Effects of acute asphyxia at birth on subsequent heat production capacity in newborn pigs

Abstract

The effect of acute asphyxia at birth on subsequent ability to produce heat was investigated in 30 newborn pigs. A model of experimentally induced asphyxia consisting of the prevention of breathing within the first four minutes of life was used. Blood was sampled from an umbilical artery catheter within the first 75 minutes of life for blood gas, pH, glucose, lactate and catecholamine analysis. After the treatment and 24 hours later, heat production capacity, shivering intensity and rectal temperature were measured 10°C below thermoneutrality. Effects on blood gas parameters were severe but transient whereas alterations in carbohydrate metabolism were maintained during the first 75 minutes (P < 0.05). Acute asphyxia at birth induced only minor alterations of thermoregulatory abilities during the first day of life: rectal temperature was lower one hour after birth (P < 0.05) and the postnatal increase in heat production capacity was less pronounced than in controls. It is suggested that the lower viability usually reported for piglets suffering from asphyxia during delivery is most likely to result from reduced vigour and colostrum intake, as well as altered carbohydrate metabolism early after birth.