Role of acid-base disturbances in perinatal mortality of calves: a review

Abstract

Abstract At present, the main emphasis is on preventing asphyxia, since instruments suitable for artificial respiration in calves under practical conditions are not yet widely available. The most important breeding objective is to reduce the number of births in which calving assistance is required. This is even more important, since calving assistance in itself may result in a shift of the calf's acid-base balance. In cases of difficult calving, the mode and time of calving assistance should be chosen with regard to profitability factors and in a manner to allow the least possible shift of the calf's acid-base balance towards acidosis. Before applying traction, the measurements of the soft birth canal should always be considered and if necessary must be expanded non-surgically or surgically, and obstetrical lubricants should be used to avoid traction for longer than 2 to 3 minutes. If a prolonged traction is expected, a caesarean section should be carried out to save the calf and to prevent injuries to the maternal birth canal. Recent studies have shown that before making a decision as to the mode of calving assistance applied in an animal hospital, the results of acid-base balance determinations from blood samples should be considered. The routine use of complex treatments of calves born with severe asphyxia may reduce postnatal calf losses. In addition to adequate therapy, particular attention should be paid to the ingestion of sufficient amounts of colostrum, since the lack of colostrum uptake is accompanied by increased susceptibility to Escherichia coli infections.