Optimal Timing of Elective Caesarean Section in Belgian White and Blue Breed of Cattle: The Calf's Point of View

The Welfare of Transgenic Farm Animals

“…Double-muscling is a genetic defect maintained in certain breeds of beef cattle caused by a mutation of a gene which regulates muscle growth. Not only do births of such calves require surgical intervention, their tongue muscles may be too enlarged to suckle, leading to death (Lips et al, 2001;Uystepruyst et al, 2002). Unable to move sufficiently in the womb due to their unnatural size they may be born with their joints locked in place and be unable to stand (Lips et al, 2001).…”

Transgenesis in Animal Agriculture: Addressing Animal Health and Welfare Concerns

“…Double-muscling is an inborn genetic defect maintained in certain breeds of cattle caused by a ''natural knockout'' of a muscle protein gene, resulting in under regulated muscular growth . The extreme muscularity makes caesarean section a ''necessary breeding technique'' due to severe feto-maternal disproportion (Uystepruyst et al 2002). Calves are also at risk for macroglossia (enlarged tongue), due to hypoglossal hypertrophy, which may result in an inability to suckle, and congenital articular rigidity (frozen joints), thought due to insufficient intrauterine freedom of movement, which may result in an inability to stand; both conditions may require euthanasia (Lips et al 2001).…”

Third Stage Practices and the Neonate

“…Infants delivered by caesarean section and particularly elective caesarean section before the onset of labour are known to be at greater risk of neonatal respiratory and metabolic pathologies, 50 due to the absence of the labour-induced catecholamine surge responsible for enhancing lung aeration at birth. 51 They also have lower body temperatures due to the delayed activation of the sympathoadrenal system. 51 As the placental transfusion associated with delayed cord clamping is known to decrease the incidence of respiratory distress and metabolic acidosis in the neonate, delayed cord clamping may therefore be particularly important after the birth of infants delivered by caesarean section.…”

“…51 They also have lower body temperatures due to the delayed activation of the sympathoadrenal system. 51 As the placental transfusion associated with delayed cord clamping is known to decrease the incidence of respiratory distress and metabolic acidosis in the neonate, delayed cord clamping may therefore be particularly important after the birth of infants delivered by caesarean section.…”

“…20 In fact, early cord clamping may cause a lower peripheral cutaneous temperature than delayed cord clamping. 10,51 Also, the transfer of blood from placenta to infant occurs in a stepwise manner, with 23-30% of the total placental transfusion volume transferring within the first 15 seconds after birth, 7 so even a small delay may allow proportionally larger benefit than harm. It has also been suggested that resuscitation of the infant may take place between the woman's legs, whilst the umbilical cord is intact, 37 although, as always, a flexible approach is required which takes into consideration individual factors.…”