Analysis of physical traits, clinical parameters, and energy metabolism of in vivo‐ and in vitro‐derived Flemish newborn calves during the first day of life

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals Vol. 59; no. 7; pp. e14676 - n/a
• Main Authors: Schütz, Luís Fernando, Zago, Fabiano Carminatti, Aguiar, Luís Henrique, Forell, Fabiana, Martins, Leonardo Tondello, Urio, Monica, Neto, Pedro Claudino dos Santos, Junior, Jamir Machado, Tavares, Kaio Cesar Simiano, Gaudêncio Neto, Saul, Feltrin, Cristiano, Mezzalira, Alceu, Bertolini, Marcelo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Biopsy; Birth; Blood; cattle; Cattle - physiology; Electrolytes; Energy Metabolism; Energy resources; Extraembryonic Membranes - metabolism; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - veterinary; Fetuses; Gene expression; Glycolysis; Hematology; In vitro fertilization; In vivo methods and tests; L-Lactate dehydrogenase; Lactate dehydrogenase; Lipid metabolism; Lipids; Liver; Liver - metabolism; Male; Metabolism; neonatal calf survival; Neonates; Parameters; Physiological effects; Substrates; Triokinase; in vitro fertilization; cattle; neonates; neonatal calf survival
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.14676

Studies investigating physiological deviations from normality in newborn calves derived from in vitro fertilization procedures remain important for the understanding of factors that reduce calf survival after birth. The aim of this study was to investigate parameters affecting health and welfare of newborn Flemish calves derived from in vitro embryo production (IVP) in the first hours of life in comparison to in vivo‐derived calves. Physical traits of newborn calves and fetal membranes (FM) were recorded soon after birth. Newborn venous blood samples were collected at several time points within the first 24 h of life for analyses of energy substrates, electrolytes, blood gases, acid–base balance, blood chemistry, and haematology. A liver biopsy was taken within the first hour after birth for analysis of gene expression of key enzymes of the fructolytic and glycolytic pathways. Newborn IVP calves were heavier and larger at birth, which was associated with heavier FM. At several time points during the first 24 h of life, IVP‐derived calves had altered rectal temperature, blood gases, electrolyte concentrations, blood parameters for liver, kidney and muscle function, and acid–base balance, plasma lipid metabolism, and hemogram parameters. The relative mRNA abundances for triokinase and lactate dehydrogenase‐B were greater in IVP calves. In summary, IVP‐derived newborn calves were at higher risk of clinical problems after birth, which was markedly greater in heavier and larger calves. Such animals take longer to adapt to extrauterine life and should receive a special attention during the immediate neonatal period.