Implications of allopregnanolone in weak calf syndrome

Authors

  • P. Riedel College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752
  • J. Dascanio College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752
  • J. Johnson College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752
  • L. Miller College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20183209

Keywords:

Weak calf syndrome, WCS, allopregnanolone, neonatal syndromes, calf diseases, neurologic state, progesterone metabolites

Abstract

Weak calf syndrome (WCS) produces "dummy calves" that are weak and unable to stand or nurse. The causes of WCS are not well understood and often attributed to hypoxic and ischemic injury without confirmation. Recent research in other species has pointed to an alternative mechanism behind neonatal syndromes comparable to WCS. This involves the persistence of progesterone metabolites in the neonatal brain resulting in symptoms consistent with WCS. One specific progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone, may be a significant contributor to WCS pathogenesis, which this study intended to demonstrate.

Cover image of the 51st Conference Proceedings: A man riding on a pale horse herding cattle on a semi-arid pasture

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Published

2018-09-13

Issue

2018

Section

Posters