The postpartum (PP) period is a crucial factor for the resumption of reproductive capacity and the regular cycling
of goats. Until now, there is a lack of information on monitoring the PP uterine involution using morphological
assessment of uterine echotexture by ultrasonography. This study aimed to use ultrasonography and computer
software analysis for morphometrical evaluations of postpartum uterine involution in 30 pleuriparous Egyptian
Balady goats from Day zero (kidding day) till Day 21 PP. Uterine echotexture (pixel intensity; PI and integrated
density; ID) was assessed by the computer-assisted image analysis software. In addition, the changes in peripheral oxidative stress biomarkers were monitored by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD; U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (GPx; U/mL) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA; nmol/mL) levels in the sera during the PP
period. Results revealed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the transverse uterine diameter from 8.05 ± 0.58
cm at Day zero to less than 2 cm at Day 16 PP onward. The uterus returned to its apparently normal non-pregnant
state with the absence of lochia by Day 16.6 ± 1.35 PP. There were significant (P ˂ 0.0001) increases in the PI
and ID of the endometrium with the progression of the PP days [Day 0: PI: 86.99 ± 8.61; ID (×1000): 82.09 ±
1.47 versus Day 12 PP: PI: 186.73 ± 5.62; ID (×1000): 355.17 ± 38.63]. Gradual elevations in the levels of SOD
(0.33 ± 0.02 U/mL) and MDA (11.81 ± 0.21 nmol/mL) were found from Day 0 and reaching the maximum
levels (SOD: 0.48 ± 0.12 U/mL; MDA: 15.31 ± 0.13 nmol/mL) at Day 6–7 PP. Concentrations of GPx increased
gradually from Day 0 (65.23 ± 2.09 U/mL) till Day 21 PP (145.81 ± 2.99 U/mL). In conclusion, assessment of
the changes in morphometrical and echotextural parameters of the uterus by ultrasonography as well as the
oxidative stress biomarkers provided useful information in the progress and completion of the normal physiological PP uterine involution in goats. |
