Neonatal Calf Diarrhea: Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Systemic Health

摘要

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) remains a common occurrence throughout both the beef and dairy cattle industries. NCD is responsible for approximately 60% of all mortality in preweaned dairy heifers, 14% of all mortality in beef calves less than 21 daysof age, and 23% of all mortality in beef calves older than 21 days of age.13 While dehydration and acidosis contribute to the sometimes unfavorable outcome of calves with diarrhea, overgrowth of intestinal bacteria and translocation of these organisms tothe bloodstream play an important role in the disease process. The purpose of this manuscript is review the microbiology of the intestinal tract in the clinically normal calf and contrast that to the microbiology of the gastrointestinal tract in the calf with diarrhea. This manuscript will also review how changes in the intestinal microflora, precipitated by changes in the environment and management, contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with NCD.