Intrauterine dyslementosis in calves and its role in the formation of predisposition to the complicated course of respiratory diseases in the neonatal period
A group of 33 deep pregnant cows and calves obtained from them was examined. During the first month of life, in all calves respiratory diseases were registered, and in 7 individuals, microbronchitis was complicated by bronchopneumonia. Adult and newborn animals were retrospectively divided into 2 groups each: T1 and K1 - calves without bronchopneumonia and their mothers, respectively; T2 and K2 - calves with bronchopneumonia and their mothers, respectively. Hematological parameters and the content of As, Ni, Co, Cr, Mo in the blood serum of cows and calves at the age of 1 day were analyzed. In deep pregnant cows in both groups, the Mo content was within the normal range, the Ni concentration was increased, As, Co, and Cr were reduced. Differences between groups K1 and K2 in the content of trace elements were not detected. Correlations were found between the Ni content and MCHC, the concentration of As and MCV and RDW in deep pregnant cows. In newborn calves in both groups, the content of Mo in the blood serum corresponded to the norm; Co and Ni concentrations exceeded the reference values, As - was lower. The concentration of Ni in calves in the T2 group was higher than in the T1 group. In calves, correlations were found between the concentration of Ni and the number of leukocytes and monocytes, as well as between the concentration of As and the number of segmented neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes. Co, Cr, Mo actively accumulated in the body of calves during the prenatal period, as transfer from mother to fetus was limited; Ni transfer was regulated by the ratio of concentrations in the blood of the mother and the fetus. Excess Ni content and deficiency of As in the blood serum of pregnant cows and newborn calves can be considered risk factors for the development of complications of respiratory diseases in young cattle.