Research Report - AVTRW 2024 Conference Presentation Persistency of the Madigan thoracic squeeze phenomenon in dairy calves 3-6 weeks of age

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Physiology

Background:

• The Madigan foal chest squeeze technique is known to induce somnolence in neonatal calves.
• Its efficacy and effects in older calves remain largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the Madigan foal chest squeeze technique's ability to induce somnolence in older dairy calves.
• To assess physiological responses to the technique in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Five Friesian-Holstein dairy calves (21-42 days old) were subjected to the Madigan chest squeeze technique.
• Mentation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured before and during compression.

Main Results:

• Two calves exhibited mild somnolent behavior.
• A slight reduction in heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature was observed in these calves.
• The induced somnolence and physiological changes were less profound than those reported in neonatal foals and calves.

Conclusions:

• The Madigan chest squeeze technique is unlikely to provide predictable restraint or analgesia in older calves due to variable and weaker somnolence.
• While somnolence can occur in older calves following chest compression, recovery is typically rapid and complete upon cessation.