Neonatal physiology in animals: A short discussion

Abstract

The term “neonate” is derived from the Latin word natus (to be born) and refers to a newborn during the first weeks of life during the physiologic transition. Although strictly speaking it should encompass the entire period until the transition is complete for all organ systems, by convenience it is usually defined as the first 3 to 4 weeks of life in most domestic species. Since neonates are not miniature adults, their physiology is unpredictably different from adults and hence needs a detailed study to know it.