Therapeutics of neonatal asphyxia in production animals: a review

The aim of this review is to assess the different treatments and therapeutic protocols used for neonatal asphyxia in animal production. Perinatal asphyxia is considered to be one of the main non-infectious causes of neonatal mortality in the majority of domestic mammals. However, its incidence in intensive animal production is increasing because of a series of implemented strategies aimed at improving and increasing production. For example, through the application of genetics, an increase in size and weight in newly born animals has been achieved. Nevertheless, this has resulted in a larger incidence of dystocia associated with oxygen restriction to thefoetus, which elicits metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Furthermore, aside from immediate financial implications when it comes to production, it also has an impact on the welfare of mother and offspring. Regarding the field of animal perinatology, several therapeutic strategies using respiratory and hormonal stimulants, as well as energetic supplements have been evaluated with the aim of preventing perinatal asphyxia and treating neonates with the condition, and also to diminish the incidence of stillbirths associated with it. However, during the last decades this condition has persisted mainly in porcine, equine, ovine and bovine production; for this reason, it continues to be studied extensively.