https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e33276
Received: 03/06/2023 Accepted: 12/07/2023 Published:29/07/2023
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Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33276, 1 – 7
ABSTRACT
Although it is stated that there is an increase in calf loss rates at the
global level and especially in modern dairy farms, this issue, which is
at the national, large farm, or small farm level in most developing
Countries. The rate of calf deaths before, during, and after birth is
between 2–20% in heifers and cows. Previous studies showed that
10% before birth, and 15% within 48 hours after birth. This study aimed
to determine the effect of Meloxicam administration on the quality of
life and development of calves. An experimental method was used to
achieve the aim of this research. A total of 60 Holstein calves, 30 in the
experimental group and 30 in the control group, were included in the
-1
) was administered
to the mother cow and the calf immediately after birth, 2 days before
to collect the data. It was concluded that Meloxicam did not affect
the BHBA values of maternal cows. No calves died from pneumonia
and diarrhea–related diseases after being treated with Meloxicam.
From the total protein and total albumin values of the calves, it was
concluded that Meloxicam did not affect the protein ratio, but did
affect the albumin ratio. It was concluded that Meloxicam application
increased the vital activity of calves.
Key words: Meloxicam; calves; quality of life; animal; Holstein cow
RESUMEN
terneros a nivel mundial y especialmente en las granjas lecheras
modernas, este tema, que es un problema de bienestar animal
de granja grande o de granja pequeña. nivel en la mayoría de los
países en desarrollo. La tasa de muertes de terneros antes, durante
previos mostraron que el 75 % de las muertes ocurren durante el
10 % antes del nacimiento y el 15 % dentro de las 48 horas posteriores
al nacimiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto
de la administración de meloxicam en la calidad de vida y desarrollo
objetivo de esta investigación. Se incluyeron en el estudio para el
grupo de estudio un total de 60 Holstein terneros, 30 en el grupo
-1
)
nacimiento, 2 días antes del parto esperado. En este estudio, se pasó
un proceso de 8 semanas para recolectar los datos. Se concluyó que
el meloxicam no afectó los valores de BHBA de las vacas maternas.
Ningún ternero murió por neumonía y enfermedades relacionadas
de los valores de proteína total y albúmina total de los terneros, se
concluyó que el meloxicam no afectó la relación de proteína, pero sí
la relación de albúmina. Se concluyó que la aplicación de meloxicam
incrementó la actividad vital de los terneros.
Palabras clave: Meloxicam; terneros; calidad de vida; animal;
Holstein vaca
The effects of Meloxicam application on quality of life and
development in calves
Los efectos de la aplicación de Meloxicam sobre la calidad de vida
y el desarrollo en terneros
Halil Sennaroglu* , Selim Aslan , Kamil Seyrek Intas
Near East University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. North Cyprus, Mersin–10, Turkey.
*Corresponding Author: halil.sennaroglu1980@gmail.com
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INTRODUCTION
As in humans, it is very important for animals to have a healthy
pregnancy process and then a healthy birth [1]. The continuation of
Bos taurus)
depends on the hormonal mechanisms between CL and PGF2α [2].
The development of the embryo and the continuation of the pregnancy
are possible with the prevention of the release of PGF2α from the
uterine endometrium and the functional continuation of the luteal
structure. In the same way, the elimination of hormonal irregularities
in cows will ensure healthy reproduction [2, 3, 4, 5].
purposes. It has some obvious uses for pain relief, antipyretic and
and veterinary fields [6].
prostaglandin synthesis. When cell damage occurs in the body for
any reason, phospholipids are released from the damaged cell wall and
has proven to be potent among them. Systemic Meloxicam produces
substances contained in it, most of its actions are said to have a
direct effect on sensitized nociceptors [4, 7]. Meloxicam acts by
inhibiting inducible COX–2 and prostaglandin synthesis. With this
antipyretic effects [8].
active substance from the oxicam group [9]. It has analgesic,
effects. The physical appearance of the drug is a yellow and odorless
powder. Practically insoluble in water but slightly soluble in methanol.
The pKa of the drug is 1.1–4.2. Its molecular weight is 351.41 and its
melting point is 254°C. Its chemical name is Meloxicam with the formula
C
14
H
13
N
3
O
4
S
2
methyl–2–thiazyl)–2H–1,2–benzothiazine–3–carboxamide–1,1 dioxide
[3, 10, 11]. COX–2, an inducible cyclooxygenase, causes the formation
through the urine and the remainder in the feces. Meloxicam is a
selective COX–2 inhibitor with a half–life of approximately 13 hours
a half–life of 8–12 h in cows. According to various researchers, it was
reported that Meloxicam and Flunixin meglumine also prolong the
survival of KL by inhibiting PGF2α synthesis [12, 13]. The half–life of
14].
oral administration of Meloxicam can provide effective, long–lasting
analgesia in ruminants.
It is very important in the birth process of cows. The normal birth of
the normal birth of the cow also ensures that it can show fertility in the
15,
16, 17
in calves. After birth, respiratory and cardiac examinations of calves,
examination, measurement of body temperature, and determination
evaluated whether there is a physical anomaly in the animal. It is
necessary to reduce the mortality rates of the calves and to improve
the rearing environments.
European Food Safety has made many improvement studies in this
18].
days after the birth of the cows are important periods for the calves
19, 20]. The cause
related to these diseases occur as a result of bacteremia, viremia,
and endotoxemia. It has been determined that approximately 31% of
deaths can be prevented by changes in the colostrum feeding method
and amount [18, 21, 22]. Koyuncu and Karaca [18] asserted that in the
and quality and quantity are in the second place. Providing the right
amount of quality colostrum immediately after birth provides a good
start for all calves. In calves; while a good improvement is achieved
due to the decrease in the incidence and mortality rate of diarrhea
long term [21, 23, 24, 25].
Bayyit and Merhan’s [17] study was to determine the levels of
reach the data of this study, 15 Simmental cows with normal calving
tubes with anticoagulants, and the remaining half of the blood was
placed in tubes without anticoagulants. As a result of the analyses,
it was concluded that haptoglobin, malondialdehyde increased,
ceruloplasmin, and albumin and reduced glutathione concentrations
17]. Ucar investigated
the effect of Meloxicam application on pregnancy rates in dairy heifers
in his study conducted in 2014 [26]. As a result of the research, he
administered Meloxicam as one or two injections at half dose on the
15th day and concluded that it had no positive effect on the pregnancy
rate. It was observed that Meloxicam may have a reducing effect on
The number of studies using nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory
drugs to maintain pregnancy has increased [2]. Positive results were
obtained in studies using Flunixin Meglumin [13, 27]. [28]
reducing embryonic deaths and increasing the pregnancy rate. For
this purpose, Flunixin, Meglumin, and Ketoprofen, which are widely
used in Veterinary Medicine, were preferred. Although the pregnancy
rate increased with Ketoprofen administration, it was concluded that
deaths. Flunixin, Meglumin, and Ketoprofen drugs have an important
27, 29, 30].
Meloxicam application is a drug used in animals and used to solve
many problems. In recent studies, positive effects of application
on cows on insemination and pregnancy processes have been
determined. This study aimed to determine the effect of Meloxicam
on the quality of life and development of calves. It aimed to investigate
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the effects of Meloxicam administration on the quality of life and
development of calves after birth and facilitating delivery.
groups in cows is used to ensure pregnancy, fertilization, and relief
of orthopedic pain. However, no study was found that evaluated the
birth and the survival of calves, especially the effect of Meloxicam.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To reach the data of this research, an experimental study method
was carried out. The animals included in the study are in two groups
the experimental group and the control group. The Holstein cows
included in the study were selected from the central processing, in
carry out the application.
This study was approved by resolution 2021/140 of the Animal
Experiments Local Ethics Committee of Near East University. In
standard deviation). The mean age of the cows was 5.0 ± 1.2. All of
the study was done in the same farm and fed in the same way, the
–1
) was administered to the cows 2–3
vena jugularis to
relaxation of the pelvic ligaments, vulva swelling, restlessness
31]. The cows were examined
below and three of the above symptoms were present, then the drug
was administered. The animals all calved after 2 to 3 d.
v. jugularis) and
changes in colostrum, Total protein and Albumin values, blood was
euthanasia method.
In this research, it was determined that Meloxicam administered
to the mother had no effect on colostrum quality. There was no
+
–
)
and the mean values were very close to each other. In a study
comparing colostrum replacer with colostrum, it was concluded
that Meloxicam applications did not increase absorption and did not
Animal material
The animal material of the study was divided into 2 equal groups.
–1
Meloxicam was administered to the mother Holstein cow and the calf
immediately after birth 2 d before the expected delivery.
Statistical analysis
In this study, the scoring system is based on the analysis of the
data developed by Apgar [32]. The reason for choosing APGAR is
to determine the health scores of the calves immediately after
birth and to evaluate their chances of survival [32]. The viability of
newborn calves can be scored by evaluating many different criteria
such as the appearance of hair cover, peripheral edema, the color
rectal temperature, time to sternal position, time to stand up and
33, 34]. Statistical analyzes of the obtained
data were made in SPSS 24.0 software environment. A two–way
analysis of variance was used for repeated measurements for data
analysis. Paired t–test was used to compare the mean values within
the experimental and control groups, and the Bonferroni test was
used to compare the simultaneous data of different groups. The
P
level of the difference between the groups and the changes according
to time. The chi–square test was applied for cross–table analysis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Maternal cow BHBA values
Within the scope of the study, Meloxicam was administered to
groups were measured after birth. Independent samples t–test was
applied to compare the BHBA values of the cows in the experimental
t
=-1.945, P>0.05).
Causes of calves death
TABLE I exhibits the mortality rate and the cause of death among
calves based on this research.
TABLE I
Mortality Rates and the cause of Death among Calves
Death at
Birth
Diarrhea
Severe
Diarrhea
Pneumonia
Total
Death
Meloxicam (+) 2 2 1 0 5
Meloxicam (–) 2 3 1 1 7
period were examined, it was found that 2 of the calves treated with
Meloxicam died at birth, 2 died from diarrhea, and 1 died from severe
diarrhea. It was found that the calves that were not administered
Meloxicam died at birth, 2 died from diarrhea, 1 died from severe
diarrhea, and 1 died from pneumonia.
When the causes and rates of death are examined, it can be
concluded that Meloxicam administration reduces the mortality
rate in calves. In particular, it can be said that it reduces the rate of
FIGURE 1. Marginal mean values of protein values in calves. Control group: green,
Experimental group: blue
Assessing the Impact of Meloxicam on Calves' Well-Being and Growth / Sennaroglu et al. _________________________________________
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treated with Meloxicam did not die of pneumonia. The conclusion
from this finding is important. It is important to determine the
causes of the death of calves and to try to eliminate these situations.
Gastrointestinal and respiratory system diseases have an important
place in yield and mortality losses in calves in the neonatal period.
in this period and diseases causing pneumonia such as respiratory
system diseases play an important role as well [35].
[26]. It is seen that the number of calves that died from diarrhea
from Meloxicam administration was less than that of calves that did
not receive Meloxicam. This is very pleasing considering that most
of the causes of death of calves in the world are due to diarrhea. It
can be said that the application of Meloxicam reduces the rate of
death from diarrhea.
While there are 25 calves treated with Meloxicam and continuing their
lives in good health, there are 23 healthy calves without Meloxicam.
Protein values of calves
Total protein levels of calves at 0, 1, 2, and 7 d after birth were
examined and their mean values were calculated in TABLE II and the
mean values between d were compared.
Albumin values of calves
Albumin levels of calves at 0, 1, 2, and 7 d after birth were examined
and their average values were calculated in TABLE III and the average
values between d were compared.
TABLE II
Time-Dependent Changes in Protein Levels of Calves
(Average ± SS)
Parameter Group Day 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 7
Total Protein
Experiment 6,24 ± 0,47 6,33 ± 0,49 6,30 ± 0,55 6,39 ± 0,65
Control 6,19 ± 0,53 6,40 ± 0,59 6,53 ± 0,69 6,38 ± 0,62
Notes: Experiment (n=28): Meloxicam group, Control group (n=27)
TABLE III
Findings on Albumin Levels of Calves at 0, 1, 2 and 7 days
(Average ± SS)
Parameter Group Day 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 7
Total Protein
Experiment 3,16 ± 0,20 3,27 ± 0,13 3,35 ± 0,17 3,45 ± 0,22
Control 3,30 ± 0,17 3,44 ± 0,18 3,45 ± 0,19 3,43 ± 0,22
Notes: Experiment (n=28): Meloxicam group, Control group (n=27)
Total protein values increased in the experimental group from
as a result of paired tP>0.05).
difference was observed as a result of paired t–tests between these
P
P>0.05).
There was no significant difference between the groups in
P>0.05). In other words, as a result
of comparing the total protein values for each day between the
experimental and control groups, a similarity was observed. The
graph obtained from the average values is given in FIG. 1.
were observed between these outputs as a result of paired t–tests
P
P>0.05).
found to be lower in experimental group calves on days 0, 1 and 2). On
P<0.01 and P<0.05).
Meloxicam is closely bound to albumin in both humans and bovines.
This connection occurs in a very sensitive part of the molecule. This
compound increases both PH levels and ionic strength, and therefore
increases the drug concentration. Because Meloxicam binds to the
Albumin molecule, therefore in the plasma, the half–life of the drug
36]. Therefore, after the
FIGURE 2. Marginal mean values of albumin values in calves. Control group: green,
Experimental group: blue
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diseases decreased the high concentration of Albumin [37].
difference was observed as a result of paired t–tests between these
P<0.05). A significant difference was observed
P>0.05).
P<0.05). In other words, as a result of the comparison
of Albumin values for each day between the experimental and
the experimental group. The graph obtained from the average values
is given in FIG. 2.
Calves in both groups were given points and determined as 7 – 8
P<0.05). When the table was
examined, it was observed that the calves with high vital activity
were mostly in the experimental group.
This experimental study, it was aimed to determine the effect
of Meloxicam application on the quality of life and developmental
examined, the vital activities of the calves treated with Meloxicam
were higher than the calves without Meloxicam. This result may mean
that Meloxicam administration is effective in the quality of life of
application reduces depression. The depressive state of the calves in
the experimental group decreased at a high rate. Body posture, eye
or hypothermia, mucous discoloration, diarrhea, meningitis, and
acute death are common in calves. Many studies have proven that
depression causes death in newborn calves [38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43].
This is very pleasing. The danger can be reduced by increasing
the quality of life of calves. Postnatal viability is very important
in determining the adaptation of the offspring to environmental
conditions. The most important factor in the health and vitality of
9, 18, 44].
CONCLUSION
As conclusions of this study found these; Meloxicam can reduce
diarrhea–related deaths. The total protein value is not affected by
Meloxicam. It has been proven that depression causes newborn calves
to die; Meloxicam application reduces depression in newborn calves
Also, as a result of the application of Meloxicam, Albumin levels can
Conict of interest
with the publication of this manuscript.
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