Avaliação da vitalidade de bezerros nelores nascidos de partos normais ou distócicos

Adaptation to extrauterine life is a critical period for the newborn. Several changes occur in different organ systems including respiratory function and acid-base balance. Newborns may die due to hypoxia or trauma sustained during delivery. Thirty Nelore calves were used in this study, 18 born of normal and 12 of dystocic calving, to determine the influence of the type of parturition (normal or dystocic) on both neonatal Apgar score and blood gas analysis values of calves. The blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture immediately after birth and at 24 hours later. The blood pH, oxygen partial pressure (pO2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), bicarbonate concentration (HCO3-), base excess (BE) and oxygen saturation (SO2) were determined by using a portable blood gas analyzer. Significant differences were observed over time in the blood gas values of the calves during this study. The calves born from dystocic parturition had respiratory acidosis and lower vitality in the immediate postpartum period.