Changes in electrocardiographic indices during the first two days of life in lambs and goat kids

In the current study, we aimed to establish reference values for most important electrocardiographic (ECG) indices during the first two days of life in lambs and goat kids. A total of ۴۰ animals (۲۰ lambs and ۲۰ goat kids) were enrolled into the study from birth to two days of age. The neonates were born to Kermani ewes and Cashmere (Raini) does of ۳ years of age weighing ۴۲ ± ۱ and ۳۰ ± ۲ kg, respectively. Heart rate (HR) was significantly decreased within the first ۴۸ and ۲۴ h after birth, respectively (P < ۰.۰۱). Amplitudes and durations of P, QRS and T waves were not significantly changed from baseline during the first two days of life. The lengths of PR and RR intervals were significantly prolonged during the first ۴۸ h after birth (P < ۰.۰۱). There were significant differences (P < ۰.۰۵) in the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias during the entire course of experiment. It is concluded that ECG indices showed age-related differences in newborn lambs and goat kids during the ۴۸ h study period. The author suggested that the changes in ECG indices are normal and could be attributed to both colostrum absorption and physiological development of a newborn.

Keywords:

Birth , Electrocardiographic indices , goat kids , lambs