Biochemical studies on chronic noninfectious, non-parasitic diarrhoea in calves reared in recently reclaimed areas in Sharkia governrate [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chronic noninfectious, non parasitic diarrhoea on blood hematological and biochemical parameters of calves excessively fed on Trifolium Alexandrium (barseem), during the green season in newly reclaimed area in Sharkia Governorate. Blood samples were collected from 40 diseased calves aged from 6-24 months showing signs of chronic diarrhoea, impaired growth, changes in hair colour, slow to move, poor body condition and skeletal abnormalities and not responded to local and systematic antibacterial and antiphrastic drugs. A number of 10 clinically healthy calves were selected at random basis from the adjacent villages (old agriculture area) used as control group. The hematological studies showed significant decrease (p<0.001) in TRBcs, Hb concentration, pev and significant increase (p<0.001) in TwBCs in blood of diseased cascs when compared with control group. Serum biochemical analysis revealed that calves with chronic diarrhoea exhibited marked decrease in total protein, albumin, globulins, glucose, copper, iron, inorganic phosphorus, zinc, calcium, sodium and potassium levels. Moreover, significant increase (p<0.001) in molybdenium levels was noticed when compared with apparent clinically healthy ones. Concerning the diet analysis, low copper and inorganic phosphorus contents were estimated, with higher concentration of sulphur and molybdenium were detected in this barseem grow in recently reclaimed area compared with barseem grow in old villages. These results indicated primary phosphorus and secondary copper deficiency in the affected animals. After treatment with 250 gm of a mixture from (200 mg) zinc sulphate and (0.75 gm) copper sulphate per kilogram ration (orally) together with one dose of copper glycinate (60mg was given by IV injcction) to the affected calf. The symptoms disappeared, included their health condition improved and the hematological as well as biochemical profile nearly returned to normal. So attention must be paid for non-infectious and non-parasitic causes of diarrhoea. Furthermore excessive feeding on barseem must be avoided and feeding balanced ration mixed with minerals, trace elements especially copper and zinc during nutrition of calves was recommended in the recently reclaimed areas of Sharkia Governorate.

Summary in Arabic.