Diarrhoeal diseases of the calf: observations on treatment and prevention

Authors: Corley L, Bush L, Jones EW, Hamm D
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 25, Issue 11, pp 312-316, Nov 1977
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Bacterial, Biosecurity, Infectious disease, Disease/defect, Disease control/eradication, Epidemiology, Treatment/therapy, Zoonosis, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: During the past two decades intestinal absorptive and secretory functions and the intestinal flora have been significantly clarified. Important concepts of intestinal dysfunction have emerged which have proved of immense clinical value. Despite this, the medical and economic consequences of diarrhoea continue to beset the cattle industry. Diarrhoeal disease of the calf occurs at a time of complex developmental, environmental and functional change. The surface defences and enzyme systems of the neonatal gut are maturing in a protective film of maternal antibody, while undergoing increasing stimulation from environmental microbial challenge. The precarious nature of this defence system is not surprising. It is contingent upon a balance of such changing conditions as maternal antibody quantity, quality and delivery, environmental microbial challenge, and neonatal immunological and intestinal epithelial maturation…

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