Effects of Flunixin Meglumine and Local Anesthetic on Plasma Cortisol Concentration and Performance in Dairy Calves Castrated at Two to Three Months of Age

Authors

  • H. Webster Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820
  • L. Brown Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820
  • V. Jarrell Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820
  • R. Wallace Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820
  • D. Morin Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820
  • Y. Johnson Agricultural Animal Care and Use Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20104186

Keywords:

dairy calves, beef calves, castration, analgesic, anesthetic, early-weaned, efficacy, flunixin meglumine, local anesthesia, animal welfare

Abstract

Dairy calves and early-weaned beef calves are often weaned at 2-3 months of age and castrated at that time. Most studies examining the effects of analgesic and anesthetic agents on responses to castration focus on older or younger cattle. Also, no analgesic or local anesthetic agents are approved for reducing castration-associated pain in calves in the US. Extra-label use of such agents should be based on evidence of efficacy. Our objective was to provide tangible data on the effects of flunixin meglumine (FM) and local anesthesia (LA) on cortisol and performance responses associated with surgical castration in 2- to 3-month-old dairy calves.

Cover image of the 43rd Conference Proceedings: Two short-horned cattle grazing in a field, surrounded by a flock of egrets. Yellow background.

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Published

2010-08-19

Issue

2010

Section

Posters