Morfometrias de égua e do neonato relacionadas a característica de placenta e metabolismo energético no terço final de gestação

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate the final third of gestation in Thoroughbred mares, as the energy profile, morphometry and placental and maternal characteristics in order to relate these characteristics of the foal at birth. Evaluations were conducted on separate studies, the results of which are described in three articles. In the first article were evaluated in 99 mares PSI the relationship between gestational length, age, placental weight and placental delivery time with the characteristic height, weight and gender of their foals (N = 98) at birth. Was found longer gestational length for mares that gave birth to male foals (P=0,0027), which had higher weight at birth (P=0,0066). Data analysis showed positive correlations of mare’s age with height (P=0,02) and weight (P=0,004) of the foal. In the second article of the dissertation were evaluated the energy profile of 51 Thoroughbred mares in the final third of gestation, through analysis of serum NEFA, triglycerides and total cholesterol, in order to investigate its relation to weight, height and gender of their foals (N = 48) at birth. It was observed that mares do not exhibit negative energy balance in relation to the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and NEFA. Was also found that mares gestating larger and heavier foals mobilize more energy reserves due to fetal growth, without influence of sex of the foal. In the third paper was determined morphometry of 51 Thoroughbred mares in the final third of gestation, evaluating their measures of girth, perimeter in the area of 12th rib and perimeter in the area of 18 th rib, to correlate with weight and height of their foals (N = 48) at birth, assessing which accompanies better measure the weight gain of the mare in the final third of gestation. Methods of weighing alternative to the balance were also tested, through tape and formula using weight and girth and body length. The tape weight and formula are not appropriate indicators of weight gain for pregnant mares in the final third of gestation, reinforcing what has already been described in previous studies. The girth and waist circumference at the 18th rib measures are not applied in an attempt to predict weight gain in mares in the final third of gestation. It was observed that the measurement of maternal perimeter in the region of 12 ° rib accompanies weight gain of pregnant mare and correlates with the size of the foal at birth.