Physiological response to hypoxia in piglets of different birth weight

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to extend the characterization of the proposed naturalistic experimental model of piglets born with hypoxia by assessing the relationship between birth weight, intra partum asphyxia and gross indicators of neurophysiological alterations in newborn piglets. Three groups of 50 piglets each were classified according to their birth weight into normal (1000–1350 g), low (below 1000 g), and high (over 1350 g). In comparison to piglets within normal weight, those born with high birth weights showed acid-base imbalance as reflected by lower pH levels (7.03±0.01), hyper-capnia (88.50±13.20 mmHg), and lactic acidosis (lactate levels: 89.40±26.30). These piglets had lower viability scores (5.40±0.60) and longer periods of time to contact the udder (52.30±8.30) than piglets with normal birth weight. In conclusion, data show that piglets with birth weight over 1350 g are at a higher risk of gross neurophysiological deficits, probably secondary to neonatal hypoxia.