How Do Animals Separate the Cord from the Fetus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the biological and physiological aspects of umbilical cord separation in animals, particularly focusing on whether the placenta and cord are extensions of the fetus or the mother. It also explores how different species manage the separation of the cord and the implications for clotting and bleeding in newborns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the DNA of the placenta and cord reflects the fetus rather than the host, raising questions about genetic anomalies related to conditions like diabetes.
  • Others argue that the anomaly of a two-vessel cord could involve both the fetus and the mother, suggesting a complex interaction between maternal and fetal genetics.
  • It is noted that the separation of the cord can vary by species, with some suggesting it may be primarily fetal or a mix of maternal and fetal influences.
  • One participant highlights that in modern humans, cauterization of the cord is necessary to prevent bleeding due to the lack of clotting factors in newborns, while questioning if animals have a more effective natural clotting mechanism.
  • Another participant mentions that in many animals, the umbilical cord is chewed by the mother after cleaning the newborn, implying that by that time, the cord is no longer functional and does not lead to bleeding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the genetic implications of the placenta and cord, as well as the mechanisms of cord separation and clotting across species. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of maternal and fetal contributions to the placenta and cord, as well as the specific mechanisms of clotting in various species, which are not fully explored.

DaveC426913
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1] Is the placenta and cord an extension of the fetus or of the host? We were talking about this, and have tentatively concluded that the DNA of placenta and cord would reflect the fetus rather than the host.

This came up in a discussion about 'two vessel cord'. I was wondering if that would be an anomaly of the mother's or of the baby's genes.


2] How do animals deal with the separation of the cord from the fetus? I know the mother will break the cxord and consume the products of labour, but that doesn't directly cauterize or clot the baby. In (modern) humans we must cauterize the cord or it will bleed out, since newborns do not have a clotting factor. Do animals have a more "proactive" clotting rate?
 
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1] it is of the fetus. It is an anomaly of both the fetus and the mother, since diabetes can significantly increase the risk.
 
Depending on which species you are discussing it can be primarily fetal or about 50% fetal/50% maternal. If you do a google search for "placental structure" and related terms you'll find more info. Here were a few I found, http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/reprod/placenta/structure.html" (human only).
 
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DaveC426913 said:
2] How do animals deal with the separation of the cord from the fetus? I know the mother will break the cxord and consume the products of labour, but that doesn't directly cauterize or clot the baby. In (modern) humans we must cauterize the cord or it will bleed out, since newborns do not have a clotting factor. Do animals have a more "proactive" clotting rate?

The umbilical cord is usually chewed by the mother after she cleaned the newborn. By that time, the umbilical cord does not function anymore and blood will not come out. Human seems to be the exception.
 

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