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