B8447 - Obstetrics, First Care of the Newborn, and Passive Transfer of Immunity

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student: knows the methodology for monitoring and managing the peripartum; knows the principles of passive transfer of immunity; knows how to take care of a healthy newborn.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “B8348 Reproduction and Lactation”.

The integrated course "Reproduction and lactation" aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the mammary gland, as well as the associated laboratory and imaging techniques, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in the management of the peripartum period and neonates, as well as the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of milk.

The Integrated Course “Reproduction and Lactation” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.22, 1.24.

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• Normal obstetrical management in domestic animal species: preparation for parturition, monitoring of normal labour, recognition of the three stages of parturition, and species-specific aspects in the mare, cow, ewe, doe, sow, bitch, queen and camelids (2 hours)
• Immediate neonatal assessment and care: neonatal adaptation to extrauterine life, evaluation of neonatal viability, first clinical examination, thermoregulation, umbilical cord management, neonatal behaviour and species-specific neonatal care (2 hours)
• Passive transfer of immunity - clinical assessment and neonatal management: physiology of colostrum intake, assessment of colostrum quality, species-specific mechanisms of passive transfer, factors affecting successful transfer, and practical management of colostrum feeding (2 hours)
• Normal neonatal management during the first days of life: nutrition, monitoring of neonatal development, assessment of maternal behaviour, neonatal welfare, and routine management procedures in different domestic animal species (2 hours)
• Clinical case discussions and video-based learning: guided interpretation of normal parturition, neonatal assessment, colostrum administration, and management of healthy neonates in different veterinary species (2 hours)

Laboratory/Practical Sessions:

• Gross examination of fetal membranes and placenta from different domestic animal species (1 hour)
• Assessment of passive transfer of immunity in newborn animals (1 hour)

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Required readings

• Noakes DE, Parkinson TJ, England GCW. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. 11th ed. Elsevier, 2018

Supplementary reading:

• Equine Reproduction. McKinnon A, Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD. 2a ediz. 2011 Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
• Youngquist RS, Threlfall WR. Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. 2nd ed. Elsevier, 2007.
• Selected peer-reviewed articles and current guidelines provided during the course through the University Virtual Learning Environment.

Teaching methods

The course combines theoretical lectures with practical sessions. Teaching is supported by clinical images, videos, laboratory demonstrations and case-based discussions to illustrate normal obstetrical management, neonatal care, and passive transfer of immunity across the main domestic animal species.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course “REPRODUCTION AND LACTATION” consists of a written examination including 40 multiple-choice questions, distributed as follows:

10 questions (2 CFU) on Systematic and topographical veterinary anatomy of the male and female reproductive system and mammary gland;

10 questions (2 CFU) on Physiology of reproduction, mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis;

10 questions (2 CFU) on Imaging of the male and female genital tract and mammary gland, andrology and semen evaluation, estrous and pregnancy monitoring;

5 questions (1 CFU) on Obstetrics, first care of the newborn, and passive transfer of immunity;

5 questions (1 CFU) on Milk production and composition.

Each correct answer is worth 1 point. No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. A minimum score of 24/40 is required to pass the examination.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, or computers) may be used during the examination, except for those explicitly authorized by the instructor.

The final grade is awarded according to the following conversion scale:

scoring 24: grading 18

scoring 25: grading 19

scoring 26: grading 20

scoring 27: grading 21

scoring 28: grading 22

scoring 29: grading 23

scoring 30: grading 24

scoring 31: grading 25

scoring 32: grading 26

scoring 33–34: grading 27

scoring 35–36: grading 28

scoring 37–38: grading 29

scoring 39: grading 30

scoring 40: grading 30L

Negative results are not graded numerically but are recorded as "withdrawn" or "failed" in the AlmaEsami electronic transcript and do not affect the student's academic record.

Grades will be published on the AlmaEsami platform within 5 working days after the examination.

Students may reject once the final grade (University teaching regulations ART. 16, paragraph 5) by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Mazzoni Maurizio

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Digital teaching materials, clinical images, videos and interactive quizzes will be used throughout the course. Additional learning resources will be made available through the University Virtual Learning Environment.

Students requiring further clarification on course topics may arrange individual meetings with the instructor by email.

Office hours

See the website of Jole Mariella