The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function test, acute phase proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, electrolyte balance and electrocardiographic alterations in bovine
respiratory diseases (BRD) affected calves compared to pen matched healthy control calves. A
total of 30 calves (20 BRD affected calves and 10 apparently healthy calves) were used in this
study. BRD affected calves showed significant (P< 0.05) reduction in blood pH, partial
pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and chloride,
and significant (P< 0.05) increase in partial pressure of carbon dioxide, total carbon dioxide
and potassium. Acute phase proteins and proinflammatory cytokines assessment revealed a
significant (P< 0.05) increase of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, fibrinogen and interleukin-6
in diseased calves compared to healthy control calves. Electrocardiographic examination of
BRD affected calves revealed a significant increase in heart rate with a significant (P< 0.05)
alteration in electrocardiographic changes (ECG) wave trace parameters (P wave, QRS
complex, T wave, PR interval, QT interval). In conclusion, measurement of pulmonary
function test, APPs, cytokines and ECG could be used as valuable and early diagnostic tools
for BRD diagnosis in feedlot cattle calves |
