ARS | Publication request: EFFECTS OF BIRTH STRESS IN CALVES

Submitted to: Journal of Dairy Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 17, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The objective of the present study was to use a rigorous sampling schedule for characterizing the effects of birth stress on parameters of oxygen delivery, acid-base variables, metabolites and other clinical values. Twenty-four calves from 4 breeds of dairy cattle were immediately removed from dams at birth, blood samples were collected from the brachial artery within 10 min following birth, and respiration, heart rate, and rectal temperature were recorded. Arterial blood samples were obtained from a catheter every 30 min during the first 36 h after birth. Respiration, heart rate, and rectal temperature were also recorded. Calves were grouped by condition at birth (normal vs stressed) determined by calving ease score, abnormal presentation, and meconium staining. Calves with a calving ease score of 1-2 were classified as clinical normal (n=10). Calves with a calving ease score of 3-5 were classified as stressed (n=14). In addition, any meconium stained calves or calves with abnormal presentation were placed in the stressed group regardless of calving ease score. Samples were analyzed to determine Po2, Pco, pH, [Na+], [K+], [Cl-], [Ca2+], total hemoglobin, plasma lactate and immunoglobulin G1 concentration.