The effects of feeding milk to diarrheic calves supplemented with oral electrolytes.
The effects of feeding different levels of milk to diarrheic calves (n = 19) supplemented with oral electrolytes were investigated. In the early stages of the disease the calves were fed either enough milk to maintain normal growth in a healthy calf, one half that volume or no milk. The three groups were further subdivided according to whether or not the electrolyte solution contained bicarbonate. A full milk ration allowed uninterrupted weight gains of 1% body weight/day (p = 0.003), but caused greater inappetence (p = 0.003 to 0.037) at the beginning of the trial than lower levels of milk intake. Electrolyte solutions with bicarbonate reduced growth rates in milk fed calves (p = 0.014). The density of fat stores increased with the level of milk feeding (p = 0.04 to 0.053). The mitotic index of the duodenal mucosa increased with milk feeding (p = 0.08), indicating a superior mucosal regeneration potential. Thymic atrophy was pronounced in those calves fed no milk (p = 0.001). It was concluded that the continued feeding of milk to diarrheic calves was beneficial. Electrolyte solutions containing bicarbonate should be avoided when milk is fed to diarrheic calves.
Heath
S E
SE
Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Naylor
J M
JM
Guedo
B L
BL
Petrie
L
L
Rousseaux
C G
CG
Radostits
O M
OM
D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002149:Energy Intake; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk; D011897:Random Allocation
D001639:Bicarbonates; D004573:Electrolytes