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ARS Home » Plains Area » Miles City, Montana » Livestock and Range Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #102014
Title: EFFECTS OF SEVERITY OF DYSTOCIA ON COLD TOLERANCE AND SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF GLUCOSE AND CORTISOL IN NEONATAL BEEF CALVES

Author
item Bellows, Robert
item LAMMOGLIA, MIGUEL - BOVAGEN

Submitted to: Theriogenology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2000
Publication Date: 5/1/2000
Citation: BELLOWS, R.A., LAMMOGLIA, M.A. EFFECTS OF SEVERITY OF DYSTOCIA ON COLD TOLERANCE AND SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF GLUCOSE AND CORTISOL IN NEONATAL BEEF CALVES. THERIOGENOLOGY. v. 53. p. 803-813. 2000.

Interpretive Summary: Results of this study show that severe dystocia as represented by CDS 3 caused such significant changes in the metabolism and thermogenic physiology of the affected calf, that they could negatively affect the transition from intra- to extra uterine environment and depress survival. A significant finding is that the problems of severe dystocia either did not occur in minor dystocia or were negated or prevented by timely cesarean delivery. This was in spite of the CDS 4 calves averaging 6.4 kg heavier than the CDS 3 calves. This study emphasizes that timely, correct cesarean delivery can prevent problems created by severe dystocia and can be a wise option. Calving crew members need to be trained in diagnosing when the option of cesarean delivery is justified. The potential survival of calves delivered under conditions of severe dystocia is likely to be compromised and these calves need extra care following delivery if survival is to be assured.

Technical Abstract: Crossbred, primiparous heifers were observed for signs of parturition and if stage II of labor was not completed within 2 h, delivery was made with obstetrical assistance. Parturitions were scored (CDS): CDS 1, no assistance (n=8); CDS 2, minor assistance by hand only (n=7); CDS 3, required use of a mechanical calf puller (n=5); CDS 4, major difficulty encountered and required cesarean section (n=6). Within 30 min after birth and before nursing, calves were bled and rectal temperature (RT) measured, weighed, fed pooled colostrum, muzzled to prevent suckling, and placed back with their dam in a heated (22 deg C) barn. At 4 h of age, a jugular catheter was inserted. At 5 h of age calves were placed in a 0 deg C room for 140 min and blood samples and RT were obtained every 10 or 20 min. A shivering score (1 = no shivering; 2 = shivering in muscles, back, and legs; 3 = intense shivering in muscles of back, legs, and face) was given at each sampling time. Serum was analyzed for cortisol (Cort) and glucose (Glu) concentrations. Results: RT was higher (P<0.01) in calves with CDS 1, 2, and 4 than calves with CDS 3; shivering scores were not affected by CDS; Glu concentrations were higher (P<0.01) in calves with CDS 3 than CDS 1, 2, or 4; Cort concentrations were higher in calves with CDS 1 than CDS 2, 3, or 4. We conclude severe dystocia (CDS 3) resulted in lower calf RT, reduced serum Cort, and increased serum Glu. These changes could affect the ability of the calf to withstand cold stress. Minor dystocia did not cause and timely cesarean delivery prevented the physiological problems encountered in severe dystocia.