Related Experiment Videos
Cold thermoregulation in the newborn calf
1Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station.
Summary
Newborn calves must maintain body heat through shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis, primarily using brown adipose tissue (BAT). This article explores factors affecting BAT function in neonatal calves.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Physiology
- Neonatal Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Newborn calves face significant heat loss (thermolysis) during the transition from fetal to neonatal life.
- Maintaining body temperature (homeothermy) requires rapid thermogenic responses.
- Calf thermogenesis involves both shivering and nonshivering pathways, with brown adipose tissue (BAT) being crucial for the latter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the pre- and postnatal factors influencing nonshivering thermogenesis in neonatal calf brown adipose tissue (BAT).
- To highlight the importance of functional BAT for neonatal calf survival and adaptation.
Main Methods:
- This article synthesizes existing research on neonatal calf thermoregulation.
- Focuses on factors impacting brown adipose tissue (BAT) development and function.
- Reviews both in vivo and in vitro studies related to BAT thermogenesis.
Main Results:
- Nonshivering thermogenesis in BAT is a vital component of neonatal calf thermoregulation.
- Pre- and postnatal environmental and physiological factors significantly influence BAT's thermogenic capacity.
- Functional BAT is essential for preventing hypothermia in newborn calves.
Conclusions:
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a critical role in the thermogenic adaptation of newborn calves.
- Understanding factors influencing BAT function is key to improving neonatal calf survival rates.
- Further research into pre- and postnatal influences can optimize neonatal calf care and welfare.