Profilo ematologico di neonati bovini in relazione al tipo di parto

Several studies on human infant showed that the mode of delivery can influence the haematological and immune status of the newborn1. Many authors reported the haematological pattern of the newborn calf2,3, but never connecting it with calving process and perinatal factors. Our purpose was to evaluate the haematological profile of newborn calves in relation to the type of delivery. Forty-one calves were enrolled, 16 Friesian calves born from spontaneous parturition without assistance, and 25 Belgian White and Blue (BWB) calves born by caesarean section (c-section). As soon as the calves were born, a clinical examination assessed viability and maturity. Two ml of venous blood were used to perform the acid-base and gas evaluation (pH, TCO2, PCO2, PO2, sO2, HCO3-, Base Excess) at 10 minutes after birth. Blood samples were then collected within 30 minutes after birth and at 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 days of age. Automatic analyzer determined concentration of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), red and white blood cells counts (RBC, WBC); differential leukocyte count was performed microscopically. A U Mann-Whitney and a Friedman test were used to assess differences in each parameter between the groups and within the group in each sampling time (p<0.05). All newborns were viable and mature. There were no acidotic calves, but statistic evidenced higher levels of pH, BE, PO2 and sO2 in the spontaneous group. Haematological profiles agreed with those previously reported2,3. Levels of Hb, Ht and RBC were constantly higher in calves from c-section; WBC and neutrophils counts were higher at birth and at 14 days of age in the BWB calves. The lower oxygenation in the c-section group could be responsible for the higher WBC and neuthophil counts, as reported for the baby1; moreover, hypoxic condition could have determined the higher levels of Hb, Ht and RBC in the c-section calves, through stimulation of spleen contraction. The mode of delivery seems to influence on the oxygenation levels and, as consequence, the haematological and immunological profiles of the newborn calf.