Ovine fertility, reproduction and obstetrics

• What is Chlamydophila abortus also known as?

  Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE)
• Which protozoan parasite is associated with poor fertility?

  Toxoplasma gondii
• What is one bacterial cause of poor fertility?

  Campylobacter fetus fetus
• Name a viral cause of poor fertility.

  Schmallenberg virus
• How does inflammation affect lambs?

  It affects nutrient transition and hormonal control
• What happens if an ewe is infected more than 6 weeks from lambing?

  It results in abortion 2-3 weeks before lambing

  
• What can happen if ewes are infected closer to lambing?

  It can cause latent infection in the uterus lining

  
• What is a consequence of lambs born to affected ewes?

  They become carriers of the infection

  
• What is necrotic placentitis?

  Oedema of intercotyledonary area of placenta
• What are the clinical signs of Schmallenberg virus in ewes?

  • High barren rate
  • Abortions
  • Live lambs with abnormalities

  
• What is the second most common cause of abortion in the UK?

  Toxoplasma gondii
• What is a characteristic appearance of Toxoplasma infection in cotyledons?

  Strawberry appearance due to focal necrosis
• What happens during early pregnancy with Toxoplasma infection?

  No immune response from the foetus occurs
• What can occur during mid-pregnancy with Toxoplasma infection?

  Foetal loss or mummification of foetuses
• What are the clinical signs of Schmallenberg virus in lambs?

  Abnormalities like arthrogryposis and vertebral deformities
• What is a common source of infection for Campylobacter?

  Contaminated water/feed or aborted material
• What is the impact of Salmonella on ewes?

  High mortality rate and sudden death
• What is Q fever primarily associated with?

  Coxiella burnetti
• When does Q fever typically affect pregnant ewes?

  Last week of pregnancy
• What is a key characteristic of Listeria monocytogenes infection?

  Associated with spoiled silage
• What are the clinical signs of Listeria infection in ewes?

  Sick, pyrexic ewes with necrosis of cotyledons
• What is the timing of clinical signs for Chlamydophila abortus?

  2-3 weeks prior to lambing
• What should be done if abortion occurs in a flock?

  Collect detailed history of the flock

  
• What are the first steps to take after an abortion occurs?

  • Isolate ewe
  • Dispose of abortion material
  • Disinfect pen/area
  • Antibiotic therapy if necessary
• What warrants investigation of abortion causes in a flock?

  More than 2% of total flock affected
• What is the minimum lab sample needed for diagnosing abortion causes?

  Maternal serology
• What is the purpose of collecting foetal fluids?

  To test for Toxoplasma antibodies
• What are the prevention protocols for controlling abortion outbreaks?

  • Closed flock system
  • Vaccination for EAE, Toxoplasma, Salmonella
  • Control cat populations
  • Proper feed production and storage
• How does poor nutrition affect sheep fertility?

  It affects ovulation rate and embryonic loss
• What minerals are important for sheep supplementation?

  Copper, iodine, cobalt, selenium
• What is the role of melatonin in breeding seasonality?

  Activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis
• Why is synchronizing breeding important?

  • Shorter lambing window
  • Easier management
  • Better grazing management
  • Earlier marketing of lambs
• How can advanced breeding methods improve fertility?

  By using AI and embryo transfer
• How does poor nutrition affect sheep?

  It affects ovulation, embryonic loss, and vitality
• What is assessed to evaluate energy balance in sheep?

  Metabolic profiling
• What are the consequences of reduced maternal nutrition in sheep?

  Less protein and energy for the foetus
• What minerals are important for sheep supplementation?

  • Copper
  • Iodine
  • Cobalt
  • Selenium
• What type of breeders are sheep classified as?

  Short day breeders
• What hormone is increased during the night in sheep?

  Melatonin

  
• What does melatonin activate in sheep?

  The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis