Studies on neonatal calf diarrhoea

Fuente, Gonzalo H de la (1971) Studies on neonatal calf diarrhoea. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The work described in this Thesis is concerned with the effects of diarrhoea on newborn calves of known serum immune globulin concentrations and the influence that such colostrum-derived passive immunity may have on the outcome of the condition. The work is divided into three parts as follows:- Part 1 General Introduction and Review of the Literature In this part a general review and criticism of the relevant literature concerned with the probable aetiology, pathogenesis, prophylaxis and treatment of neonatal calf diarrhoea is reported. Part 2 Studies on the Influence of some environmental, therapeutic and managemental factors on the severity of diarrhoea, and upon the survival of newborn calves of known serum immaune globulin concentration A farm survey performed during the period from February to June 1968, investigating the serum immune globulin concentration; of dairy heifer calves using the Zinc Sulphate Turbidity Test is reported. 327 dairy heifer calves of two to seven days of age retained in 47 closed dairy herds in the West of Scotland were sampled. Some aspects of the management prevailing on the farms were investigated and the possible effects of such management on the serum immune globulin concentrations attained by the newborn calves were looked into. The relationship between the serum immune globulin concentration and the incidence on these farms of death from E.coli septicaemia and diarrhoea is also discussed. The serum immune globulin concentrations were found to be influenced by the place of birth. Those calves born indoors, showed significantly lower values than those born out of doors. Furthermore, a significant difference was found amongst the calves born indoors, in that calves born in the byre showed significantly lower values than those born in boxes. The time of first feeding colostrum and whether the calves were left with or removed from their dams at the time of birth, also influenced the serum immune globulin concentrations. Calves born in the byre and fed colostrum within six hours of birth had significantly higher serum immune globulin concentrations than those fed after six hours, and calves born in boxes and left with their dams for more than 12 hours had significantly higher serum immune globulin concentrations than those removed from their dams at birth or when found. The overall mortality rate for calves up to 1 month of age recorded in this survey was 11 per cent. The highest mortality rate was observed in the byre-born calves (calves with the lowest serum immune globulin concentrations) and the lowest mortality was seen in those calves born in the field (calves with the highest serum immune globulin concentrations). It was demonstrated that by adopting a method of management whereby ingestion of colostrum by the calf occurred within six hours of birth while remaining with its mother for at least 12 hours, the serum immune globulin concentrations were increased significantly. As a result a marked decline in the mortality rate, and incidence of diarrhoea was achieved. Experimental evidence was produced indicating that in hypogammaglobulinaemic calves, the parenteral administration of chloramphenicol, and the oral administration of Furazolidone used as treatment and as prophylactic measures, had little beneficial effect on the outcome of calf diarrhoea. Using hypogammaglobulinaemic calves, with similar serum immune globulin concentrations no difference was found in mortality rate between diarrhoeic calves treated intravenously with fluid and electrolytes (Darrow's solution) and untreated diarrhoeic calves. Experimental evidence was produced suggesting that the protective properties of a high serum immune globulin concentration was more effective against calf diarrhoea than any of the above mentioned therapies. The oral use of anticholinergic substances would appear to be contraindicated in the diarrhoeic syndrome observed in the present study. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: W IM McIntyre
• Keywords: Animal diseases
• Date of Award: 1971
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1971-73225
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73225