Ciência Rural, Santa Maria,

Metabolic, v.54:07,and
zootechnical, e20220615,
health profile2024
of Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization.
http://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20220615
1
ISSNe 1678-4596
Animal reproduction

Metabolic, zootechnical, and health profile of Girolando calves

conceived through in vitro fertilization

Maria Amélia Agnes Weiller1,2 Evandro Schmoeller2 Antônio Amaral Barbosa2

Adriane Dalla Costa de Matos2 Cassio Cassal Brauner2 Marcio Nunes Corrêa2
Francisco Augusto Burkert Del Pino2 Viviane Rohrig Rabassa2*

Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brasil.
1

Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Pecuária (NUPEEC), Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), 96010-900, Capão do Leão, RS,
2

Brasil. E-mail: vivianerabassa@gmail.com. *Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT: This study determined the zootechnical, metabolic, and health performance of Girolando calves born with high or low birth
weight, conceived through in vitro fertilization. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm located in Passos, Minas Gerais,
Brazil. For this, a hundred Girolando calves were divided into two groups: The Control, which consisted of calves that were born weighing
≤ 35 kg; and high birth weight (HBW) calves, which were born weighing > 35 kg. The calves were monitored for zootechnical parameters;
epidemiological indices, for diseases such diarrhea and pneumonia; as well as serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine
aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglycerides, paraoxonase1, albumin, urea, and globulin.
Calves from the HBW group had a higher general mortality rate, but no effects on the zootechnical performance or metabolism were observed.
The results obtained allow us to conclude that Girolando calves generated by IVF and heavier at birth have a greater chance to present diseases
such as omphalophlebitis, tympany, and bovine parasitic sadness, and have a higher rate of general mortality. Conversely, birth weight of the
calves does not influence diarrhea or pneumonia, the zootechnical performance, or the metabolism.
Key words: neonates, bovine, metabolism, zootechnical performance, health.

Perfil metabólico, zootécnico e sanitário de bezerras Girolando

concebidas por fertilização in vitro

RESUMO: Este estudo determinou o desempenho zootécnico, metabólico e saúde de bezerras Girolando nascidas com alto ou baixo peso,
concebidas por fertilização in vitro. O estudo foi realizado em uma fazenda leiteira comercial localizada em Passos, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Cem
bezerras Girolando foram divididas em dois grupos: Controle, que consistiu em bezerras que nasceram com peso ≤ 35 kg; e HBW, bezerras
que nasceram com peso > 35 kg. As bezerras foram monitoradas quanto aos parâmetros zootécnicos; índices epidemiológicos para doenças
como diarreia e pneumonia; bem como as concentrações séricas de aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina,
gama-glutamil transferase, colesterol, triglicérides, paraoxonase1, albumina, uréia e globulina. As bezerras do grupo HBW apresentaram maior
taxa de mortalidade, mas nenhum efeito no desempenho zootécnico ou metabolismo foram observados. Os resultados permitem concluir que
bezerras Girolando provenientes de FIV que nascem mais pesadas têm maior chance de apresentar doenças, como onfaloflebite, timpanismo e
tristeza parasitária bovina, tendo uma maior taxa de mortalidade geral. Porém, o peso ao nascimento das bezerras não influenciou a ocorrência
de diarreia ou broncopneumonia, o desempenho zootécnico e o perfil metabólico.
Palavras-chave: neonatos, bovino, metabolismo, desempenho zootécnico, saúde.

INTRODUCTION also has its drawbacks such as lower efficiency in

embryo implantation, atypical placental development
The use of reproductive biotechnologies (BERTOLINI et al., 2004; SIQUEIRA et al., 2009),
has been increasingly frequent in the Brazilian beef greater fetal development and, mainly, a higher birth
and dairy cattle farms, motivated by the necessity weight (BONILLA et al., 2014).
to meet the market demand and improve the Large offspring syndrome (LOS) is a
genetic potential of herds (VIANA, 2019). In vitro fetal overgrowth condition in bovine animals, most
fertilization (IVF) is a biotechnique that accelerates often observed in offspring conceived with the use of
the process of genetic selection and enhances the reproductive technologies such as IVF and somatic
participation of bovine females in the process of cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Different culture
genetic improvement of herds. (VARAGO et al., media cause transcript abundance changes of several
2008; BONILLA et al., 2014). However, the technique developmentally important genes involved in cell–

Received 11.09.22 Approved 10.13.23 Returned by the author 12.07.23

CR-2022-0615.R2 Ciência Rural, v.54, n.7, 2024.
Editors: Rudi Weiblen Gustavo Desire Antunes Gastal
2 Weiller et al.

cell junctions, transport, RNA processing, and stress feed supply, and a bottle for milk and water intake,
in bovine embryos (LI et al., 2019). Consequently, were all present for individual use. The management
in addition to greater weight at birth, an abnormal of calves was described by WEILLER et al. (2021).
enlargement of organs has been observed in animals All calves were conceived through IVF,
with overgrowth, for example, in their hearts, livers, from a cross between the Holstein and Gir breeds,
and kidneys (CHEN et al., 2013), which may cause utilizing half Holstein–Gir donors (n = 51) and Gir
metabolic changes in these animals. donors (n = 49). For the IVF procedure, semen from
Although, high birth weight may be nine Holstein bulls (bull “A” to “I”) were used (A: 19
associated with an increase in the average daily gain vs. 20; B: 7 vs. 6; C: 16 vs. 18; D:1 vs. 0; E:1 vs. 0: F:
and height of calves (SWALI & WATHES, 2006), 1 vs. 2; G: 2 vs. 1; H: 3 vs.2, and I: 0 vs. 1), resulting
this condition may also be a risk factor for increasing in calves that were three-fourth Holstein–Gir (n = 51)
dystocia, due to the incompatibility between the size and half Holstein–Gir (n = 49). All bulls used in this
of the calf and the mother’s pelvis (PAPUTUNGAN study had the expected difference in progeny positive
et al., 2000). Consequences of dystocia may include for calving ease. The oocyte donors and recipients
neonatal asphyxia, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, were cows from the same property, so all were
reduced immunoglobulin absorption, increased subjected to the same climatic conditions. Recipients
susceptibility to diseases, and death (JACOBSEN et were primiparous (n = 55) or multiparous (two or
al., 2000). more calvings, n = 45) cows Holstein–-Gir (half n =
High birth weight is associated with 23; three-fourths n = 69; five-eighths n = 4; seven-
perinatal mortality in calves (JOHANSON & eighths n = 4). All recipients were cows presenting an
BERGER, 2003), having a great economic impact average milk production of 20 liters/day, with body
(MEYER et al., 2001; SCHILD et al., 2020). In condition score between 2.5 and 3.5 (WILDMAN et
Holstein cattle, it was demonstrated that lower al., 1982) at the moment of embryo transfer. The in
birth weight tends to have a lower risk of mortality, vitro production system was the same throughout the
otherwise, calves with around or above average study and fresh embryos were transferred from May
birth weight have an exponentially increased risk of to September 2017.
mortality (JOHANSON & BERGER, 2003). These For the study, the animals were distributed
facts support the hypothesis of this study that high into two groups, according to the birth-weight
birth weight IVF calves have a higher predisposition criterion. Given this, at birth, all calves were weighed
toward health disorders. using a tape measure for medium-sized animals,
Although, other studies investigate the obtaining an average weight of 35.45 ± 4.6 kg
influence of birth weight on calf health (SWALI & and a median weight of 35.50 kg. Using the birth
WATHES, 2006; GLOVER et al., 2019), there are weights, the calves were included into two distinct
still a few studies that correlate this parameter with groups, according to the average weight of Girolando
the performance and metabolic profile of neonates females, which is 29.57 ± 4.2 kg at birth (OLIVEIRA
from IVF. Thus, due to the great importance of the & NOGUEIRA, 2006): Control (n = 50) — including
Girolando breed for dairy production, as well as due calves that were born weighing 35 kg or less; and
to the increasing use of reproductive biotechnologies HBW group (n = 50) — including calves with a birth
in dairy farms, an evaluation of the effects of these weight higher than 35 kg. For the composition of
techniques on the health and initial zootechnical these two groups, the median was used as a reference
performance become important/ to contribute to the measure. The bull semen, recipient parity, and the
decision-making within the production system. In degree of blood of the Holstein–Gir were evenly
this sense, this study determined the influence of birth distributed between the groups.
weight on the metabolic, zootechnical, and health
profile of Girolando calves conceived through IVF. Assessing passive transfer of immunity
Failure of passive transfer of immunity
MATERIALS AND METHODS (FPTI) was determined in the calves (n = 100)
through assessment of their serum levels of total
The study was conducted on a commercial protein (TP). For this, blood was collected through
dairy farm located in Passos, Southern Minas Gerais, jugular venipuncture, between 24 and 48 hours of
Brazil. To conduct this, one hundred Girolando life, using a vacuum system and tubes, without any
female calves, kept in a tropical (Argentinean) calf anticoagulant (Vacuplast CRAL, São Paulo, Brazil).
house system, were used. A shade cloth, a trough for After collection, the samples were centrifuged for 10

Ciência Rural, v.54, n.7, 2024.

 Metabolic, zootechnical, and health profile of Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization. 3

minutes at a speed of 2183 x g to obtain the serum, and Biochemical analysis

analyzed in an optical refractometer. To determine the Total plasma proteins, albumin,
occurrence of FPTI, the parameter of 5.5 g/dL was triglycerides, cholesterol, and urea concentrations,
used as a cutoff point, as determined by BUCZINSKI as well as the activity of enzymes gamma-glutamyl
et al. (2018). transfererase (GGT), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), aspartate
aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase
Occurrence of diseases (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were
All calves were monitored daily by the evaluated in the same 41 calves (Control: 22; HBW:
responsible Veterinarian of the study, from birth 19). For this purpose, blood was collected using a
to 80 days of life, in order to diagnose diarrhea, Vacutainer system and tubes, without anticoagulant
respiratory, or other diseases (bloat, tick fever, and (Vacuplast CRAL, São Paulo, Brazil), via the jugular
omphalophlebitis). For the determination of the vein, at the following times: At birth (between 24
presence of diarrhea, the feces were classified on and 48 hours) and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60. All
a scale from 0 to 4 according to the methodology collections were performed in the morning, before
recommended (TEIXEIRA et al., 2015), with food intake. After blood collection, all the samples
score 0 characterized as normal feces and score 4 were sent to the laboratory, centrifuged at 2183
characterized as profuse diarrhea, with watery and x g, and immediately frozen for further analysis.
bloody feces. Whenever calves had a feces score ≥ 2, Except for PON1, all samples were analyzed in an
they were characterized to be suffering from diarrhea. automatic biochemical analyzer Labmax Plenno
Diagnosis of respiratory diseases was performed (Labtest Diagnostica, Minas Gerais, Brazil) using
according to LOVE et al. (2014). Other than the cases commercial colorimetric kits from the same
of diarrhea and bronchopneumonia, the remaining company. The procedures were performed according
diseases that occurred during the experimental period to the manufacturer’s recommendation. To determine
were all classified as “other diseases”, and included PON1 activity, a previously described protocol was
cases of omphalophlebitis, ruminal tympany, and used (BROWNE et al., 2007).
bovine parasitic sadness. The diseases were treated in
accordance with the protocol determined by the farm Statistical analysis
Veterinarian, which was similar for both groups. Body weight, thoracic perimeter, withers
Based on the records, it was possible height, width of the croup, and biochemical results
to determine: Morbidity (number of animals that were analyzed, using the Analysis of Variance
became sick divided by the total number of animals), (ANOVA), with repeated measures, followed by the
mortality (number of animals that died divided by Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test, considering
the total number of animals), lethality (number of the group, time of collection, and their interactions as
animals that died divided by the number of animals fixed effects, and the animal as random effect. Data that
that had the disease), and recurrence (number of did not have a normal distribution were transformed
animals that had two or more diarrhea attacks over to log10 (i.e., PON1, GGT, and cholesterol).
the course of the study). Categorical variables such as FPIT,
morbidity, mortality, lethality, and disease recurrence
Zootechnical assessments were assessed using the Chi-square test. The data
The zootechnical evaluations were carried obtained were analyzed using the NCSS 97 Statistical
out on 41 randomly selected calves (Control: 22; Program, being considered significant when P < 0.05.
HBW: 19). Body weight was determined at birth The relative risk was calculated (incidence in the
(between 24–48 hours), weekly, until 30 days of HBW group/incidence in the control group) using a
age, followed by evaluations on days 42, 60, and 95% confidence interval. Values were described as
80. Calf weights were estimated using a heart girth mean ± standard error.
tape graduated in kilograms, placed vertically behind
the forelimb (WOOD et al., 2015). The thoracic RESULTS
perimeter, withers height and width of the rump were
measured using a tape measure. Assessments were There were no differences on failure in
performed weekly, up to 30 days of life (including transfer of passive immunity between the Control and
birth), followed by the last assessment at 60 days. HBW groups (FPIT: 4.1% and 6.0%, respectively, P
From the body weight assessment, the average daily = 0.66). For both diarrhea and respiratory disease,
gain (ADG) was determined. there were no differences in morbidity between the

Ciência Rural, v.54, n.7, 2024.

4 Weiller et al.

Control and HBW groups (P > 0.05). The general with a birth weight greater than 35 kg were more
mortality rate was higher in HBW (P = 0.01). Calves likely to die.
in the HBW group were eight times more likely to die The relationship between the calves’ birth
when compared with those in the Control group (RR: weight and survival, and the incidence of disease
8; 95% CI: 1.03–61.6; P = 0.01), and 3.4 times more and zootechnical performance have been evaluated
likely to present other diseases (omphalophlebitis, in a few studies. There is evidence that high birth
ruminal tympany, and bovine parasitic sadness; RR: weight is associated with perinatal mortality in
3.4; 95% CI: 1.3–8.5; P = 0.004) (Table 1). calves (JOHANSON & BERGER, 2003), with
ADG showed interaction (Group*time, P = a great economic impact (MEYER et al., 2001).
0.01), and on day 80, the ADG of the Control group Very heavy calves at birth can predispose cows to
was lower than that of the HBW group (1.12 ± 0.05 various degrees of dystocia; consequently, leading
vs. 1.38 ± 0.05 kg, P < 0.05); furthermore, the effect to other perinatal changes such as neonatal asphyxia,
of time (P < 0.001) was observed. As expected, the reduced immunoglobulin absorption, and increased
body weight was higher in the HBW group every susceptibility to diseases (JACOBSEN et al., 2000).
time it was evaluated (P < 0.05). The body weight and IVF may be linked to the birth of heavier calves, and
thoracic perimeter showed interaction (Group*Time, also may be associated with an increase in mortality
P < 0.001), effect of group (P < 0.001) and time (P (CAMARGO et al., 2010; BONILLA et al., 2014)
< 0.001). The HBW group showed a higher weight corroborating the obtained results; although, we did
and greater thoracic perimeter than the Control group not observe a high rate of FPTI.
every time they were evaluated (P < 0.05) (Figure 1). According to BLOCK et al. (2003), 18% of
The mean concentrations of total calves born following embryo transfer using in vitro
protein, albumin, globulins, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, production were born dead or died within 24 hours
cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and PON1, were of birth. Other studies have also reported increased
not different between the HBW and Control groups incidence of stillbirths and neonatal mortality,
during the evaluated period (P > 0.05, Table 2). ranging from 7.8% to 22.2% in calves obtained via
IVF (KRUIP & DEN DAAS, 1997; NUMABE et
DISCUSSION al., 2000; VAN WAGTENDONK-DE LEEUW et al.,
2000; BONILLA et al., 2014), which is in accordance
We investigated the hypothesis that IVF with the 9% reported in this experiment. However,
calves born with greater body weight were more results demonstrated that not only IVF, but the birth
susceptible to developing diseases. Surprisingly, there weight of the calves produced by IVF can influence
were no differences in the occurrence of diarrhea and mortality. In this study, calves that were born with
respiratory disease. However, although, there is no bodyweight > 35 kg had a higher mortality rate and
chance of a higher incidence of illness, calves born were eight times more likely to die when compared to

Table 1 - Incidence and relative risk of diseases in Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization with high birth weight.

Total Control HBW Relative risk 95%CI1 P value

Diarrhea morbidity 77.0% 76% (38/50) 78% (39/50) 1.0 0.8-1.2 0.812
Diarrhea recurrence 24.6% 23.6% (9/38) 25.6% (10/39) 1.1 0.4-2.3 0.842
Diarrhea mortality 3.0% 2.0% (1/50) 4.0% (2/50) 2.0 0.1-21.3 0.557
Diarrhea lethality 3.9% 2.6% (1/38) 5.1% (2/39) 1.9 0.2-20.6 0.606
Pneumonia morbidity 28.0% 24.0% (12/50) 32.0% (16/50) 1.3 0.7-2.5 0.339
Pneumonia mortality 3.0% 0.0% (0/50) 6.0% (3/50) * *
0.075
Pneumonia lethality 10.7% 0.0% (0/12) 18.7% (3/16) * *
0.147
Other diseases 22.0% 10.0% (5/50) b
34.0% (17/50) a
3.4 1.3-8.5 0.003
General mortality 9.0% 2.0% (1/50)b 16.0% (8/50)a 8.0 1.1-61.6 0.014

Control: constituted by calves that were born weighing ≤ 35 kg; HBW: calves that were born weighing more than 35 kg. Results
obtained from the chi-square test, the differences being considered significant when P < 0.05. *Insufficient percentage to estimate the
relative risk of diseases; 195% confidence interval.

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 Metabolic, zootechnical, and health profile of Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization. 5

Figure 1 - Average weight (A), average daily gain (B), thoracic perimeter (C), withers height (D) and width of the croup (E) from birth to
60 or 80 days of age in Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization and born with weight of 35 kg or less (Control)
or with more than 35 kg (HBW).

Moments when there was a significant difference (P < 0.05).

*

control calves. Despite this, there were no differences (CHASE et al., 2008), as it increases the mechanisms
in the occurrence of diarrhea and respiratory disease of defense in the neonate (CORTESE, 2009). In this
between the Control and HBW groups, but there were study, there was no difference between groups in
a greater number of cases of other diseases, such the percentage of animals that presented with FPIT,
as, omphalophlebitis, tympany, and bovine parasitic therefore, the highest number of deaths in heavy
sadness. Between these diseases, the omphalophlebitis calves cannot be credited to this. Over the 80 days
can be caused by structural changes in the navel, of the study, we found a diarrhea morbidity of 77%,
which are reported in individuals obtained through very similar to those 77.9% reported by WEILLER
IVF (LARCHER et al., 2023), facilitating the entry et al. (2020). The results are within the expected for
of pathogens into the blood circulation and thus the Brazilian reality (53.6–100%) (LANGONI et al.,
contributing to high mortality. Also, tympany may be 2004).
associated with failure of the reticular groove reflex in Despite the high weight-related mortality,
very large calves with a low sucking reflex (BIRGEL those animals that do not die perform better, as
JUNIOR, et al., 2011), as well as, macroglossia seen by greater weight gain, thoracic perimeter, and
(enlarged tongue) which is a characteristic of LOS height. Directly related to puberty, age at first calving,
(CHEN et al., 2013), causes feeding difficulties, and and the higher productivity of the future cow, the
thus contributing to mortality. Still, anaemia and other females bovine growth is an important characteristic
blood- and plasma-related conditions (erythrocyte within the farm system (SHIVLEY et al., 2018).
and haemoglobin decrease), which are observed The relationship between birth weight and animal
in calves obtained by reproductive biotechniques performance has been assessed in some studies.
(MEIRELLES et al., 2009), may have contributed YAYLAK et al. (2015), using Holstein animals,
to the high morbidity due to bovine parasitic sadness demonstrated that the weaning weight was directly
and deaths. influenced by the animals’ birth weight. In this
It is known that satisfactory ingestion of context, animals that were born heavier also remained
high-quality colostrum is essential to protect neonates heavier for at least the first 15 life months (SWALI
against pathogens during their first weeks of life & WATHES, 2006). This was also observed in our

Ciência Rural, v.54, n.7, 2024.

6 Weiller et al.

Table 2 - Biochemical parameters during the first 60 days of life of Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization with high
birth weight.

Parameter Control HBW P group*time P time† P group

1
TPP (g/dL) 6.28 ± 0.16 6.32 ± 0.18 0.291 <0.001 0.854
Albumin (g/dL) 2.75 ± 0.05 2.75 ± 0.05 0.686 <0.001 0.944
Globulin (g/dL) 3.44 ± 0.17 3.21 ± 0.18 0.238 <0.001 0.884
AST2 (U/L) 39.30 ± 1.19 39.74 ± 1.32 0.863 <0.001 0.808
ALT3 (U/L) 20.68 ± 1.05 19.57 ± 1.17 0.218 <0.001 0.485
GGT4 (U/L) 295.65 ± 38.28 300.29 ± 42.88 0.897 <0.001 0.384
ALP5 (U/L) 243.63 ± 15.46 235.46 ± 17.24 0.346 <0.001 0.726
Paraoxonase 1 (U/mL) 27.71 ± 2.60 22.96 ± 2.90 0.079 <0.001 0.431
Triglycerides (mg/dL) 21.34 ± 1.31 20.73 ± 1.46 0.977 <0.001 0.757
Cholesterol (mg/dL) 89.33 ± 4.36 91.22 ± 4.88 0.655 <0.001 0.852
Urea (mg/dL) 19.08 ± 1.16 19.70 ± 1.30 0.890 <0.001 0.727

Control: constituted by calves that were born weighing ≤ 35 kg; HBW: calves that were born weighing more than 35 kg. Data are
represented by the mean ± standard error of the mean. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. † Time: collection realized at
birth (between 24 and 48 hours) and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60.
1
TPP:Total plasma protein; 2AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; 3ALT:Alanine aminotransferase; 4GGT: Gama glutamyl transferase;
5
ALP: Alkaline phosphatase.

study, where calves that were born heavier remained ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

heavier throughout all assessments, as also those that
were born taller, remained taller all times. Calves in The authors acknowledge the Conselho Nacional de
Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Científico (CNPq) for granting
this study had a medium birth weight greater than the
scholarships; the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de
one found by ALASSANE et al. (2018), in a study Nível Superior (CAPES); Finance code 001, the CNPq, and the
conducted in Africa, in which the birth weight of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do
Girolando females was 25.96 ± 0.70 kg, and heavier Sul (FAPERGS) for funding the research; the Instituto Federal de
than 29.57 ± 4.4 kg, reported by OLIVEIRA & Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul for granting the first
author a professional qualification leave; and the Universidade
NOGUEIRA (2006), in Girolando calves. However, Federal de Pelotas (UFPel).
in this study, the authors did not specify the degree of
blood Holstein–Gir. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF
FEUER et al. (2016) demonstrated INTEREST
that conception by IVF can reprogram metabolic
homeostasis through metabolic, transcriptional, and The authors declare no conflict of interest. The
epigenetic mechanisms, with lasting effects on adult founding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the
growth. The reasons for the differences in mortality need collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the
manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.
to be clarified, as our study found no changes in different
biochemical parameters between the two groups.
AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS
CONCLUSION All authors contributed equally to the design and
writing of the manuscript. All authors critically reviewed the
The results obtained in the current research manuscript and approved the final version.
allow us to conclude that Girolando calves from
IVF that born heavier have a greater chance of BIOETHICS AND BIOSECURITY
the present diseases, such as, omphalophlebitis, COMMITTEE APPROVAL
tympany, and bovine parasitic sadness, and a higher
general mortality rate. However, birth weight does All procedures performed in the study involving
animals followed the ethical standards of the Ethics Committee
not influence diarrhea or pneumonia, morbidity on Animal Experimentation (CEEA) at the Universidade Federal
or mortality, the zootechnical performance, or de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil, under registration
metabolism of the animals. number 14807.

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 Metabolic, zootechnical, and health profile of Girolando calves conceived through in vitro fertilization. 7

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