Lecture 4

Question 1

What 3 hormone levels are high during parturition?

Answer 1

Relaxin, Oestrogen and Progesterone

Question 2

What stimulates parturition?

Answer 2

Fetal cortisol

Question 3

In cows, does and sows what does rise in fetal cortisol do?

Answer 3

Production of oestrogens by the placenta

Question 4

In all species what does fetal cortisol initate?

Answer 4

Reduced levels of progesterone and increases in oestrogen and prostaglandin

Question 5

What does oxytocin do in regards to parturition?

Answer 5

Released in response to prostaglandin - foetal pressure on cervix
Starts contractions and stimulates bond

Question 6

What does relaxin do in regards to parturition?

Answer 6

Relaxin widens the pubic bone and allows for labour

Stimulates growth and development of teat and lactation

Question 7

What are the signs of impending calving?

Answer 7

Udder fills with colostrum (teats last to fill)
Vulva swells and mucous changes
Tail flexibility increases
Barrel shape to pear shape

Question 8

Describe the normal birthing position?

Answer 8

Two legs superman with legs tucked under

Question 9

What is dystocia?

Answer 9

Abnormal or difficult childbirth

Question 10

What are the signs of impending farrowing?

Answer 10

Enlarged udder/dilation of vulva
Presence of milk
Nervousness/refusal to eat
Nest building 
Abdominal contractions (1-3 hrs before)
Twitching of tail (2 hours before)

Question 11

What are signs of dystocia in pigs?

Answer 11

Sows off feed
Straining evident but no pigs for >15-45 min
Sow distress
Foul smelling discharge

Question 12

Where does oxygenated blood go via the left atrium during foetal circulation?

Answer 12

Foramen ovale

Question 13

What artery allows bypass of the lungs during foetal circulation?

Answer 13

Ductus arteriosus

Question 14

What vein shunts 80% of the blood flow directly to inferior vena cava?

Answer 14

Ductus venous