Research
Transition to Consciousness at Birth:
Comparative Analysis of Equines and Humans
The transition from fetal life to consciousness at birth involves complex biological processes. My research explores this process in both horses (newborn foals) and human infants, examining similarities and species-specific differences that influence survival and developmental outcomes. In utero, equine and human fetuses exist in a sleep-like state in which the brain is an inhibited cortical state. They cannot be aroused by stimuli that would normally do so after birth. Likewise, the physiology of the foal and infant in utero relies on the placenta and the in-utero environment for things like oxygenation, thermoregulation, nutrition, and suppression of autonomic function. At birth, he must change for survival, and we refer to this process as a transition of consciousness at birth.
Our UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine team discovered the cause of the condition known as Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome or dummy foal, which is commonly associated with the persistence of the hormones, called neurosteroids, that keep the foal asleep in the womb. Rule #1 is No Galloping in utero! But, the foal is a prey animal and a precocious species, meaning it has advanced capabilities immediately post-birth, rapid onset of consciousness and perception, and the ability to move, run, and stick close to its dam (mother), and nurse within an hour or two of birth. This requires a significant and rapid transition in consciousness and physiology. The newborn foal and infant can no longer rely on the placenta and the inutero environment for oxygen, thermoregulation, energy, and more.
In the infant, this transition or switch must also occur at birth. However, there are some differences. The infant is altricial, meaning they are born in a relatively immature state. At birth, human babies have limited motor abilities, requiring extensive postnatal care, nourishment, and social support for survival. Their brains are highly plastic, allowing extended neural development and learning after birth. Unlike foals, who experience quick transitions to facilitate wakefulness, human infants gradually transition to consciousness. Human infants benefit from prolonged postnatal care that fosters brain growth, adaptability, and cognitive complexity. However, for these long-term neurodevelopment processes to proceed as evolutionary biology intended, the infant must receive the signals to transition from the altered consciousness and physiology in the womb.
Our work suggests that a failure to transition consciousness and physiological functions at birth may compromise foal and infant survival and complicate critical care. Factors such as hypoxia and birth delivery conditions may affect the transition of consciousness and stimulate neuroprotective mechanisms, further altering behavior.
The above is a very brief summary. The science associated with these concepts is found in many papers in the scientific literature. I have decided to put this together in book form. Stand by!
Exploring Endocrine, Neurodevelopmental, and Behavioral Chages
Squeeze use in Cattle
The video shared by Dr. George Stilwell in Portugal demonstrates the real-world effectiveness of the Madigan Squeeze procedure in saving a newborn calf. This simple rope technique, applied in the field, can produce immediate, life-saving results—allowing a previously unresponsive calf to nurse. The caretaker finding the weak calf, puts the calf on the back of his motorcycle and brings it in from the field and does the squeeze procedure. The calf responses.
Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned for her extensive work in livestock welfare, told me that the squeeze procedure ranks among the most important animal welfare interventions, making a global impact. It’s easy to perform, requires only a rope, and is safe to attempt. We made the step-by-step instructions accessible at no cost to anyone caring for newborn animals.
"When the preponderance of clinical evidence points to a particular diagnosis and treatment entails minimal risk to the patient, especially if failure to provide treatment is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, empirical treatment is appropriate even as alternative diagnoses are being considered."
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Worldwide Survey on Madigan Squeeze Procedure
Our research group is conducting a survey of horse owner, veterinarians, breeding farm managers, foaling assistants and anyone who has experience utilizing the Madigan Squeeze Procedure (MSP) in newborn foals with the condition known as maladjustment syndrome or the 'dummy foal'. Our published research has demonstrated 37% of foals with maladjustment syndrome nurse within an hour of the MSP. We know there is widespread use, and the survey is designed to obtain more quantitative information.
