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What is the average gestation period for a cow?
What is the average gestation period for a cow?
Feeding has no impact on the length of the gestation period.
Feeding has no impact on the length of the gestation period.
False
What is the gestation period for a donkey in days?
What is the gestation period for a donkey in days?
365 days
The gestation period for elephants ranges from __ to __ months.
The gestation period for elephants ranges from __ to __ months.
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Match the following animals with their average gestation periods:
Match the following animals with their average gestation periods:
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Which animal has the shortest gestation period?
Which animal has the shortest gestation period?
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The gestation period length can be influenced by hereditary factors.
The gestation period length can be influenced by hereditary factors.
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Name one environmental factor that affects the gestation period.
Name one environmental factor that affects the gestation period.
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What is the primary stage of gestation that immediately follows fertilization?
What is the primary stage of gestation that immediately follows fertilization?
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Male foeti have a longer gestation period than female foeti in monotocus animals.
Male foeti have a longer gestation period than female foeti in monotocus animals.
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What are the three stages of gestation?
What are the three stages of gestation?
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The _______ stage begins with organogenesis and ends by parturition.
The _______ stage begins with organogenesis and ends by parturition.
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What is the main function of the amnion during parturition?
What is the main function of the amnion during parturition?
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What is the gestation period for bitches during implantation?
What is the gestation period for bitches during implantation?
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Match the animals with their respective range for the embryonic stage:
Match the animals with their respective range for the embryonic stage:
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The allantois forms after 28 days of conception.
The allantois forms after 28 days of conception.
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What is the amniotic fluid primarily composed of?
What is the amniotic fluid primarily composed of?
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Primiparous animals have a longer gestation period than pluriparous animals.
Primiparous animals have a longer gestation period than pluriparous animals.
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The ______ is the outer fetal membrane that surrounds the embryo.
The ______ is the outer fetal membrane that surrounds the embryo.
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The trophoblast cells form _______ processes that invade the endometrial mucosa.
The trophoblast cells form _______ processes that invade the endometrial mucosa.
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Match the following functions with the correct fetal structures:
Match the following functions with the correct fetal structures:
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What do amniotic plaques represent?
What do amniotic plaques represent?
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The umbilical cord connects the allantois to the fetal bladder.
The umbilical cord connects the allantois to the fetal bladder.
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What are allantoic calculi also known as?
What are allantoic calculi also known as?
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What is the primary function of the amniotic fluid?
What is the primary function of the amniotic fluid?
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The allantoic fluid is primarily secreted by the allantoic membrane.
The allantoic fluid is primarily secreted by the allantoic membrane.
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What are the two types of fluids present in the fetal environment?
What are the two types of fluids present in the fetal environment?
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The volume of allantoic fluid in cows ranges between _____ liters.
The volume of allantoic fluid in cows ranges between _____ liters.
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During which stage does the growth of the fetus predominantly take place?
During which stage does the growth of the fetus predominantly take place?
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Match the following species with their approximate allantoic fluid volumes:
Match the following species with their approximate allantoic fluid volumes:
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The length of the fetus increases at a uniform rate throughout pregnancy.
The length of the fetus increases at a uniform rate throughout pregnancy.
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The characteristic color of amniotic fluid is _____ amber yellow.
The characteristic color of amniotic fluid is _____ amber yellow.
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What is the primary characteristic noted about the hair in the foal at the 5th month of pregnancy?
What is the primary characteristic noted about the hair in the foal at the 5th month of pregnancy?
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The whole body of a calf should show signs of alopecia after a normal gestation period.
The whole body of a calf should show signs of alopecia after a normal gestation period.
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What is the weight range for a typical cow calf?
What is the weight range for a typical cow calf?
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At 8.5 to 10 months of pregnancy, the whole body of the ___ is covered with hair.
At 8.5 to 10 months of pregnancy, the whole body of the ___ is covered with hair.
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Match the animal with its corresponding hairing characteristics:
Match the animal with its corresponding hairing characteristics:
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What is a sign of maturity for a newly born calf according to weight?
What is a sign of maturity for a newly born calf according to weight?
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No teeth erupting from the gum is a sign of maturity in puppies.
No teeth erupting from the gum is a sign of maturity in puppies.
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What happens to the eyelids of newly born dogs and cats during the first few days?
What happens to the eyelids of newly born dogs and cats during the first few days?
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of unripens in newly born animals?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of unripens in newly born animals?
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The umbilical cord contains only umbilical veins.
The umbilical cord contains only umbilical veins.
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What is the average length of the umbilical cord in a puppy?
What is the average length of the umbilical cord in a puppy?
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The __________ is the connection between the fetal chorion and maternal endometrium.
The __________ is the connection between the fetal chorion and maternal endometrium.
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Match the following types of placentas to their classifications:
Match the following types of placentas to their classifications:
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What type of placenta is characterized by villi covering a girdle-like zone?
What type of placenta is characterized by villi covering a girdle-like zone?
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The epithelio-chorial placenta has all six layers of tissues present between maternal and fetal blood.
The epithelio-chorial placenta has all six layers of tissues present between maternal and fetal blood.
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What is the shape of the caruncles in a goat's placentome?
What is the shape of the caruncles in a goat's placentome?
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Study Notes
Physiology of Pregnancy
- Presented by Dr. Mohamed Wagdy Rezk Mansour
- Lecturer of Theriogenology
- Theriogenology department, Faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Sadat City
- [email protected]
Gestation Period/Pregnancy Duration
- Period of time from fertilization to parturition or from conception till birth
Factors Affecting Gestation Period Length
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I. Hereditary factors:
- Species: Monotous animals (cow and mare) have longer gestation periods than polytocus animals (sheep and goats). Beef cattle have longer gestation periods than dairy cows.
- Breed: Differences in gestation length exist between breeds.
- Fetal genotype: Hybrids (e.g., horse x donkey) have gestation periods closer to the paternal species than maternal species. Mare x stallion = foal: (320-360) days. Mare x donkey = mule: (360-380) days.
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II. Environmental factors:
- Feeding: Well-fed animals have shorter gestation periods (by 3 days) compared to those that are ill-fed.
- Season: Animals born in summer or autumn have shorter gestation periods than those born in winter or spring.
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III. Fetal factors:
- Litter size: Inverse relationship between gestation period and litter size in polytocus animals. Twin pregnancies (in cows and buffaloes) have shorter gestation periods than single-fetus pregnancies.
- Number of fetuses: A higher number of fetuses is associated with a shorter gestation period.
- Sex of fetus: Male fetuses have longer gestation periods than female fetuses.
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IV. Maternal factors:
- Number of previous parturitions: Primiparous (first-time mothers) animals have shorter gestation periods than pluriparous (multiple-time mothers) animals.
Stages of Gestation Period
-
1. Germinal period (Ovum stage):
- Starts from fertilization and ends with implantation of the blastocyst in the endometrium.
- Fertilized ovum takes 3-5 days to reach the uterus (morula stage/ 16-32 cell stage).
- By 10-12 days, the blastocyst begins to attach to the endometrium.
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2. Embryonic stage:
- Begins after implantation, during which the embryo and placenta form (organogenesis).
- Body differentiation occurs, heart prominence appears by the end of the fourth week, and fore and hind limbs by the end of the fifth week. Fetal membranes form.
- Timeframes (approximate): Cows (13th – 45th days), Buffaloes (13th-50th days), Mares (29th-55th days), Sheep and goats (10th-35th days).
- 3. Fetal stage: Begins with organogenesis and ends with parturition. The fetus grows in size and different organs develop.
Mechanism of Implantation
- Continuous growth of blastocyst leads to fragmentation of zona pellucida. The trophoblast cells forming finger-like processes (chorionic villi) invade the endometrial mucosa.
- Specific pregnancy lengths vary: Bitches – 7 days; Ewes (sheep) – 10 days; Cows and buffaloes – 12-13 days; Sows (pigs) – 14 days. Mares – 29 days.
In fallopian tube
- Fertilized ovum remains in fallopian tube for 3-5 days
- Nourishment/feeding on yolk sac and nutrient material secreted. Mitotic divided into several cells (morula stage/ 32 cells)
- Migrate to uterus by contraction of oviduct and Ciliary movement of lining epithelium.
Yolk sac
- Nourishes the ovum in early gestation. (absorbing uterine milk from endometrium).
- Atrophied and included within the umbilical cord by the end of early gestation.
Formation of Fetal Membranes
- Fetal membranes surround developing embryo and includes amnion, chorion, and allantois.
- The amnion is a double-walled sac, surrounds the embryo, and is filled with fluid.
- The allantois acts as a waste reservoir and connects the developing fetus to the maternal circulation through the umbilical cord.
Amniotic Plaques
- Small (0.5-1.5 cm) white elevated plaques on the inner surface of the amnion, containing calcium deposits.
- Develop in the third month, keratinizing by the 7th month.
Function of the Amnion
- Protective cushion against external shock.
- Prevents adhesions between embryo and surrounding structures.
- Acts as a wedge during parturition, dilating the cervix.
Fetal and Placenta (Amniotic Surface Exposed)
- Umbilical and amnion are covered by amniotic plaques.
Allantois
- Completely formed 24-28 days after conception.
- Arises as an out-pocketing of the hindgut.
- Connected to the fetal bladder via the urachus, which runs through the umbilical cord.
- Forms calculi (hippomanes), dark fleshy masses of cellular debris, fat, and degenerated blood vessels (in cow, sow, ewe, bitch, and mare).
In Ruminants
- Allantois does not completely surround the amnion due to adhesion between chorion and allantois in the dorsal surface. Forms amniochorion membrane
Chorion
- Outer fetal membrane.
- Directly in contact with the uterine endometrium.
- A bare area (cervical star) exists in mares on the chorion facing the internal os.
Fetal Fluids
- Transudated from the fetal membranes (amnion and allantoic).
- Transudated from fetal/maternal circulation.
- Secreted from fetal skin and nasopharyngeal mucosa.
- Fetal urine contains carbohydrates, fat, minerals, NH3, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, sugar, and albumin
Function of the Placenta
- Respiratory organ, carrying O2 to fetus
- Nutritional organ
- Selectively absorbs elements (calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins).
- Stores glycogen and fats.
- Barrier against infectious materials like brucella.
- Conveys antibiotics/antibodies.
- Endocrine organ, secreting hormones (estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, and pituitary-like gonadotropin, placental lactogen).
Hormonal Control of Pregnancy
- Pregnancy is regulated by progesterone.
- Progesterone is essential for endometrial gland growth to produce uterine milk to nourish embryo/fetus and reduce uterine motility.
- Sources of progesterone may vary by species.
- In cattle and sheep, the corpus luteum (CL) produces progesterone during the early stages, with the placenta taking over during the later stages.
Changes in Uterine Contents During Pregnancy
- Uterine wall thins, and uterine horns become asymmetrical.
- Foetal fluids accumulate, placentomes develop, and foetal membranes form.
- Fetal movement and size lead to changes in uterine position, with gradual changes in pelvic cavity/abdominal cavity from the 3rd-7th month.
Relative Growth of Different Components of Pregnant Uterus
- First half of pregnancy: Foetal membranes grow rapidly, while the foetus grows slowly and there's considerable accumulation of foetal fluid.
- Second half of pregnancy: The foetus grows rapidly in size and weight, with relatively static growth in foetal membranes and fluids.
Classification of the Placenta
- Categorized by layers separating maternal and foetal blood across the placenta. Placenta is classified as simple diffuse, cotyledonary, zonary, or discoidal.
Histological Classification of Placenta
- Six layers: Endothelium of blood vessel of both foetus and mother, Connective tissue, Trophoblast, Endometrium.
- Types: Epitheliochorial, Syndesmochorial, Endotheliochorial, and hemochorial.
Anatomical Classification of Placenta
- Simple diffuse – Whole surface of chorion with finger-like villi embedded in endometrial crypts, separated easily (mare, she-camel, sow, pig).
- Cotyledonary – Caruncles in endometrium lie in apposition with cotyledons, forming placentomes. Placentome are arranged in 4 rows (2 dorsal and 2 ventral): Convex in cows/buffaloes, cup shaped in ewes and goats.
- Zonary – Middle part of the allanto-chorion covered with villi, and interlocked in pockets (dog/cat/bitch).
- Discoidal – Maternal/foetal attachment in a single or multiple disc like areas(mice, guinea pig, woman/primates).
Function of the Placenta
- Fetal respiration, carrying O2 to fetus
- Nutrition
- Selective absorption of vitamins
- Storing glycogen and fats.
- Barrier against infectious agents (brucella)
- Antibiotic and antibodies movement.
- Secretion of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, relaxin, placental lactogen)
- Fetal membrane aids in pregnancy diagnosis
- Production of fructose
Maturation of Fetus
- Whole body covered with hair, except inner thigh.
- Signs of maturity: Weight, Length (CR/CVR), Hair distribution/color/length, Tooth eruption.
Changes during Fetal Stage
- Growth changes: Fetal length increase. Cow/calf: 1cm/week until 11th then 2cm/week afterwards.
- Maturation changes: Hair development around the full body. Fetal weight increases
The Umbilical Cord
- Connects fetus and placenta.
- Contains: Two umbilical arteries, two umbilical veins, urachus (vestige of yolk sac), and Wharton's jelly.
- Length varies between species (e.g., buffalo calves - 50 cm, cow calves -30-40cm, foals - 45-90cm, lambs and kids -20cm, puppies/kittens - 8-10 cm).
Importance of Judging Fetus Maturity
- Pay attention to immature animals’ diet and care.
- Crucial management in cases of premature birth or venereal diseases.
- Unripe animals are characterized by small size, unusual hair distribution/color/length, irregular teeth, weakness, and/or decreased activity.
Symptoms of Unripeness in Newly Born Animals
- Small size, irregular hair distribution/color/length, irregular teeth, weak, inactive, can potentially die shortly after.
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Test your knowledge on the average gestation periods of various animals, including cows, donkeys, and elephants. This quiz covers factors influencing gestation length, stages of gestation, and specific terminology associated with embryonic development. Perfect for students studying animal biology or veterinary sciences.