Plasma composition in hypothermic lambs
Eales, F.A.; Small, J.; Armstrong, R.H.
Veterinary Record 106(14): 310
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 6158160 Document Number: 166747
The plasma composition of 20 live hypothermic lambs aged from 12 hours to one week was examined in an attempt to investigate whether starvation or exposure was more important in causing death attributed to the starvation/exposure syndrome. The mean body weight of hypothermic lambs (2.8 plus or minus 0.20 Kg) was smaller than the average of the flock (3.4 kg). As smaller lambs use more energy per unit body weight the rate of depletion of energy reserves was greater in the hypothermic lambs. The low levels in plasma of gammaglobulins, glucose and free fatty acids suggest that starvation and exhaustion of body reserves led to hypothermia. It is suggested that providing an adequate supply of colostrum or other food would prevent hyperthermia more effectively than providing shelter.