Treatment Of Calf Diarrhea Research Articles

In vitro evaluation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO strain, effective lactic acid bacteria for calf diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea adversely affects growth and sometimes results in mortality, leading to severe economic losses to the cattle industry. Antibiotics are useful in the treatment against bacterial diarrhea, but not against viral, protozoan, and antibiotic-resistant bacterial diarrhea. Therefore, there are growing requirements for a novel control method for calf diarrhea. Probiotics have been considered promising candidates for preventive and supportive therapy for calf diarrhea for many years. A recent study has revealed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO strain (Lp-HKD) reduces intestinal pathology and the severity of diarrhea in bovine rotavirus (BRV)-infected calves. Lp-HKD is known to enhance the function of human immune cells and expected to be used as probiotics for humans. Therefore, it is hypothesized that Lp-HKD modulates antiviral immune response in cattle and provide the clinical benefits in BRV-infected calves. However, the detailed mechanism of Lp-HKD-induced immunomodulation remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of Lp-HKD in cattle. Cultivation assay of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed that live and heat-killed Lp-HKD stimulates the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) from PBMCs. Stimulation by heat-killed Lp-HKD yielded stronger cytokine production than stimulation by the live Lp-HKD. Additionally, CD14+ monocytes were identified as major producers of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 under Lp-HKD stimulation; however, IFN-γ was mainly produced from immune cells other than CD14+ monocytes. Depletion of CD14+ monocytes from the PBMCs cultivation strongly decreased cytokine production induced by heat-killed Lp-HKD. The inhibition of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4 signaling decreased IL-1β and IL-6 production induced by live Lp-HKD and IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ production induced by heat-killed Lp-HKD. Furthermore, live or heat-killed Lp-HKD also activated T cells and their production of IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Then, culture supernatants of bovine PBMCs treated with heat-killed Lp-HKD demonstrated antiviral effects against BRV in vitro. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Lp-HKD activates the functions of bovine immune cells via TLR2/4 signaling and exerts an antiviral effect against BRV through the induction of antiviral cytokines. Lp-HKD could be useful for the prevention and treatment of calf diarrhea through its immune activating effect.

Eficácia de soluções eletrolíticas orais com diferentes composições no tratamento de bezerros neonatos com diarreia osmótica induzida

ABSTRACT In a randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the effects of five oral electrolyte solutions (OESs) with different compositions of water, electrolyte, and acid-base balances of diarrheal neonatal calves. Osmotic diarrhea and dehydration were induced with sucrose in milk, spironolactone, and hydrochlorothiazide for 48 h in thirty 10-day old Holstein healthy calves with 43.5 ± 3.80 kg BW who were fed with natural milk. They were allocated to five treatment groups (n=6) based on the administered OES (commercial: OES A, B, C, D; and non-commercial: OES UEL). On the day of treatment, the calves received 6L of OES in two doses apart from milk intakes. Venous blood samples were collected at -48h (start of induction), -24h, 0h (start of the treatment day), 8h, 16h, 24h, 48h, and 72h. TPP, glucose, D-lactate, L-lactate, pH, pCO2, HCO3 -, BE, Na+, K+, Cl-, SID3, SIG, AG, Atot and percentage change in plasma volume (%PV) were measured or calculated and analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. All the calves developed osmotic diarrhea, mild to moderate dehydration, hyponatremia, relative hyperchloremia, and moderate to severe metabolic acidosis. The tested OESs were well accepted by the calves and effective in reversing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis. OES D did not completely correct hyponatremia, and SEO B caused transient hyperglycemia. It has been concluded that all the tested OESs are safe and effective for the treatment of diarrhea in calves with moderate degrees of dehydration and metabolic acidosis, which indicates that they have proper compositions for this purpose.

Evaluation of a novel multiplex qPCR method for rapid detection and quantification of pathogens associated with calf diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea is a common health problem in calves and a main reason for use of antimicrobials. It is associated with several bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, most of which are commonly present in healthy animals. Methods, which quantify the causative agents, may therefore improve confidence in associating a pathogen to the disease. This study evaluated a novel commercially available, multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay (Enterit4Calves) for detection and quantification of pathogens associated with calf-diarrhoea. Performance of the method was first evaluated under laboratory conditions. Then it was compared with current routine methods for detection of pathogens in faecal samples from 65 calves with diarrhoea and in 30 spiked faecal samples. The qPCR efficiencies were between 84%-103% and detection limits of 100-1000 copies of nucleic acids per sample were observed. Correct identification was obtained on 42 strains of cultured target bacteria, with only one false positive reaction from 135 nontarget bacteria. Kappa values for agreement between the novel assay and current routine methods varied between 0.38 and 0.83. The novel qPCR method showed good performance under laboratory conditions and a fair to good agreement with current routine methods when used for testing of field samples. In addition to having fair to good detection abilities, the novel qPCR method allowed quantification of pathogens. In the future, use of quantification may improve diagnosis and hence treatment of calf diarrhoea.

Therapeutic potential of cristobalite in the treatment of calf diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea continues to be the major problem of calves in the neonatal period. The effect of zeolites has been increasingly studied in ruminant health in recent years. In the present study, the efficacy of cristobalite, a zeolite, in neonatal calf diarrhea was studied first time. For this purpose, twenty-five neonatal calves with diarrheas were divided into two groups, and Group 1 (n=12) received conventional treatment and Group 2 (n=13) received cristobalite (Zoosorb 10 mg/kg) orally 3 times a day in addition to conventional treatment. Escherichia coli k99 and CS31a, bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus were isolated from fecal samples at the beginning of the treatment, on the third day and before discharge. It was determined that the recovery period in Group 2 was 0.95 (20.6%) days shorter than in Group 1 (p⟨0.05) while no viral agents were found on the fifth day in Group 2, viral shedding continued in 4 of 5 calves in Group 1. In conclusion, the study revealed that cristobalite speeds the recovery time and possibly decreases viral shedding in neonatal calf diarrhea, demonstrating a remarkable efficiency in the treatment.

The Antibiotic Treatment of Calf Diarrhea in Four European Countries: A Survey.

Neonatal calves are commonly affected by diarrhea caused by different pathogens, but not always bacteria. Yet, antibiotics are routinely used as a treatment to an unknown extent. It was our goal to survey antibiotic use for the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea in different countries and to identify influencing factors. A total of 873 farmers and veterinarians in Austria, Belgium, Portugal, and Scotland participated in a voluntary online survey. The data were analyzed using classification and regression tree analyses and chi2 tests. Overall, 52.5% of the participants stated that they use antibiotics when treating neonatal calf diarrhea. Of those, 27% use them always, and 45% use highest priority critically important antibiotics. The most important factor differentiating antibiotic use practices was the country the participants were from, which could be due to regulatory differences between the countries. All antibiotic products stated were licensed for use in cattle, but several were not licensed for the treatment of diarrhea in calves. Our study shows that there is an urgent need for more scientific evidence to define best practices for the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea. Furthermore, consensual criteria for antibiotic therapy must be defined, and targeted training for farmers and veterinarians must be provided.

Direct evidence of the preventive effect of milk replacer–based probiotic feeding in calves against severe diarrhea

Diarrhea is a major cause of death in calves and this is linked directly to economic loss in the cattle industry. Fermented milk replacer (FMR) has been used widely in clinical settings for calf feeding to improve its health and growth. However, the protective efficacy of FMR on calf diarrhea remains unclear. In this study, we verified the preventive effects of FMR feeding on calf diarrhea using an experimental infection model of bovine rotavirus (BRV) in newborn calves and a field study in dairy farms with calf diarrhea. In addition, we evaluated the protective efficacy of lactic acid bacteria-supplemented milk replacer (LAB-MR) in an experimental infection model. In the experimental infection, calves fed FMR or high-concentrated LAB-MR had diarrhea, but the water content of feces was lower and more stable than that of calves fed normal milk replacer. The amount of milk intake also decreased temporarily, but recovered immediately in the FMR– and LAB-MR–fed calves. As compared with the control calves, FMR– or LAB-MR–fed calves showed less severe or reduced histopathological lesions of enteritis in the intestinal mucosa. In a field study using dairy calves, FMR feeding significantly reduced the incidence of enteritis, mortality from enteritis, duration of a series of treatment for enteritis, number of consultations, and cost of medical care for the disease. These results suggest that feeding milk replacer–based probiotics to calves reduces the severity of diarrhea and tissue damage to the intestinal tract caused by BRV infection and provides significant clinical benefits to the prevention and treatment of calf diarrhea.

The Use of Activated Micronized Zeolite Clinoptilolite as a Possible Alternative to Antibiotics and Chestnut Extract for the Control of Undifferentiated Calf Diarrhea: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

Simple SummaryToday, zeolite has appeared as an interesting alternative for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the properties of activated micronized (five microns) zeolite clinoptilolite (MZC) from Transylvania, Romania, first by testing it in vitro and then in vivo on calves with diarrhea. To assess the toxic potential of MZC, we performed a cell cytotoxicity assay on cells of bovine origin, while its antimicrobial activity was investigated on Escherichia coli. The uncontrolled in vivo study was carried out over 8 days on a fattening farm, with some 650 calves. Selected calves were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 20 individuals. Several combinations between activated MZC, chestnut extract, and oxytetracycline were tested. At the beginning of the study, all calves had diarrhea, while at the end of the study, the prevalence of diarrhea was significantly lower in all four groups (p < 0.001), including the ones treated with MZC. Due to its low cytotoxicity on the intestinal cells and with regards to the results we obtained in vivo, MZC could represent an alternative method to reducing the amount of antimicrobials needed for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea in calves, therefore contributing to the reduction of the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon.Today, zeolite appears as an interesting alternative for the symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the properties of activated micronized (5 microns) zeolite clinoptilolite (MZC) from Transylvania, Romania, first by testing it in vitro and then in vivo on calves with diarrhea. To assess the toxic potential of the MZC, we performed a cell cytotoxicity assay using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) technique on primary bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs). The antimicrobial activity of MZC was investigated by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) on Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). The uncontrolled in vivo study was carried out over 8 days on a fattening farm, with some 650 calves. Selected calves were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 individuals. Several combinations between MZC, chestnut extract, and oxytetracycline were tested. At the beginning of the study, all calves had diarrhea, while at the end of the study, the prevalence of diarrhea was significantly lower in all four groups (p < 0.001), including the ones treated with MZC. Due to its low cytotoxicity on the intestinal cells and with regards to the results we obtained in vivo, MZC may be considered an alternative for the symptomatic treatment of undifferentiated diarrhea in calves.

EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC "LACTOBACTERIN-TK2" ON IMMUNOBIOLOGICAL STATUS OF NEWBORN CALVES IN THE THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES

In recent decades, the loss of newborn calves occurs mainly from non-infectious diseases. It is established that in the process of growth and development, especially after birth, the animal has to experience the action of anthropogenic environmental factors that cause various kinds of adaptive reactions of the body. Currently, probiotic drugs are increasingly evaluated not only for their antimicrobial action but also for the characteristics of the impact on the body and its microbiota in the development of the need to strengthen the immune response, in the treatment and treatment of calf diarrhoea. It should be noted that in the modern world, a special place is occupied by studies of lactic acid bacteria associated with the development of biological products with probiotic function. The article presents the results of studying the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of the probiotic drug "Lactobacterin-TK2" in gastrointestinal diseases of newborn calves and its effect on the immune and biological status. According to the results of the study, it was found that daily feeding of the probiotic drug "Lactobacterin-TK2" to newborn calves from the moment of birth 2 times a day for 10 days increases the nonspecific resistance of the body and the safety of calves. Haematological and biochemical analysis of experimental groups of calves showed a faster normalisation of the level of alkaline phospha-tase, glucose, urea, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, which also indicates a complete recovery.

Non-antibiotic Possibilities in Prevention and Treatment of Calf Diarrhoea.

Due to increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance and the consumers’ tendency to choose organic products, cattle farmers are interested in alternative methods of calf diarrhoea treatment. This is a major challenge for veterinarians. Few methods of non-antibiotic treatment that bring satisfactory results have been reported in the related literature so far. In this article, the authors compare different non-antibiotic methods of diarrhoea prevention and treatment in calves. Among the alternatives discussed are herbs, probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, lactoferrin, and bacteriophages. It was found that the best results could be achieved through the use of pro-, pre- and synbiotics. However, the authors would like to point out that with the expansion of knowledge about the practical use of broad-scale bacteriophages, they could be the best alternative to antibiotics.

Effect of combinations of intravenous small-volume hypertonic sodium chloride, acetate Ringer, sodium bicarbonate, and lactate Ringer solutions along with oral fluid on the treatment of calf diarrhea

The aim of this study was to compare effect of combinations of intravenous isotonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), acetate Ringer, lactate Ringer and small-volume hypertonic sodium chloride (NaCI) solutions along with oral electrolyte solutions (OES) on the treatment of neonatal calf diarrhea with moderate dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Thirty-two calves with diarrhea were used in the study. Calves were randomly assigned to receive acetate Ringer solution (n=8), lactate Ringer solution (n=8), isotonic NaHCO3 (n=8) and 7.2% saline solutions (n=8), and two liters of OES were administrated to all calves orally at the end of intravenous administration. Blood samples for blood gas and biochemical analyses were collected at 0 hours and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours intervals. All the calves had mild to moderate metabolic acidosis on admission. Increased plasma volume and sodium concentration, but decreased serum total protein were observed within 0.5 hours following administration of hypertonic 7.2% NaCI + OES, compared to other 3 groups. In conclusion, administration of intravenous hypertonic 7.2% NaCI solution in small volume along with OES provided fast and effective improvement of dehydration and acid-base abnormalities within short time in treatment of calf diarrhea with moderate dehydration and metabolic acidosis.

Effect of Various Therapeutic Regimens on the Treatment of Calf Diarrhea and Their Effect on Various Clinico, Hematobiochemical Parameters

Effect of Various Therapeutic Regimens on the Treatment of Calf Diarrhea and Their Effect on Various Clinico, Hematobiochemical Parameters

Molecular Characterization of Escherichia Coli Isolated from Buffalo Calves in El-Behera Governorate

In this study we aimed to detect diarrheagenic E.coli in buffalo calves with or without diarrhea, its virulence factors and antibiotic resistant pattern(s) as well as antibiotic resistance genes. Samples were collected from193 buffalo calves at different ages in El-Behera (110 and 83 samples from diarrheagenic and non-diarrheagenic calves, respectively). Ninety five (49.2%) E.coli positive samples were detected from calves with or without diarrhea by culturing and biochemical tests with higher incidence within the first 2 weeks of age. E.coli samples were subjected to antimicrobial disc diffusion susceptibility test by using 11 different antibiotic discs, which are the most commonly used in field treatment of calf diarrhea. High sensitivities (100%) to individual antibiotics as Amoxycillin and clavulonate, Lincospectin and Cefotaxime was detected while only two showed high resistances as oxytetracycline and Sulfamethoxazole trimethobrim with 91.6% and 50.5% resistance, respectively. PCR for identification of E.coli by detection of phoA gene revealed that 100% of the samples were E.coli positive. PCR for detection of E.coli virulence genes; eaeA and tsh as well as the antibiotic resistance genes; tetA(A) and Sul1 was performed. The eae(A), tsh, tetA(A) and Sul1 genes were found in 20%, 100%, 100% and 60% of E.coli samples, respectively. These results collectively indicate that buffalo calves can harbor enteropathogenic E.coli causing diarrhea at different ages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of detecting the tsh gene in E.coli isolated from diarrheagenic buffalo calves. This may raise concerns regarding the real distribution of tsh-positive E.coli in buffaloes, especially calves. Further, the tsh gene is mainly or exclusively detected in the Avian pathogenic E.coli (APEC) raising concerns on the role of buffaloes as a reservoir for pathogenic E.coli. Together, this can pose therapeutic challenge(s) to farm animals as well as zoonotic potential to contact human.

Water and concentrate intake, weight gain and duration of diarrhea in young suckling calves on different diets

Diarrheic calves are fed with milk or milk replacer and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to ensure energy and electrolyte supply. An easy and time-saving method is the preparation of ORS in milk. As milk-based ORS are hypertonic solutions administration of them may trigger thirst. Therefore, we hypothesized that restrictively fed calves receiving ORS prepared in milk had a higher water intake than restrictively and ad libitum fed calves receiving ORS prepared in water during diarrheic episodes.The daily water intake was measured in 100 individually-housed Holstein Friesian calves from day 2 to 21 of life. One group of the calves was fed with restrictive amounts of milk, the other group got milk ad libitum by an automated milk feeder. Nearly all calves spontaneously developed diarrhea within the observation period from day 2 to 21 of life. In cases of diarrhea the restrictively-fed calves received ORS prepared in milk or ORS prepared in water two hours after their milk meal, whereas the ad libitum-fed calves only got ORS prepared in water. All calves had ad libitum access to water. The daily intake of water, milk, and ORS and weight gain during diarrheic episode were determined. Data were expressed as arithmetic means (±standard deviation) and analyzed by using a one-way ANOVA or repeated-measures ANOVA.From day 2 to 21 of life calves fed with restrictive amounts of milk had higher water intakes related to the total dry matter intake (DMI) with 1.6L/kg of total DMI than ad libitum-fed calves (0.9L/kg of total DMI) per day. In cases of diarrhea water intake increased in all feeding groups. The calves receiving milk-based ORS had the highest water intake with 1.7L/d during the period of diarrhea compared to the calves received ORS prepared in water. Moreover, the calves fed ORS in milk showed with 4.6L/d the highest daily ORS intake. There were no differences in the duration of diarrhea or the daily weight gain during period of diarrhea between the feeding regimens. Therefore, it can be concluded that all feeding regimens were suitable in the treatment of calf diarrhea. The simplest method to treat calves suffering from diarrhea is the preparation of ORS in milk, but then ad libitum availability of water is absolutely necessary. Moreover, calves drink considerable amounts of water within the first 3 weeks of life and therefore should be provided with water for animal welfare reasons.

Therapeutic Agents Used in the Treatment of Calf Diarrhea

This article discusses various therapeutic agents that have been used in the treatment of calf diarrhea, such as antibiotics, modulators of intestinal motility, gastrointestinal protectants and absorbents, astringents, agents affecting secretion, steroids, antiadhesives, antitoxins, and monoclonal antibodies. The roles of nutrition and the administration of colostrum following onset of diarrhea are also discussed.

アンピシリン (経口剤) による子牛下痢の治療

アンピシリン (経口剤) による子牛下痢の治療