Evaluation of Some Physical, Haemathological and Clinical Chemistry Parameters in Healthy Newborn Italian Holstein Calves

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate some physical, haematological and clinical chemistry parameters in the newborn Italian Holstein calf at birth and at 24 h of life, to evaluate changes during the immediate post-partum period. Forty-six Italian Holstein Friesian calves were included in this study. Heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature were recorded at birth and at 24 h of life. The time needed to raise the head, acquire sternal recumbency, stand up were also recorded. Blood samples were collected before first feeding and at 24 h of age and CBC count, L-lactate, glucose and total protein concentrations were evaluated. The head was raised immediately in 46/46 calves, suckling reflex was acquired within 12±9 min, sternal position in 5±2 min and newborn stood up in 38±30 min. Some of the physical data, haematological and biochemical values showed statistical differences between birth and 24 h of age. The results from this study provide some information about physical and laboratory data of Italian Holstein Friesian calves, at birth and at 24 h of life. Our results confirm that several clinical and laboratory values in newborn calves differ from adult reference intervals and from calves of different breeds.

Oral administration of chestnut tannins to reduce the duration of neonatal calf diarrhea

“…Before the administration of the treatments, all the calves were daily submitted to a complete physical examination and FS evaluation until the resolution of diarrhea. Physical examination included evaluation from a distance plus hands-on examination, focusing on: physical appearance, body weight, body condition, head, mouth, eyes, ears, neck and back, thorax, abdomen, umbilicus, musculoskeletal system, perianal region, body temperature, feces, urine, and external genitalia [25,26]. Dehydration status was assessed with a score system [27].…”

Effect of a Phytogenic Feed Additive in Preventing Calves' Diarrhea

“…Concerning blood parameters, all the values were within the reference ranges ( 22 , 34 ) and no differences were found between the two experimental groups, while some differences were recorded between sampling times. The values of RBC, HCT, HGB, MCV and reticulocytes decreased significantly from T0 to T21, in agreement with previous studies in newborn calves ( 34 , 35 ).…”

“…Concerning blood parameters, all the values were within the reference ranges ( 22 , 34 ) and no differences were found between the two experimental groups, while some differences were recorded between sampling times. The values of RBC, HCT, HGB, MCV and reticulocytes decreased significantly from T0 to T21, in agreement with previous studies in newborn calves ( 34 , 35 ). This may be related to hemodilution, physiological destruction of erythrocytes by the spleen and/or decreased erythropoietin production secondary to increased blood oxygenation by lungs after birth, as already reported in foals ( 36 ).…”