferguson reflex occurs and stimulates the
mare to have abdominal
contractions(Fawden et al., 2008)
• The allantoic fluid lubricates the canal,
facilitating expulsion of the amnion and
fetus.
Contd.
Fig. Stage- ||

8. Stage-||
• Vaginal distention causes release
of oxytocin and further myometrial and
abdominal contractions.
• The amnion appears at the vulvar lips as a
whitish, fluid-filled membrane.
• The straining efforts of the mare consist of
three to four strong contractions, followed by
a short period of rest.
• During the actual expulsion of the foal, the
mare usually assumes lateral recumbency
with all four limbs extended.
Contd.
Fig. End of the Stage - ||

9. Stage-|||
• It involves expulsion of the fetal
membranes.
• Normally, fetal membrane passage
occurs rapidly (within 3 hrs.) after
delivery of the foal.
• The weight of the amnion and cord
may help the chorion separate from
the endometrium.
• Progressive traction by the amnion
and moderate uterine contractions
originating at the tip of the horn cause
complete separation of the
chorioallantois and expulsion occurred.
Contd.
Fig. Expulsion of Fetal Membrane

10. Parturation Process in Buffalo
Stage- |
This stage is characterized by the relaxation of cervix and active
contraction of the both longitudinal and circular muscle of uterus.
This stage lasts for 1- 12 hours (Hussain et al.,2014).During this
stage some behavioral changes may be noticeable-
 Anorexia
 Arched Back
 Raised tail
 Strain occasionally
 Lie down and get up etc.

11. Contd.
Stage- ||
Duration of this stage is about 45-90
minutes(Hussain et al.,2014). This stage is
involved expulsion of fetus and
characterized by –
 Uterine contraction is occurred with the
release of oxytocin
 Rupture of the amniotic sac
 Protrusion of fetus into dilated birth canal
 Buffalo may lie out sternum
 Finally, expulsion of fetus is occurred
Fig. Stage - ||

12. Contd.
Stage- |||
 This stage is begin immediate after the
expulsion of fetus.
 Duration of this stage in buffalo is about 7-12
hrs. (Hussain et al.,2014).
 Third stage is involved in expulsion of fetal
membrane.
 Expulsion of fetal membrane is occurred due to
shrinking of villi and dilatation of maternal
carancules

13. Conclusion
• Parturition is the most important event of an animal’s life. For
livestock producers, it is a key event that can either lead to
economic gains, or to a loss should problems occur.
• By understanding how parturition occurs, it is easier for livestock
breeders to know when a problem occurs and what to do if an
animal needs assistance.

14. References
• Vannuccini, S., Petraglia M,(2019).Encyclopedia of Endocrine Diseases (Second
Edition)
• Anon (2008) Review Article Parturition in Domestic Animals : Targets for Future
Research. [Online] 43, 36–42. Available from: doi:10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01219.x.
• Fowden, A., Forhead, A. & Ousey, J. (2008) The Endocrinology of Equine Parturition.
Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes : official journal, German Society of
Endocrinology [and] German Diabetes Association. [Online] 116, 393–403. Available
from: doi:10.1055/s-2008-1042409.
• Frazer, G., Perkins, N. & Embertson, R. (2010) Normal parturition and evaluation of the
mare in dystocia. Equine Veterinary Education. [Online] 11, 41–46. Available from:
doi:10.1111/j.2042-3292.1999.tb00918.x.
• Hossein, A., Safdar, A. & Kor, N.M. (2014) Parturition mechanisms in ruminants : A
complete overview Pelagia Research Library Pelagia Research Library. 4 (3), 211–218.