The effect of road transportation on the blood constituents and behaviour of calves. II. One to three weeks old

Abstract

Six calves, one to three weeks old, were transported by road for 6 h (group J) and another six for 18 h (group K). Blood samples taken before, during and after the journeys were analysed for haematocrit, total and differential leucocyte count, plasma corticosteroid and glucose, serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total protein and calcium levels, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) activities. In comparison with the levels found in a group of six calves only starved for 18 h (group L) there were no significant changes in haematocrit, total leucocyte count, serum NEFA, total protein, calcium, AST and CK estimations of transported calves (group J & K). The plasma corticosteroid concentration rose significantly only after loading and, in group K, immediately after unloading. A decrease in plasma glucose occurred after the 6-h journey when calves were not fed for a further 12 h. There was a significant increase in neutrophil numbers and decrease in lymphocyte numbers in both transported groups of calves. The mean loss of weight resulting from 6-h transportation was 1·95 kg (1·5 kg starvation only) and for 18 h 2·95 kg (2·36 kg). Calves lay down for 0 to 55% of the journey and ruminated for 2·9 to 35% of the time.