Kastelic, JohnWindeyer, ClaireHomerosky, Elizabeth Rose2016-09-292016-09-2920162016Homerosky, E. R. (2016). Assessment and Impacts of Newborn Beef Calf Vigour (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25026http://hdl.handle.net/11023/3361Modified APGAR scores, intended to identify compromised calves with reduced vigour, yield inconsistent results and are not widely adopted. Data were collected from 77 newborn beef calves to determine calving characteristics and clinical examination parameters associated with abnormal blood parameters and a calf’s ability to consume colostrum by 4 h after birth. Calves born to primiparous dams, with increased calving difficulty, a weak suckle reflex, or incomplete tongue withdrawal, had decreased blood pH and increased L-lactate at 10 min after birth (P<0.05). Calves with a weak suckle reflex were 41.6 times more likely to fail to consume colostrum by 4 h compared to calves with a strong suckle reflex (P<0.0001). Calves that failed to consume colostrum by 4 h were 2.8 times more likely to be treated prior to weaning (P=0.03). In conclusion, good newborn beef calf vigour is a vital survival characteristic that helps ensure timely colostrum consumption, contributing to long-term health.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Veterinary ScienceNeonatal beef calfAPGARVigourAcidemiaBlood gas disturbancePassive Transfer of Immunitymaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/25026