title: Dose minimization study of oxytocin in early labor in sows: uterine activity and fetal outcome.
abstract: Two hundred sows were randomly assigned to intramuscularly receive 0.9% NaCl (group 1) or oxytocin 0.083, 0.11 or 0.17 IU/kg (groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively) immediately after the expulsion of the first piglet. The overall duration of labor was decreased in a dose-dependent relationship. Time interval between piglets was decreased approximately 5 min in groups 3 and 4 while sows in these groups exhibited approximately 10-20 contractions x 10 births more than controls (P<0.005). Duration and intensity of uterine contractions also showed a positive dose-response relationship. As an indicative of fetal distress, approximately 2.5 times more meconium-stained piglets were born to sows receiving the higher doses of oxytocin, but in the lowest dose significantly decreased. Oxytocin 0.083 IU/kg significant decreased the mortality rate of piglets [OR 0.49 (95%CI, 0.26-0.92)]. In conclusion, we recommend the intramuscular administration of the lowest possible dose of oxytocin, which still decreases the duration of labor in sows.
authors.affiliation: Animal Production and Agriculture Dept. Research Area, Ecodesarrollo de la Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco, Mexico.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mota-Rojas
authors.forename: Alejandro A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Nava-Ocampo
authors.forename: María E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Trujillo
authors.forename: Yadira
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Velázquez-Armenta
authors.forename: Ramiro
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramírez-Necoechea
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martínez-Burnes
authors.forename: Y María
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Alonso-Spilsbury
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D008470:Meconium / Q000187:drug effects; D009215:Myometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D036801:Parturition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin