Neonatal disease of Farm Animals

Question 1

What are common peri-natal physiological problems?

Answer 1

• Hypoglycaemia
• Inactivity / lethargy
• Hypothermia
• Hypoxaemia
• Acidosis

Question 2

What are examples of different congenital issues?

Answer 2

*CV = PDA / VSD
*Urogenital = Patent urachus, cryptorchidism
* MSK = contracted tendons, dwarfism, polydactyly
*CNS = cataract, internal hydrocephalus

Question 3

What is the most common cause of perinatal adaption?

Answer 3

*Dystocia

Question 4

What is contained in colostrum?

Answer 4

*MDAs
*Fat + proteins (IgG)
*Vitamins + minerals
* Growth factors, enzymes + cytokines

Question 5

Why would calves receive inadequate colostrum?

Answer 5

*Teat conformation - big teats
*Supervision - need to suck within 6 hours
*Bad calvings = weak calves
*Dairy cows = dilution effect - more volume but weaker colostrum so calves have to drink more
*Mastitis

Question 6

How can you assess colostrum quality?

Answer 6

*Refractometer
*Colostrometer / hydrometer

Question 7

How much colostrum should you give calves?

Answer 7

*Feed 5-10% BW (2-4L) at each feeding
*Feed within 2 hrs, 6hrs + 12hrs
*Calf needs >150g IgG - colostrum = 20-80g/L

Question 8

What are pros + cons of pasteurization?

Answer 8

*Pros = bacterial reduction + improved IgG absorption
*Cons = Kills leukocytes, cost, labour + maintenance

Question 9

If freezing colostrum what cows should it be collected from?

Answer 9

*Lower risk animals - Johne’s risk = collect from heifers

Question 10

How can assessment of passive transfer be carried out?

Answer 10

*Day 2-7 post calving - Measure serum immunoglobulin with Refractometer
*TP should be >55g/L