ANOXIA IN THE BOVINE FOETUS

Abstract
SUMMARY Laparohysterotomies were performed, under local analgesia, on 18 plurigravid Hereford cattle and the response of their foetuses to anoxia was examined. All control and 4 of 6 foetuses subjected to 4 minutes of anoxia survived whereas all others died when the umbilical cord was clamped for 6 or 8 minutes. Death mostly occurred just before or soon after delivery, which was undertaken immediately following release of the umbilical clamp. In 2 cases, however, the calves survived for at least 2 days before being slaughtered when death appeared imminent. During the intervening period both animals failed to suck although one was able to stand temporarily following the oral administration of glucose and milk.

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