Serum biochemical profile in Holstein Friesian and Belgian blue calves in the first 48 hours of life

Abstract

Specific age-related changes in blood variables of calves have previously been reported. The very first hours after birth are however not fully investigated, and results originating from different breeds are combined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation in biochemical variables during the first 48 hours after birth in Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Belgian Blue (BB) calves. Nineteen HF calves born vaginally and 23 BB calves delivered by caesarean section were sampled within 30 min after birth, and at 24 and 48 h of life. The concentration of albumin, chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, urea, creatinine, glucose, b-hydroxybutyrate, total protein, and activity of AST, cGT and glutamate dehydrogenase were evaluated. In both groups, significant decreases were recorded at 24 and/or 48 hours compared with 30 min for albumin, calcium, chloride and creatinine, while significant increases were found for AST, cGT, bilirubin, GLDH, glucose and total protein. Changes in analyte concentrations or activities, followed the same trend in both groups, thus suggesting typical features of the newborn calf maturation. The first 24 hours after birth seem to represent a temporal key point in the newborn calf's life for switching from maternal dependence to a self-sufficient and independent survival. This study confirms that age-specific values should be considered for precise interpretation of laboratory results of newborn calves. HIGHLIGHTS Biochemical profiles of Holstein-Friesian and Belgian-Blue newborn calf in the first 48 hours of age are investigated. Almost all biochemical parameters change according to calf age in both groups and following the same trend in the two groups. Age-specific reference values should be considered during newborn calf evaluation.

Effect of a Phytogenic Feed Additive in Preventing Calves' Diarrhea

“…They are predominantly synthesized in the liver; thus, their amount depends on the maturity and functional ability of the liver ( 39 ). Newborns showed an immaturity of both the hepatic anabolic pathways and kidney glomerular function which led to lower albumin concentrations around birth ( 40 ). With time, albumin production increased due to hepatic maturation, albumin loss decreased due to kidney maturation; these mechanisms lead to increasing serum albumin levels in older calves, as seen in our data in both groups.…”

Fitness of calves born from in vitro-produced fresh and cryopreserved embryos

“…Part of the parameters measured on Day 30, but not before, was significantly affected by the appearance of diarrhea, which was of mild-to-moderate intensity in most cases, including two deaths. Although the focus of our study was investigating the effects of embryo cryopreservation among IVP calves, we compared our results with recommended values (Cornell University), and values obtained in similar studies ( 40 , 41 , 46 , 53 – 58 ). Overall, parameters measured in our study fitted well with parameters given by other authors in an independent way, but reliable and linear comparisons must be cautiously interpreted because the age and conditions of animals in literature were not always the same as our sampling times, and studies were generally conducted under different nutritional and management diets.…”

Myostatin regulates the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in UMR106 osteoblast–like cells

“…Data on the in vivo relevance of our in vitro results are sparse thus far: No gross differences in serum Ca 2+ or phosphate were reported in Holstein Friesian calves and Belgian Blue calves [ 36 ]. Clearly, further in vivo studies exploring FGF23 and phosphate metabolism in myostatin-deficient mice or in Belgian Blue cattle are needed to confirm the significance of our findings.…”