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Biochemistry and hematology reference intervals for neonatal dairy calves aged 5-12 days
Natalie W Roadknight1,2, Natalie F Courtman2, Peter D Mansell2
1Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Background:
Comprehensive hematology and biochemistry RIs are currently lacking in the literature for young dairy calves based on sample sizes more than 120. Young dairy calves are at a relatively high risk of poor health and welfare outcomes. They have a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the first 2 weeks of life, and many are transported and fasted during this time. For example, non-replacement calves in Australia and New Zealand are usually 5-12 days old when transported to abattoirs, meaning that calves of this age group are potentially at risk of both health and welfare compromise. Given these factors, sound, comprehensive, age-specific biochemical and hematologic RIs are needed for both veterinary clinical practice and to inform research on calf health and welfare.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to generate age-specific hematology and biochemistry RIs for dairy calves aged 5-12 days.
Methods:
We collected blood samples from 141 fasted, healthy dairy calves on 10 Australian farms. Reference Value Advisor software was used to calculate nonparametric RIs for multiple biochemistry and hematology variables.
Results:
RIs for a panel of hematology and biochemistry variables in dairy calves aged 5-12 days old were derived.
Conclusions:
These RIs will be useful for clinical veterinary practice, as well as for research on dairy calf health and welfare.
