Electrocardiographic variables in kankrej cattle calves

Present paper recorded electrocardiographic (ECG) variables in 22 Kankrej cattle calves using the base apex lead system (Lead I). The mean values of heart rate (HR), ‘P’ amplitude, ‘P’ duration’, ‘PR’ interval, ‘QRS’ duration, ‘ST’ segment, ‘T’ amplitude, ‘T’ duration, ‘S’ amplitude, ‘R’ amplitude, ‘QT’ interval and ‘RR’ interval recorded were 66.59±2.33 (40-80) bpm, 0.231 ±0.016 (0.1-0.5) mV, 0.086±0.003 (0.08-0.14) s, 0.232±0.123 (0.16-0.44) s, 0.089± 0.002 (0.08-0.12) s, 0.301 ± 0.015 (0.18-0.4) s, 0.365± 0.034 (0.1-0.7) mV, 0.108±0.005 (0.08-0.16) s, 1.140±0.094 (0.4-1.9) mV, 0.500±1.00 (0.0-1.0) mV, 0.499±0.158 (0.4-0.6) s and 0.927± 0.368 (0.75-1.5) s respectively. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher HR was observed in the female calves (71.36±2.78) as compared to male calves (61.81±3.25). Also, significant (P<0.05) differences between RR interval of male (1.00±0.058) and female (0.854±0.035) calves were recorded. It is concluded that the base apex system is a suitable lead for monitoring heart rhythm in cattle calves. This study provided information on the HR, duration, and amplitude of ECG deflections in Kankrej cattle calves, one of the common cattle breed of Gujarat state of India. Values of electrocardiographic indices for Kankrej cattle calves reported here in can be used as reference values by the practitioners to clinically evaluate cardiac healthiness/cardiovascular fitness, life threatening arrhythmias and, to take appropriate therapeutic measures.

• This study proposes the reference range of HR and, the amplitude and duration of ECG indices, analyzed for the base apex system in Kankrej cattle calves.

• This study also determines the electrocardiographic values (Mean ±S.E) between genders in bipolar derivation/base-apex lead I in Kankrej cattle calves.

• Cardiac arrhythmias observed in the clinically healthy Kankrej cattle calves in this study could be accepted as the physiological arrhythmias.