Data di Pubblicazione:
2012
Citazione:
NEWBORN CALVES' FEATURES IN RELATION TO THE TYPE OF DELIVERY / M. Probo ; tutor: M. C. Veronesi ; co-tutor: G. Opsomer ; coordinator: A. Belloli. Università degli Studi di Milano, 2012 Feb 14. 24. ciclo, Anno Accademico 2011. [10.13130/probo-monica_phd2012-02-14].
Abstract:
During recent years, an increase in perinatal mortality has been reported in dairy calves, quite typically not associated with an increase in the rate of dystocia. These perinatal losses not only represent a tremendous economic loss but also mirror an important welfare problem in cattle farms.
In order to reduce the losses occurring during the perinatal and neonatal period, management of the parturient cow and newborn calf have to be addressed critically. As for all newborns, also calf’s survival and subsequent health conditions require a perfect transition from fetal to extra uterine life. Critical observation and/or investigation of the calf during and immediately after calving is important, considering that several problems encountered during the first days after delivery can originate from the calving period itself.
In a crude analysis for fetal and neonatal outcomes related to the type of delivery in the human specie, the highest rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality were seen in the elective caesarean group. Elective caesarean delivery could increase neonatal morbidity and mortality because lack of labour affects the physiological process for initiation of respiration. Caesarean delivery is known to be associated with respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnoea possibly mediated by the lower release of catecholamine and prostaglandins, as well as the lack of the mechanical compression of the lungs during labour needed to facilitate postnatal lung adaptation.
Moreover, several studies on babies demonstrated that the type of delivery can deeply influence the adaptational process in the newborn, modifying the immune response, the oxygenation status and the developing endocrine axis; the influence of delivery is not only immediate but extended in time, possibly affecting also the future health status of the subject.
The main focus of this experimental thesis was on the effects of two different types of delivery on the conditions of the calf at birth and during the neonatal period; differences in clinical features and biochemical, metabolic, hormonal, hematological and inflammatory profiles, have been described and discussed in details.
In the first study (chapter 7-8-9), clinical data and biochemical, metabolic and hormonal profiles from newborn calves born by spontaneous parturition or by caesarean section were compared. For each newborn many clinical data (Apgar score, rectal temperature, extimated weight) were collected within 5 minutes from birth. Time for sternal recumbency and time to stand up were registered as soon as evident. Biochemical and metabolic profiles during the first 2 days of life (birth, 24 h, 48 h) were determined. Plasma concentrations of IGF-I, cortisol and thyroid hormones were investigated for the first 14 days of life.
No significant differences between calves from spontaneous parturition and from caesarean section were found concerning clinical features at birth and during neonatal period (chapter 7). Many differences between the two groups were found regarding some biochemical, metabolic and hormonal parameters. These fast changes in biochemical and metabolic parameters in the newborn calf are probably due to the maturational processes of liver, kidney and metabolism for adaptation to the extra uterine life; basing on our data, the caesarean section seems to entail a lower physical effort for calves during birth, and a slower or delayed adaptational process.
In the second study (chapter 10) the plasmatic profile of prostaglandin F2α was determined in 10 newborn calves from spontaneous parturition, and compared with those from neonates of other animal species. Plasmatic levels of prostaglandin metabolite in calves remained high for the first 3 hours of life, unlike
Tipologia IRIS:
Tesi di dottorato
Keywords:
NEWBORN CALF ; VAGINAL DELIVERY ; CAESAREAN SECTION
Elenco autori:
M. Probo
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