Comprehensive monitoring and prediction of prenatal disorders in calves born from cows with complicated pregnancy

Background. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in modern methods for diagnosing feto- and uteroplacental insufficiency in cattle, which is due to the need to improve the reproductive health of animals and the quality of newborn offspring. The use of echographic and electrocardiographic methods makes it possible not only to assess in detail the condition of the fetus and uterus, but also to predict the course of pregnancy, which is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes. Particular attention is paid to hypoxic myocardial damage in cows, which is identified as one of the leading causes of adverse reproductive outcomes. This condition is associated with metabolic disorders, which in turn leads to the development of pathological metabolic acidosis. Acidosis has a depressing effect on enzymatic processes in the fetus, which can cause serious disturbances in its development and, as a result, negatively affect the health of newborn calves. The introduction of comprehensive monitoring, including regular ultrasound examinations and electrocardiographic monitoring, allows for timely detection of predisposition to feto- and uteroplacental insufficiency. This, in turn, creates the opportunity for early intervention and correction of identified disorders, which contributes to improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing the risk of prenatal pathologies.

Purpose. The objective of the present study is to develop methods for comprehensive monitoring in order to predict prenatal disorders in calves born from cows with complicated pregnancy.

Materials and methods. At the SPK Plemzavod Vtoraya Pyatiletka, from 2023 to 2024, the main studies on monitoring and predicting prenatal disorders in calves born to cows with feto- and uteroplacental insufficiency were carried out.

As an object of research, 200 heads of dry first-calf cows aged 24 to 48 months were selected by the blind sampling method. Thus, the first group (A) consisted of 100 animals with uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth, while the second group (B) included 100 animals with complicated pregnancy due to feto- and uteroplacental insufficiency.

The selection of the livestock was carried out on the basis of anamnesis and physiological examination. To monitor and predict prenatal lesions in calves born to cows with feto- and uteroplacental insufficiency, a comprehensive clinical and laboratory study was conducted, namely: detection of signs of acute intrauterine fetal hypoxia during cardiographic monitoring using a Schiller AG Cardiovit AT-1 VET electrocardiograph, while assessing the heart rate (HR), morphology of the P wave, QRS complex and T wave, amplitude and duration of the P wave, QRS complex and T wave, duration of PR and QT intervals.

Determination of fetal growth deviations, echogenicity of the coruncle structure was carried out based on the results of an ultrasound examination using the Easy-Scan:Go device for cattle.

Evaluation of the decrease in blood flow and the state of the vessels in the fetal-uterine interface were determined by Dopplerography using a veterinary echograph Doppler FDC8100V from the manufacturer Shenzhen Well.D Medical Electronics.

Results. According to the obtained results of Dopplerography, 76% of cows with complicated pregnancy from group B have a decrease in blood flow through the fetal-uterine interface, which indicates a state of stress of the fetus and its underdevelopment. In addition, 54% of animals from group B have changes in blood flow pulsation and blood oxygenation. In cows of group A, the results of Dopplerography are within the normal range, only 15% of animals have increased oxygenation rates, which do not have serious consequences for the further development of the fetus.

Conclusion. Early diagnosis and timely administration of preventive and therapeutic measures are necessary to prevent the risk of developing postnatally significant diseases and improve the reproductive health of cattle. The introduction of an integrated approach to monitoring and predicting prenatal disorders can significantly improve the effectiveness of veterinary practice and ensure the well-being of both mothers and newborns.