• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.1067-1078
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• 2003

This study was designed to determine the effect of gestation housing and parity on the farrowing performance and behaviour of sows during pregnancy, farrowing and lactation periods. Total 18 Duroc sows were randomly assigned after 4 weeks of gestation to either an individual gestation stall or a groups of three with pen gestation system for three parities(1st, 2nd${\sim}$3rd, and 4th${\sim}$5th). Approximately 7 days before predicted farrowing date, sows were transferred to farrowing crates where they remained until 21 days post-partum. Behaviour was recorded on day 60 and 90 of pregnancy for 24 hours, on day of farrowing for farrowing duration and on day 10 of lactation for 2.5 hours in the farrowing crate. The results obtained from this study were summarized as follows: On 60 and 90 day of pregnancy, all sows in both groups made attempts for ventral lying more than for other postures. Sows in the group gestation pen spent more time on walking than those in individual gestation stall(p<0.01); however, the group housed sows were spent less time on drinking than the individually housed sows(p<0.01). There was no significant difference between gestation housings in the occurrence of stereotypy of pregnant sows. On day 60 of pregnancy, sows in the individual gestation stall showed the highest frequency of vacuum chewing and head weaving. However, floor licking and bar licking behaviours were highest in day 90 pregnant sows individually housed. The sows individually housed during the gestation period spent more time on sitting and eating on the day of farrowing in the farrowing crate than the sows group housed. On day 10 of lactation in the farrowing crate, the group housed sows during the gestation period made significantly more attempts for ventral lying than sows individually housed. In conclusion, the occurrence of stereotypy of sows during the gestation and lactation did not differ between gestation housings and farrowing performance of sows during the gestation period was not affected by gestation housing. Thus, the group housing for pregnant sows is a feasible means to improve welfare of sows and to increase the normal behaviour of sows.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.455-465
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• 2001

Glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) is one of the intermediate filaments, and used as an astrocyte detection marker. GFAP distribution has been studied on the fetal, neonatal and aged brains. In this study, the GFAP immunoreactive cell localization and distribution in the fetal (30, 45, 60, 90, 105 and 120 days of gestation) and neonate spinal cords of Korean native goat were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Nonpolar radial glial cells initiated to appear at 45 days of gestation. GFAP-immunoreactive processes were extended from central canal to pia matter. Bipolar immumoreactive cells were transformed to monopolar and multipolar immunoreactive cells at 45 days of gestation. Multipolar astrocytes of 60 days of gestation were found within white and gray matters of spinal cord. The number of GFAP-immunoreactive cells were gradually decreased from 90 days of gestation until newborn neonate. The intensity of GFAP immunoreactivity was gradually decreased from 95 days of gestation until newborn neonate. These results suggest that the radial glial cells within the gray and white matters of spinal cord are very fast developed.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.261-270
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• 1988

This study was performed to investigate the effect of gestation on the histological and histochemical changes of the uterine cervix of the native Korean cattle. A total of 110 cows obtained from the Chonhuk abattoir were divided into six groups. The 1st group was of 9 non-pregnant cows and 101 singleton pregnant cows were grouped into 5 groups from pregnant I to pregnant V according to gestation periods by means of crown rump length measures. For light microscopy the tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin and processed routinely for paraffin sections The $6{\mu}m$ sections were taken and stained with H-E, Alcian blue pH 1.0, Alcian blue pH 2.5, Alcian blue pH 2.5/PAS, PAS reaction, toluidin blue, and trichrome. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The cervical lengths and widths were increased in relation to advancing gestation. 2. The cervical folds of the pregnant groups were increased and complicated with many branches, and the cervical muscosal epithelia were increased in according to advancing gestation. 3. As advancing gestation, the tunics muscularis of cervix was increased following moderate distribution of fibroblast and vascularity, meanwhile decreased mast cells were found. 4. The cervical mucosubstance was composed of mixed mucopolysaccharides; the acid mucus was increased from the early pregnant state but the neutral mucus was found after pregnant IV, and the mucus was stained deeply in each staining in the fold cavity in according to gestation state.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.1142-1147
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• 2011

Lysine intake during gestation has a major impact on subsequent reproductive performance. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of lysine intake from mid-gestation until farrowing on the reproductive performance of multiparous sows. On day 30 of gestation, 200 Landrace${\times}$Large White sows were randomly assigned to one of four groups based on body weight and parity (n = 50). The gestation diets contained 0.46, 0.56, 0.65 or 0.74% lysine. Increasing dietary lysine concentration improved sow body condition at farrowing and increased litter weights (p<0.05). Dietary lysine level also had a significant effect on the dry matter (p<0.05) and protein content (p<0.05) of colostrum. Increased lysine intake increased serum insulin concentration (p<0.05) and there was a trend towards increased serum prolactin content (linear, p = 0.07). However, increased lysine tended to decrease blood urea N (quadratic, p = 0.05). These results suggest that higher lysine levels (0.65-0.75%) than those recommended by the National Research Council improved reproductive performance for multiparous gestating sows and this increase may be partially mediated through blood metabolites or metabolic hormone levels.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.15-19
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• 2009

This study was carried out to collect the basic data about gestation lengths and offspring's birth weights and sex ratio of the dairy recipients transferred with Hanwoo IVF embryos. Blastocysts cultured for $7{\sim}8$ days were transferred to 96 and 167 heads for the basic data about gestation length and offspring's birth weight and sex ratio of the dairy recipients, respectively. The gestation lengths of the dairy recipients transferred with Hanwoo IVF embryos were $287.3{\pm}11.2$ ($257{\sim}311$) and $284.1{\sim}7.7$ ($266{\sim}295$) days in male and female of the offspring, respectively. The gestation lengths of the recipients were $290.7{\pm}10.4$, $285.8{\pm}3.4$, $280.0{\pm}9.3$ and $286.1{\pm}7.9$ days in spring, summer, autumn and winter of the calving season, respectively, and were significantly different among the calving season (p<0.05). The birth weights of male and female calves were $25.5{\pm}2.4$ ($21{\sim}30$) and $26.3{\pm}3.9$ ($21{\sim}40$ kg in offsprings of the dairy recipients transferred with Hanwoo IVF embryos, respectively. The sex ratio was 90.7 in the offsprings of the dairy recipients transferred with Hanwoo IVF embryos.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.495-506
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of iron and magnesium and the effect of von supplementation during 8 weeks(from 20 to 28 weeks of gestation) on serum iron and magnesium status of 31 pregnant women in Kyunsin area. The age, weight, and height of the subjects before pregnancy were investigated by questionnaires. At 20 and 28 weeks of gestation, data for food and nutrient intake were obtained by questionnaires and serum sample was obtained. According to the frequency of iron supplementation, subjects were divided into two groups(4$\geq$/wk) The mean iron supplementation of 5 $\geq$/wk group(63.mg/day) was significantly higher than 4$_2$ intakes were much less than the Korean RDA. Especially, calcium, iron and magnesium intakes showed half the levels compared with Korean RDA. At 28 weeks of gestation the serum total protein(p<0.001), albumin(p<0.01) and globulin(p<0.001) were significantly decreased. Total iron binding capacity(TIBC) was significantly increased(P<0.001), but serum ferritin(p<0.01) and magnesium(p<0.01) concentrations were significantly decreased. However, even 28 weeks of gestation 5$\geq$/wk group showed higher serum iron and ferritin concentration and lower TIBC than 4$\geq$/wk group. Therefore, iron supplementation should be conducted with concerning the mineral balance like magnesium.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.148-157
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• 1979

The followings are the results obtained from the investigation of blood pictures and serum components of rabbits according to gestation period. 1. The erythrocytes count and hematocrit values were insignificantly decreased with the progress of gestation period. The hemoglobin content was significantly decreased at 3- and 4-week after gestation. 2. The total leukocytes count was continuousely increased during the gestation period. This tendency was significantly recognized at 3- and 4- week after gestation, but the normal situation was restored after parturition. While the percentage of neutrophils was significantly increased, that of lymphocytes was decreased from 3 weeks after gestation. 3. The contents of total protein and non-protein nitrogen were continuously decreased with the process of gestation period, but the significant differences were recognized from 3 weeks. 4. The total lipids were not markedly changed until 3 weeks, but significantly increased at 4-week after gestation and on 5-day after parturition. 5. The serum cholesterol tended to be decreased until 3 weeks, but significantly increased at 4-week after gestation and on 5-day after parturition. 6. The serum calcium was continuousely decreased during the gestation period, but the significant differences were recognized at 3- and 4-week. The serum phosphorus was also significantly decreased at 4-week after gestation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1512-1518
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• 2015

This experiment was conducted to assess the welfare and productivity of gestating gilts in groups with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system compared to conventional stalls. A total of 83 gilts ($Yorkshire{\times}Landrace$) were housed into individual stalls to be artificially inseminated. Gilts confirmed pregnant were introduced to their treatment, conventional stalls (ST) or groups with the ESF system. All gilts were taken to the farrowing crates one week prior to their expected farrowing date. In the gestation period, there were no significant differences between gilts allocated to ST and ESF on growth performance. However, backfat thickness gain (p = 0.08) and body condition score (BCS) at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.10) tended to be higher in ESF gilts than ST. Likewise, gilts housed in group showed significantly higher estimated body muscle contents at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.02) and body muscle change during gestation (p = 0.01). There was a trend for a shorter parturition time in ESF gilts (p = 0.07). In the lactation period, group housed gilts showed a tendency to increased BCS changes (p = 0.06). Reproductive performance did not differ with the exception of piglet mortality (ST = 0.2 no. of piglets vs ESF = 0.4 no. of piglets; p = 0.01). In blood profiles, ST gilts showed a higher cortisol level at 110 days of gestation (p = 0.01). Weaning to estrus interval was shorter in gilts housed in ESF than ST (p = 0.01). In locomotory behaviors, ESF gilts recorded a tendency to elevate locomotion score at 36, 70, and 110 days of gestation (p = 0.07, p = 0.06, and p = 0.06, respectively). Similarly, ESF gilts showed significantly higher incidence of scratches at 36, 70, and 110 days of gestation (p = 0.01). Moreover, farrowing rates were higher in stall treatment (97.6%) compare to group housing treatment (95.2%). In conclusion, while group housed gilts with ESF system positively affected welfare status in combination with less physiologically stressful environments and activity, it negatively effects piglet mortality, farrowing rates and injuries of gilts.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.141-147
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• 1992

The present study was conducted to find out the changes of progesterone and 20$\alpha$-dihydroprogesterone(20$\alpha$-OHP) levels during the gestation period in Korean native goats. 4 pregnant goats were offered for this experiment. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein on Day 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 145 of the pregnant goats. The serum levels of progesterone and 20$\alpha$-OHP were measured by radioimmunoassay. The progesterone level in goat serum during the gestaton was low as 2.94$\pm$0.21 at 5 days, and then increased to 4.51$\pm$0.25ng/ml at 10 days of gestation and increased greatly from Days 60 and reached a peak level of 7.21$\pm$0.58ng/ml at 100 days of gestation, and thereafter decreased to 6.01$\pm$0.57, 5.26$\pm$0.64ng/ml on Days 130, 140 of gestation, and decreased to 4.05$\pm$0.52ng/ml on Days 145 of pregnancy. The serum level of 20$\alpha$-OHP during the gestation was low as 0.3~0.4ng/ml in the early stage of pregnancy, and increased gradually and increased to 0.85$\pm$0.06ng/ml, 0.97$\pm$0.08ng/ml on Days 90 or 100, and then increased to 1.18$\pm$0.18, 1.25$\pm$0.21ng/ml on Days 140 or 145 of gestation. While the serum levels of progesterone during the luteal regression decreased, the 20$\alpha$-OHP increased continuously. From the above results, it was concluded that the enzyme 20$\alpha$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20$\alpha$-HSD) catalyzing theconversion of progesterone to a biologically inactive steroid, 20$\alpha$-OHP was active properly in the luteal cells what the levels of progesterone decreased and the levels of 20$\alpha$-OHP increased during the late pregnancy in Korean native goats.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.213-219
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• 1988

The measurement was investigated with 18 heads of fetus(60, 90, 120 days of gestation) and neonate in Korean native goats. The results were summerized as follows: 1. The crown-rump length of fetuses at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 8.71, 20.83, 31.10 and 34.93 cm, respectively. 2. The length of small intestine at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 32.28, 157.10, 303.52 and 457.06 cm, respectively. 3. The length of large intestine at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 9.20, 37.70, 82.06 and 94.46 cm, respectively. 4. The ratio of intestinal length to crown-rump length at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was 4.76, 9.45, 12.40 and 15.79 times, respectively. 5. At 60 days of gestation, the total length of the vertebral column was $7.40{\pm}0.72cm$, The mean length of each segment of the vertebral column was $1.55{\pm}0.20cm$ in cervical, $2.29{\pm}0.21cm$ in thoracic, $1.46{\pm}0.10cm$ in lumbar, $0.51{\pm}0.04cm$ in sacral and $1.59{\pm}0.17cm$ in coccygeal vertebrae. 6. At 90 days of gestation, the total length of the vertebral column was $16.52{\pm}0.80cm$. The mean length of each segment of the vertebral column was $3.72{\pm}0.12cm$ in cervical, $5.09{\pm}0.26cm$ in thoracic, $3.22{\pm}0.04cm$ in lumbar, $1.97{\pm}0.03cm$ in sacral and $2.64{\pm}0.35cm$ in coccygeal vertebrae. 7. At 120 days of gestation, the total length of the vertebral column was $26.35{\pm}0.34cm$. The mean length of each segment of the vertebral column was $6.09{\pm}0.16cm$ in cervical, $7.81{\pm}0.07cm$ in thoracic, $5.08{\pm}0.07cm$ in lumbar, $3.07{\pm}0.02cm$ in and $4.31{\pm}0.02cm$ in coccygeal vertebrae. 8. In the neonate, the total length of the vertebral column was $32.41{\pm}1.57cm$. The mean length of each segment of vertebral was $7.70{\pm}0.25cm$ in cervical, $9.97{\pm}0.68cm$ in thoracic, $5.58{\pm}0.44cm$ in lumbar, $3.85{\pm}0.15cm$ in sacral and $5.05{\pm}0.06cm$ coccygeal vertebrae. 9. The chest girth at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was $6.13{\pm}0.51$, $13.45{\pm}0.84$, $20.28{\pm}1.53$ and $22.94{\pm}1.75cm$, respectively. 10. The head length at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was $2.93{\pm}0.07$, $6.67{\pm}0.13$, $8.84{\pm}0.51$ and $9.76{\pm}0.44cm$, respectively. 11. The width of the head at 60, 90, 120 days of gestation and neonate was $2.20{\pm}0.13$, $4.45{\pm}0.11$, $5.33{\pm}0.20$ and $5.51{\pm}0.32cm$, respectively.