Weaning is a major stressor for pigs, often increasing agonistic behaviors such as aggression, ear biting, and tail biting, which can impair growth and welfare. This study evaluated the combined effect of rubber sticks and Italian ryegrass hay as environmental enrichment (EE) on growth performance, agonistic behavior, ear and tail biting lesion development, fecal consistency, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 64 pigs (8 pigs × 4 pens × 2 groups) at 7 weeks of age were assigned to control (without EE) and treatment (with EE) groups for four weeks. Pens were the experimental unit for growth, fecal scores, lesion scoring, and behavioral outcomes. Growth and fecal consistency were measured weekly, while ear and tail lesions were scored at the end. Agonistic behavior was quantified using overhead RGB cameras and a YOLOv8-based AI system with high accuracy, mAP50 = 0.953, validated against manual observations, with behavioral outputs aggregated at the pen level from a single representative pen per group. Combined EE reduced lesion severity, lowered free fatty acids, improved fecal consistency, and decreased agonistic behavior, without affecting growth. AI-based monitoring offers a promising tool for quantifying social stress, although further studies with greater pen-level replication are warranted.

Validation of photographic fecal scoring in puppies.

Correction: Dietary fibre fractions supplementation modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, hindgut fermentation metabolites, and fecal consistency score in nursery pigs

Impact of cost-effective maintenance rations on faecal consistency of unproductive Tharparkar cattle

Indigestible dietary protein content is an emerging dietary concept that is thought to be related to adverse intestinal health outcomes and increased incidence of pathogen-related diarrhea in pigs. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of IDP on growth performance, immune status, and fecal consistency score (FCS) of nursery pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (ETEC) or Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). Thirty-two mixed-sex nursery pigs with an average initial body weight of 7.26 ± 0.40 kg were individually housed and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments for 14 d in a completely randomized design (n = 8 pigs/treatment). Corn-soybean-based diets were formulated to contain similar dietary protein (DP) content (21%) but differed in IDP content [low IDP, 2.74% (LIDP) or high IDP, 4.2% (HIDP)]. After a 7-d pre-inoculation period, all the pigs were orally inoculated with either 1.36 × 106 CFU·mL−1 ETEC or 1.14 × 1010 CFU·mL−1 ST (n = 16 pigs/challenge). Growth performance, rectal temperature, FCS, and blood inflammatory biomarkers were measured pre- and post-inoculation. There was no dietary effect on any measures pre-inoculation. Inoculation with ETEC or ST increased rectal temperature, FCS, blood inflammatory cytokines, acute-phase protein, and redox biomarkers (P < 0.05). Unlike in ETEC-inoculated pigs (P > 0.05), HIDP decreased average daily feed intake and average daily gain (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease gain: feed (P < 0.10) compared to LIDP in ST-inoculated pigs. Low IDP reduced FCS (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce ileal and cecal ammonia-nitrogen concentrations (P < 0.10) in ST-pigs compared to HIDP but not in ETEC-inoculated pigs. Regardless of enteric pathogen, HIDP stimulated immune response with higher serum interleukin-6 and plasma haptoglobin compared to LIDP (P < 0.05). In ST-inoculated pigs, HIDP further increased serum albumin, tumor necrotic factor-alpha, and diamine oxidase, pathogen translocation to mesenteric lymph node, while reducing plasma reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSH: oxidized glutathione (P < 0.05). Increasing IDP content results in negative outcomes on performance, fecal score, and inflammation in ST-inoculated pigs, with milder outcomes under ETEC challenge.

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is the primary cause of swine dysentery, characterized by bloody to mucoid diarrhea due to mucohaemorhagic colitis in pigs. The disease primarily affects pigs during the growth and finishing stage. The control and prevention of B. hyodysenteriae consists of the administration of antimicrobial drugs, in addition to management and adapted feeding strategies. A worldwide re-emergence of the disease has recently been reported with an increasing number of isolates demonstrating decreased susceptibility to several crucially important antimicrobials in the control of swine dysentery. This compromises the possibilities to eradicate B. hyodysenteriae from infected pig farms. A novel non-antibiotic zinc chelate has been reported to demonstrate positive effects on fecal quality and consistency, general clinical signs, average daily weight gain, and B. hyodysenteriae excretion during and after a 6-day oral treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the zinc chelate (IntraDysovinol® 499 mg/mL; IntraCare) within an eradication schedule with naturally occurring swine dysentery due to B. hyodysenteriae resistant to pleuromutilins under field conditions in Belgium. We evaluated a 14-day treatment schedule combined with alternative management measures (including partial depopulation of post-weaning facilities and improved external and internal biosecurity measures) and thorough cleaning and disinfection (including 2% NaOH) of the buildings and the sows from day 7 of treatment onwards. This alternative approach for B. hyodysenteriae eradication was evaluated on 18 pig farms over a 5-year period. All enrolled eradication programs were evaluated as successful at least 6–9 months after the finalization of the protocol. In conclusion, the zinc chelate product has an excellent potential for application within an eradication protocol of B. hyodysenteriae that are diagnosed as resistant to pleuromutilins. The combined approach of zinc chelate treatment and alternative management measures is demonstrated to be successful in the eradication of farrow-to-wean, farrow-to-finish, and finishing pig farms under field conditions in Belgium.

ObjectiveTo determine if a newly formulated diet with safe and highly digestible ingredients, Bacillus velezensis DSM 15544, fructo-oligosaccharides, animal plasma protein, dried whole yeast and sepiolite contributes toward the management of canine acute diarrhea.HypothesisThe new diet (Diet B) will reduce the time to achieve normal fecal consistency compared to a highly digestible control (Diet A).MethodsMulticenter randomized, double-blinded, parallel-designed study with adult dogs with mild to moderate acute signs (less than 7 days) of uncomplicated diarrhea as inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were history of gastrointestinal signs, lack of correct vaccination and deworming, abnormal ultrasound examination, and previous administration of antibiotics, omeprazole or nutritional supplement. Response variables were compared using the appropriate bivariate test, time to recovery was analyzed using survival analysis techniques.ResultsOne hundred eleven dogs finished the study. Dogs fed Diet B (n = 56) had a quicker recovery time of fecal consistency compared to A (3.6 ± 0.9 vs. 5.9 ± 0.9 days). Fecal frequency and odor were also quickly restored compared to diet A. Survival analysis confirmed a 1.6 times greater chance of recovery with Diet B compared to diet A. Feeding Diet B also improved dysbiosis index at recheck compared to diet A (−1 ± 3 vs. 0.65 ± 3).ConclusionDiet B resulted in faster clinical resolution, improved fecal consistency, frequency, odor and reduced incidence of dysbiosis compared to Diet A, making it a superior dietary approach in the management of mild acute diarrhea in dogs.

The effect of bovine leukemia virus infection on health and growth of nonreplacement dairy calves.

Constipation is a common issue in sows, characterized by dry and hard feces or prolonged absence of defecation, which exerts adverse effects on the overall health and reproductive performance of sows. While dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF), due to its physicochemical properties, can enhance satiety and promote gastrointestinal health. The present study aims to determine the effect of different dietary NDF intake levels on reducing constipation without impairing the reproductive capacity of gestating sows. A total of 110 primiparous crossbred gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to five groups with different NDF levels of 19.28% (Group A), 21.36% (Group B), 22.08% (Group C), 22.67% (Group D), and 23.43% (Group E), respectively. The daily feed intake was adjusted across groups to ensure a gradual increase in NDF intake from Group A to Group E, while maintaining consistent intake of other nutrients. The results revealed that dietary higher NDF intake (Groups D and E) significantly reduced the rates of constipation and stereotypic behaviors in gilts (p < 0.05). The experiment lasted for two parities, starting from day 30 of the first parity gestation to the end of parturition in the second parity. During the second parity, all groups were fed the same diet, and only the reproductive performance of the sows was observed and recorded. Notably, NDF intake had no significant effect on gilts' first-parity reproductive performance. This study confirms that an appropriate increase in dietary NDF intake can alleviate constipation in gilts. This finding provides critical, targeted references for optimizing nutritional strategies in primiparous gilt management, filling the void in tailored dietary guidelines for this understudied group and offering a practical solution to balance production efficiency and animal stress in commercial pig farming.

Neonatal diarrhea is a recurring health issue impacting the economy and productivity of dairy cattle herds worldwide. Bovine rotavirus A (BoRVA) is a major viral agent in the etiology of neonatal calf diarrhea. This prospective longitudinal study determined the frequency of diarrhea and BoRVA detection in suckling calves from a small-scale family-farming dairy cattle herd in southern Brazil. A total of 169 fecal samples were collected from 60 suckling calves at 7 (n = 60), 14 (n = 56), and 21 (n = 53) days after birth. The fecal samples were classified, based on fecal consistency, as diarrheic (n = 60), pasty (n = 83), or normal (n = 26). The detection of BoRVA RNA was performed using silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The G and P genotypes of BoRVA circulating in the herd were determined by RT-PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing. BoRVA was detected in 46.7% (28/60) of the calves. Calves with diarrhea (26.7%, 16/60) had a higher detection rate of BoRVA compared to those with pasty (12%, 10/83) and normal (7.7%, 2/26) fecal samples. Regarding age, most of the BoRVA-positive calves were 7 days old (67.9%, 19/28), followed by 14 days old (25%, 7/28), and 21 days old (7.1%, 2/28). Two distinct BoRVA genotype combinations, G6P[5] and G10P[11], were identified in the herd. This study provides insights into the prevalence and circulating genotypes of BoRVA in a small-scale family-based dairy cattle herd in southern Brazil.

Purpose: To examine the potential of vitamin D supplementation in reducing norovirus replication andalleviating diarrhea severity in a murine model. Methods: This study involved three groups of mice (n = 7 mice/group): Group K (-), Group K (+) and Group P. Mice in the K (+) and P groups were intraperitoneally inoculated with 1 mL of Human Norovirus (HuNoV) suspension, containing approximately 10⁵ genome copies per mL. Thereafter, mice in the treatment group received oral vitamin D3 once daily for five consecutive days, at a dose of 0.75 μg/kg body weight. Diarrhea severity was assessed daily starting from day 1 post-infection using the paper towel method by scoring fecal moisture and consistency. On day 8 post-infection, mice were sacrificed using an overdose of anaesthetic agents and colonic fecal samples were subsequently collected for RT-qPCR analysis to quantify the viral load. Results: Mice receiving vitamin D3 supplementation exhibited a significant reduction in viral load compared to the untreated group (p = 0.000). Additionally, treatment groups showed improved fecal consistency, indicating a protective effect on intestinal tissue. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 administration reduces norovirus viral load and mitigates diarrhea severity in BALB/c mice infected with HuNoV. Therefore, vitamin D3 could be used as an adjunctive therapy for viral gastroenteritis.

Despite the critical importance of nutritional assessment in veterinary medicine, internationally recognized guidelines for compromised ruminants remain absent. This paper addresses this significant gap by presenting comprehensive nutritional assessment protocols adapted from small animal and equine guidelines, combined with clinical experience and ruminant-specific considerations. Therefore, the objective of this article is to establish standardized nutritional assessment guidelines for compromised ruminants that facilitate early detection of risk factors and nutritional imbalances affecting animal welfare and productivity, while guiding appropriate clinical nutritional interventions. The guidelines integrate systematic screening and extended evaluation protocols encompassing patient signalment, comprehensive health interviews, environmental examination, and nutrition-focused clinical assessments. The framework incorporates validated scoring systems including body condition scoring, fecal consistency and digestibility scores, rumen fill assessment, and muscle scoring. Laboratory evaluations including blood biochemistry, hematology, milk quality records, and metabolite profiling support clinical decision-making. The proposed assessment framework addresses animal-specific factors, diet-related considerations, feeding management practices, and environmental influences on nutritional status. Critical evaluation points include alimentary system function and integrity, forestomach assessment, and detection of malabsorption syndromes. The guidelines emphasize that many nutritional abnormalities manifest non-specifically, and detection limitations exist, particularly in peracute presentations. In conclusion, successful clinical nutritional interventions require comprehensive assessment protocols that prioritize rumen health maintenance and oral diet delivery whenever possible. The guidelines we suggest will provide veterinary and nutritional practitioners with systematic tools for evaluating compromised ruminants, establishing appropriate interventions, and monitoring outcomes using SMART goals. Further research is warranted to refine specific dietary requirements for compromised ruminants and validate intervention protocols across diverse production systems.

ABSTRACTBackground5‐HT3 receptor antagonists, such as ondansetron, are effective in the management of irritable bowel syndrome‐diarrhea predominant (IBS‐D). However, real‐world data and evidence exploring the response to ondansetron in patients with functional diarrhea (FDr) are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics and response to ondansetron among patients with bowel disorders associated with chronic diarrhea in a real‐world setting.MethodologyWe conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients (October 2016–February 2024) diagnosed with IBS‐D or FDr in a tertiary care neurogastroenterology outpatient clinic. Demographic, clinical data, previous surgery, relevant investigations and current medications were collected. Clinical response to ondansetron was defined as (i) a reduction of at least one bowel movement/day versus baseline and (ii) firmer stool consistency (an improvement of ≥ 1 on the Bristol Stool Form Scale [BSFS] vs. baseline).ResultsNinety‐two patients were included, among whom 75 (81%) and 17 (18%) had IBS‐D and FDr, respectively. Urgency to defecate was significantly more frequent in patients with FDr versus IBS‐D (p = 0.003). Sixty‐eight of the 92 patients (73.9%) reported a clinical response to ondansetron, which was maintained at a median dosage of 8 mg/day for a median duration of 19 months with few minor side effects.ConclusionWhen used in clinical practice, 8 mg/day of ondansetron is associated with a reduction in bowel frequency and an improvement in fecal consistency in approximately two‐thirds of patients with IBS‐D and FDr.

Chronic Giardia infections in dogs: Longitudinal analysis of cyst excretion and fecal consistency in young and adult dogs.

To compare the impact of fecal consistency with anorectal sphincter dysfunctions on clinical severity and quality of life (QoL) in women with fecal incontinence (FI). FI affects up to 24% of middle-aged women, significantly impacting their QoL. Pathophysiological studies have focused more on sphincter and anorectal dysfunctions than on the role of fecal consistency. A cross-sectional observational study evaluating anorectal physiology, neurophysiology, and fecal consistency with regard to clinical severity and QoL. Patients with a Bristol Stool Chart (BSC) score of 5 or more (BSC ≥5) underwent a breath test to detect bacterial overgrowth (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), lactose or fructose/sorbitol malabsorption, and/or a cholestyramine test to detect bile acid malabsorption. We compared anorectal physiology, clinical severity, and QoL of those with BSC ≥5 with BSC <5. The study included 150 women with an average age of 64.81 ± 11.96. FI types varied: 64.38% had urge FI, 15.06% had passive FI, and 19.18% had both. Among them, 56.2% had BSC ≥5, linked to bile acid malabsorption (20.5%), lactose malabsorption (17.9%), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (14.3%), and fructose/sorbitol malabsorption (14.3%). Anorectal dysfunctions were highly prevalent, with 49.1% showing external anal sphincter insufficiency, 9.8% internal, and 34.7% both. Those with BSC ≥5 experienced significantly worse clinical severity and QoL (St. Mark 17.3 ± 2.69 vs 12.9 ± 3.27), and more pronounced issues in Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale dimensions of lifestyle, coping, depression, and EuroQol 5-dimension of anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort. Fecal consistency of BSC ≥5 significantly worsens clinical severity and QoL in women with FI. Specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches addressing loose stools are needed before any rehabilitation treatment.

The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of diclazuril and robenidine, used for decades to prevent rabbit coccidiosis, with oregano oil as a potential phytogenic alternative. Four compound feed variants were tested: one variant without additive for the control group (CG), a second supplemented with diclazuril (1 mg/kg; DG), a third with robenidine hydrochloride (66 mg/kg; RG) and a fourth added with oregano oil (75 mg/kg; OG). A total of 48 SPF rabbits aged 5 weeks were kept in groups of three animals. Four groups (12 rabbits) were assigned to each of the 4 dietary variants. At Day 10 after arrival, each animal was experimentally infected with 1300 sporulated oocysts (Eimeria media, Eimeria magna, Eimeria perforans, Eimeria flavescens and Eimeria coecicola) originating from German rabbit stocks. Absolute excreted oocyst numbers were determined, Eimeria species identified, and reproduction rates calculated. Feed and water intake, body weight gain and feed conversion were assessed in addition to excreted faecal weights and their dry matter content. In all groups, the experimental infection resulted in markedly reduced performance parameters, changed faecal consistencies and reduced faecal weights. None of the three feed additives significantly reduced Eimeria reproduction or improved zootechnical parameters and faecal quality compared to the control animals. The present study confirms for the first time the complete and simultaneous ineffectiveness of diclazuril and robenidine due to multiple resistance in rabbit Eimeria species. Oregano as a herbal alternative for the prevention of coccidiosis in rabbits is not scientifically justified.

Abstract The pet food market now offers a wide range of diets, with fresh-frozen options gaining popularity for their high-quality ingredients and digestibility. While research on their long-term benefits is still emerging, they are widely valued for their freshness and nutritional quality. This ongoing study with 16 dogs is evaluating how a commercially available fresh-frozen diet (FF) compares to a commercial dry extruded kibble (KB) in terms of overall health, fecal parameters, and activity levels. Adult dogs were randomly assigned to either diet and fed at maintenance levels. Study endpoints include fresh fecal sampling at the beginning, middle, and end to measure moisture and pH. Fecal consistency scores and food intake were recorded daily, while body weight and body condition scores (BCS) were tracked weekly. Total activity levels were assessed monthly using accelerometer-equipped collars. Fecal microbiome profiles were assessed at baseline and after one month. Data collected through week 12 have been analyzed using a repeated measures mixed model. By day 91, CBC and chemistry values remained within normal reference ranges. Body weights and BCS did not differ by treatment, time, or treatment × time interaction (P ≥ 0.11). Fecal quality scores were significantly greater in the FF diet compared to KB (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but there were no interactions by week (P = 0.13). Analysis of the first 10 days of the study (diet transition period) revealed a significant treatment × time interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with FF fecal scores surpassing KB by day 8. Fecal moisture and pH were not affected by treatment, time, or treatment × time interaction after one and 3 months, respectively (P ≥ 0.13). Daily activity (total, inside, or outside) was not affected by treatment or treatment × time interaction (P ≥ 0.31). Inside activity increased in the second month, as they were kept inside for the majority of the day due to inclement weather (P &amp;lt; 0.01). After one month, the microbiomes of both groups diverged, indicating a dietary impact, but no clear evidence favored one diet over the other yet. The fresh-frozen diet tested here generated rapid and sustained improvements in fecal consistency, a desirable trait for many pet owners.

Abstract Dietary fiber comprises a diverse group of cell wall polysaccharides, along with lignin, that resist digestion by endogenous enzymes in non-ruminants. Despite extensive research efforts over the past several decades, fiber remains one of the most challenging nutritional components to define, analyze, and apply effectively in nursery pig diets. Recently, fiber has gained attention as a functional ingredient in nursery pig diets, with its benefits closely linked to physicochemical characteristics such as fermentability, viscosity, and hydration capacities. While analytical advances have improved our chemical understanding of dietary fiber sources, translating these insights into clear beneficial outcomes and practical nutritional recommendations remains complex. Further complicating matters, nursery pigs face unique digestive and immunological challenges, particularly during the critical early post-weaning period. Enteric pathogens pose substantial risks to weaned pig health, leading to compromised growth performance and increased incidences of scouring. Moreover, post-weaning feed intake is low and variable, making dietary fiber inclusion potentially counterproductive by diluting nutrient density. Even with these limitations, there is a body of evidence suggesting dietary fiber can reduce pathogen burden, improve intestinal health and fecal consistency, and enhance pathogen-binding capacity. Additionally, certain fiber sources beneficially modulate gut microbial populations, potentially promoting overall gastrointestinal resilience. However, the effectiveness of dietary fiber varies considerably based on fiber type. Soluble fibers may enhance hindgut fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production but can ferment too rapidly for nursery pigs with limited digestive maturity. Conversely, insoluble fibers may contribute by reducing harmful hindgut protein fermentation, binding pathogenic bacteria, and even preventing their colonization. However, such positive responses in both fiber types have typically been observed in older weaned pigs, healthier herds, or in diets containing small grains and higher baseline fiber levels than those commonly utilized in US nursery pig diets. Recent US studies have indicated that inclusion of fiber-rich ingredients such as oat groats, wheat middlings, soy hulls, sugar beet pulp, wheat bran, among others, in nursery pig diets experiencing enteric health challenges do not yield tangible improvements in nursery pig performance, fecal scores, or gut health. Collectively, these findings highlight the necessity of carefully considering production systems, health status, fiber type, source, and context for practical application in nursery diets. This presentation will focus on navigating the complexities associated with dietary fiber use in nursery pig nutrition, emphasizing the integration of analytical, chemical, and physiological insights, while also considering the situational dependencies inherent to production systems and outlining future research directions for practical and effective fiber use.

Abstract Red sorghum bran (RSB), a primary co-product from sorghum milling, is a sustainable ingredient with potential metabolic and gut health benefits due to its high polyphenol concentrations. However, to the authors’ knowledge, the use of RSB as a dietary ingredient for dogs has not been investigated to date. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary RSB intake by healthy adult dogs on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and gross energy, stool quality, hematology, and serum biochemistry profile. Four extruded diets with similar macronutrient composition were formulated with increasing levels of RSB (0, 7, 14, and 28%). The total phenolic content (TPC) in the uncoated diets was analyzed according to standard methods. Twelve adult Beagles [avg. age of 3.97 ± 0.02 yr old and body weight (BW) of 11.15 ± 2.2 kg] were enrolled in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design. In each 28-day period, feces were collected over the last 5 days for ATTD and stool quality assessment, while fasted blood samples were collected on the last day of each period for complete blood counts and serum biochemical analytes. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 with diet as fixed effect, and dog and period as random effects. Experimental diets with 14 and 28% RSB had greater TPC concentrations (avg. 3066.3 µg/g) than those with 0 and 7% RSB inclusion (avg. 1971.5 µg/g). No effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) of diet was observed on BW, food intake, complete blood counts, and biochemical parameters in dogs. Dietary RSB intake linearly decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, protein and gross energy, and had a quadratic (P &amp;lt; 0.05) response for fat ATTD. However, the ATTD coefficients were within acceptable ranges, and the magnitude of change was minimal, aligning with the lack of effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) of diet on daily fecal output (avg. 40.1 g/day DM basis). Frequency distribution of fecal scores indicated no effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) of diet on fecal consistency, with scores remaining within ideal range; this is further supported by similar fecal moisture content (avg. 62%) across treatments. The findings of this study suggest that dietary inclusion of RSB up to 28 % slightly lowers the ATTD of macronutrients and gross energy but do not negatively impact stool quality or short-term health in healthy adult dogs. Fecal and plasma metabolite analyses are underway to further evaluate the impact of RSB on metabolism and markers of gut health.

Abstract Research indicates that not disinfecting the umbilical cord of newborn calves can contribute to navel infections, potentially leading to secondary complications like respiratory illness and diarrhea. This pilot-study aimed to: 1) survey the prevalence of navel disinfection practices in newborn beef calves in Canada and 2) assess the effects of two navel treatment methods using either navel dipping or a spraying with a 7% iodine tincture on morbidity and visual clinical outcomes. An online survey was distributed via social media and at a beef industry event in Alberta in March of 2025. Morbidity records of 85 crossbred Angus male and female calves (n = 42-43 per treatment) from a single herd located in Olds, Alberta, Canada were recorded up to 40-days of age. A subsample (n = 26/treatment) of calves were assessed within the first 15-hour post-birth (baseline) and then weekly until day 28 using visual clinical parameters. After calving, cow-calf pairs were housed in outdoor pens with shelter, straw beddings, and ad libitum access to water and diet. The following clinical parameters were scored on a four-point scale in ascending order of severity: nasal and ocular discharges, cough, fecal consistency, and umbilical enlargement. Navel cord condition was assessed using a three-point scale, where 0 indicated the cord had fallen off, 1 indicated signs of desiccation, and 2 indicated moist tissue. Regarding the survey, from a total of 39 respondents, most were from Alberta (36%) and Ontario (36%), followed by Manitoba (26%) and Saskatchewan (3%). The majority (79%) were commercial producers, while 8% raised purebred and 13% had both. Calving locations varied, with 36% using indoor barns, 36% pasture, and 23% utilizing outdoor pens or feedlots, while the remaining (5%) producers adjusted between barns and outdoor pens. A total of 36% of producers treated navels, 41% did not, and 23% treated them occasionally. Among those who applied treatments (23/39), 52% used 10% iodine tincture, 26% used 7% iodine, while the remaining used iodophor-based products (8%), povidone-iodine (4%), or did not apply any treatment (8%). Treatment timing varied, with 32% treating within an hour post-calving, another 32% between 1-6 hours, 27% between 6-24 hours, and the remaining producers applying treatments more than two days after calving. A total of 51% of producers reported identifying navel infections in their herds, while 49% had not observed any case. A total of 40 cases of morbidity was observed, being 14% pneumonia, 18% navel infection, and 1% diarrhea. However, no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05; Proc GLIMMIX of SAS) were observed on morbidity or visual clinical parameters. A variability in navel disinfection practices among Canadian beef producers was found, but more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of different disinfection methods on health outcomes.