Changes of clinical, electrolytes, acute phase proteins, and some cardiovascular biomarkers in lambs and kids from birth to 2 days of age.

The aim of the current study was to establish reference values for most important clinicohematological, electrolytes, acute phase proteins, and some cardiovascular biomarkers in lambs and kids from birth to 2 days of age. A total of 40 animals (20 lambs and 20 kids) were enrolled into the study from birth to 2 days of age. The neonates were born to Kermani ewes and Cashmere (Raini) does of 3 years of age weighing 42 ± 1 and 30 ± 2 kg, respectively, during the breeding season. Mothers of the neonates were reared under the same husbandry and management conditions in the same group pen. The first feeding (via bottle) occurred at 40 ± 15 min after birth, and the colostrum was offered again every 30 min to obtain an intake volume equivalent to 10% of the neonate's body weight (BW). The transitional milk milked at 12, 24, and 36 h after birth was artificially ad libitum offered via bottle. Blood sampling was initiated immediately after birth (before the ingestion of colostrum) and then were performed within the first and second day after birth. In both species, heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were significantly decreased within the first 48 and 24 h after birth, respectively (P < 0.01). Values of calcium, chloride, and magnesium were significantly increased within 24 h after birth. There were no significant changes in serum concentrations of potassium during the first day of life, while it was significantly higher after 48 h. Phosphorous levels determined during the entire study period showed age-related changes in kids and lambs. Significant decreases in PCV value were seen during the first day of life in lambs and kids (P < 0.05). Except for hemocysteine (Hcy) and serum amyloid A (SAA), values of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, cardiac troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB were unchanged within the first 24 h after birth. In both species, during the first 48 h of life Hcy and SAA, serum values were significantly decreased and increased, respectively (P < 0.001). It is suggested that the changes in clinicohematological, electrolytes, acute phase proteins, and some cardiovascular biomarkers are normal and could be attributed to both colostrum absorption and physiological development of a newborn.