Physiological Parameters Monitored on Bottlenose Dolphin Neonates (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821) over the First 30 Days of Life

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Bottlenose dolphins have been bred in controlled environments for more than 60 years. Health issues in newborn dolphins are difficult to diagnose; therefore, early detection is essential to allow prompt intervention. This study presents the retrospective results of observations and veterinary examination of 13 dolphin neonates born in three different European facilities from 2010 to 2018. Valuable information regarding partum observations and neonatal apnea, nursing activity, morphometric measurements, and blood parameters were collected in the first 30 days of life. These data are reported to highlight their relevance in evaluating bottlenose dolphin calves’ survivability and development. Considering the paucity of literature available on dolphin neonates, this long term study provides a large set of clinical parameters and a summary of the relevant conditions that could induce medical intervention. All the reported information can be useful for the colleagues working in the marine mammal veterinary field. ABSTRACT: Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have been bred under human care for more than 60 years. Calves up to 30 days of life have presented the highest mortality rate, although comparable data for free-ranging neonates within this age group is not available. Husbandry measures to increase survivability have therefore been constantly improved. This work shows the results of a structured veterinary program that established the procedures to collect relevant physiological parameters on 13 calves during their first 30 days of life. Standardized observation protocols facilitated statistical analysis of the respiratory pattern, nursing, morphometric measurements and bloodwork. These allow early detection of health issues. Healthy neonates had longer apnea duration, despite the shape and size of the facility. The nursing pattern showed that successful calves started nursing 3 to 18 h postpartum. Although with different individual patterns, a steady increase in suckling time occurs during the first 24 h of life. The healthy neonates grew 0.428 ± 0.102 kg per day and the complete blood count profile, glucose, iron, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine and electrolytes values considered normal for healthy calves are provided. Furthermore, cholesterol, triglycerides, α-amylase, lipase, magnesium and cortisol are reported for the first time for such young calves. A list of indications for prompt intervention is included.