Cow haemostasis and resistance of calves under hypoxia conditions

Abstract

Intensification of the livestock industry is impossible without effective animal reproduction. The solution to this problem is possible only if a viable offspring is obtained, and their body resistance and safety are increased, which determines the research relevance. In this regard, determining the influence of the haemostasis system and blood properties of cows on the growth and development of the foetus, and subsequently on the resistance of newborn calves, depending on the condition at birth, determined the research aim. The conditions of foetal growth and development were found to be related to the activity of haemostatic factors and blood properties of cows. Hemocoagulation factors were active in animals that gave birth to calves in a state of hypoxia. The prothrombin time was 1.63, 1.40, 1.23 and 1.40 times lower, and the prothrombin haemostasis index was 1.53, 1.52, 1.35 and 1.46 times lower, respectively than in cows that gave birth to functionally active calves (p<0.01). The thrombin time of haemostasis, partially activated thrombin time and fibrinogen content in cows of the experimental groups were higher than in animals of the control group. The blood viscosity of cows in the control group was lower (p<0.01), and the blood coagulation of cows in the experimental groups was faster (p<0.05). The increase in coagulation properties of the blood of cows that gave birth to calves in a state of hypoxia occurred against the background of a decrease in the activity of the fibrinolytic system (p<0.05) and retraction of the blood clot. All this reduced the growth and development of the embryo and foetus. The placental ligamentous connection of foetuses born with signs of hypoxia was significantly greater than that of functionally active calves. The intensity and size of embryo growth were higher in the group of functionally active calves (p<0.05). The activity of leukocyte defence factors, and, accordingly, the resistance of the organism of functionally active calves at birth was higher. The percentage of activated leukocytes in the blood of calves was practically the same, and the microbial count was higher in calves of the control group (p<0.05). The results obtained in the course of the research can be implemented in the process of obtaining and rearing calves, and offered to all livestock farms in Ukraine