Animal Perinatology

The health and behavior of females during the birthing process in both altricial and precocial species, along with the survival of newborns in domestic animals, are important topics addressed in this Special Issue titled "Animal Perinatology: Behavior and Health of the Dam and Her Offspring." Animal perinatology is increasingly studied and encompasses the final phase of gestation, parturition, and the lactation period. In this Special Issue, some of the topics analyzed in mothers include obstetric processes, premature births, gynecologic and obstetric pathology, fetal and uterine electronic monitoring, parturition in domestic animals, pain management during labor, the use of labor stimulators, mother-young bonding, the neurophysiological mechanisms of attachment, maternal care strategies (cross-suckling and communal rearing), and the adverse effects of dystocia on the health of the mother and milk production. For neonates, this Special Issue focuses on factors predisposing stillbirths, the causes of perinatal death, suckling motivation, and abnormal or redirected behaviors, all of which are of great importance in today's scientific community. Notable topics include the physiopathology of intrauterine asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), low birth weight, hypothermia, neonatal thermoregulation mechanisms, natural sucking behavior of the offspring; as well as behavioral problems associated with the peripartum period and studies on animal welfare in both mothers and offspring during this period.