Research Article Open Access

Evaluation of Different Oral Rehydration Solutions for Diarrheic Dairy Calves

Evangelina Miqueo1, Jackeline Thais da Silva1, Fernanda Lavínia Moura Silva1, Nathalia Britto Rocha1, Thais Manzoni Torrezan1, Giovana Simone Slanzon2 and Carla Maris Machado Bittar1
  • 1 University of São Paulo, Brazil
  • 2 University of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Regardless of the causative agent, diarrhea results in large loss of water and electrolytes, which leads to reduced performance and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral rehydration solutions in order to determine the most effective in restoring electrolytes and water while maintaining animal performance. Forty two calves (14 per treatment) were distributed in one of three treatments (1) Common electrolytes solution (dextrose, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride; 507±2 mOsm), (2) Glutellac® (sodium acetate, glucose and sodium and potassium chloride; 665±1 mOsm); and (3) Common electrolytes solution + Aminogut® (glutamate and glutamine; 575±2 mOsm). Treatments were administered when fecal score ≥3, in a scale of 1 to 5. During diarrhea daily water intake was registered and blood sample was taken for metabolites, electrolytes and gases determination. Animals did not differ in days in diarrhea, fecal score or hematocrit. Calves receiving Glutellac® presented higher voluntary water intake. There was no effect of treatment for animal performance and starter feed intake. Concentrations of Na+ and HCO3 tended to be higher for animals rehydrated with Glutellac®. While there was an increase in HCO3 from the first to the second day, K+ and glucose decreased. The increased voluntary water intake in animals rehydrated with Glutellac®, which shows greater simplicity of use, are the main advantages of this solution.

American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Volume 13 No. 4, 2018, 143-151

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2018.143.151

Submitted On: 9 August 2018 Published On: 26 November 2018

How to Cite: Miqueo, E., da Silva, J. T., Moura Silva, F. L., Rocha, N. B., Torrezan, T. M., Slanzon, G. S. & Machado Bittar, C. M. (2018). Evaluation of Different Oral Rehydration Solutions for Diarrheic Dairy Calves. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 13(4), 143-151. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajavsp.2018.143.151

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Keywords

  • Calf Health
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolytes
  • Neonatal Diarrhea