Studies on the prevention of neonatal calf diarrhoea

Ali, Ali Hamid (1980) Studies on the prevention of neonatal calf diarrhoea. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Neonatal calf diarrhoea is a major problem in many parts of the world. Most incidents appear to be infectious in origin and a large number of organisms have been incriminated as possible pathogens. However, the majority of outbreaks are probably due to either enterotoxaemic strains of Escherichia coli or rotavirus acting either alone or in combination. The epidemiological features of neonatal calf diarrhoea reflect occasional imbalances between the weight of pathogenic challenge and the level of acquired (colostral) immunity. Treatment usually involves the administration of antibiotics with or without fluid and electrolytes and treated calves commonly die. Prevention techniques usually involve careful attention to colostrum feeding, improved hygiene and the often long-term administration of antibiotics. One possible alternative to this latter approach is to feed various "lactic acid bacteria" in an attempt to establish a balanced intestinal flora and the aim of this series of investigations was to investigate the efficacy of one commercial product, namely LBC concentrate MIO which is a lyophilised formulation of Streptococcus faecium (Cernelle strain 68) Before each trial commenced the treatment and control groups were carefully balanced in terms of bodyweight and serum immune globulin status; furthermore, group allocations and penning arrangements were such that there was a good chance of an "even" pathogenic challenge. No attempt was made to identify the nature of this challenge although no calf developed diarrhoea due to Salmonella infection. In all 96, 4-7 day old Ayrshire bull calves were used in five separate trials. The results Indicated that LBC as a milk supplement for young bucket-fed calves produced definite (and often statistically significant) benefits in terms of less diarrhoea, fewer deaths and greater weight gains. However, there were strong suggestions that its effects could be overwhelmed with increased pathogenic challenge and were also dependant on the nature of the diet. The results of these studies suggested that the differences in growth rates between test and control calves is due to the effects of diarrhoea in the controls rather than to a growth-promotional effect of LBC in the treatment group. It was concluded that the feeding of LBC and similar products is worthy of further study since it may well lead to the development of an effective alternative to mass medication with antimicrobial compounds.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Animal diseases.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Selman, Dr. I.E.
• Date of Award: 1980
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1980-74017
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2019 15:33
• Last Modified: 03 Aug 2022 13:55
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/74017