Neonatal Physiology and Fluid Therapy of Calves

Abstract

The maturation of an animal from embryo to "old age" is a continuum characterized by periods of rapid change and periods of relative stability. As the animal completes the change from existence in utero to life as an independent entity, many changes occur quickly. The degree of maturity of neonates of different species varies as does the maturity of organ systems within a species. Other papers in the proceedings will address neonatal physiology as it relates to pharmacology and immunology while this paper will focus on changes in blood and plasma constituents, and fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.