Blood parameters of young calves at abattoirs are related to distance transported and farm of origin.

摘要: ABSTRACT Nonreplacement dairy calves, or bobby are fasted and transported to abattoirs from as young 5 d of age in Australia. The aims this cross-sectional observational study were (1) assess the welfare status, measured by blood parameters, calves commercial supply chain after transport lairage, (2) whether distance duration risk factors for poor calf welfare, parameters. We hypothesized that greater distances would be more likely show evidence compromised indicators hydration, energy muscle fatigue damage. also there a large amount variability status between different farms. analyzed samples collected at slaughter over spring an autumn calving period 4,484 Australian aged approximately 14 old 3 states, transport, fasting, lairage. Packed cell volume (PCV), plasma glucose, serum urea, total protein, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), creatine kinase (CK) measured. Radio frequency identification ear tag data used estimate identify farm origin. Data using linear mixed models, except BHB, which was Goodman-Kruskal gamma test due left censoring data. Twelve percent showed anemia (PCV less than 0.23 L/L), 11% had urea concentrations consistent with dehydration (urea 7.7 mmol/L). Thirty-six CK activity above normal resting values, 1% >2,000 U/L, indicating Distance significant effects on all variables BHB. With increasing transported, negative balance (low glucose) (high PCV protein). estimated effect overall small, but 500 km, glucose concentration declined per kilometer. calves' origin accounted reasonable random variation (20%). Our results suggest longer may increase (dehydration, balance) on-farm management (e.g., nutrition, timing feeding before transport) affect status; improving area could result better availability during fasting.