A transient decrease in the heart rate during parturition in ewes

摘要

Heart rate rhythm is an excellent parameter with which to investigate autonomic nervous function. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded in conscious and unrestrained ewes for 6 days before and after parturition, using a radio-telemetry system. Resting heart rate showed 115 to 120 beats per minute for 3 days before parturition, and it decreased for 3 days after parturition. A transient decrease in the heart rate was observed in the last 10 minutes before the births of neonates, which was most remarkable in the first neonate birth. These results indicate that heart rate, especially a transient decrease in heart rate before the births of neonates, may provide a useful characteristic for monitoring births of neonates and clinical diagnosis of ewes.