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Year 2017 - Volume 37, Number 8
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Clinical, blood gas and biochemical profile of diarrheic dairy calves fed starter concentrate containing citrus pulp as a replacement for corn, 37(8):790-796
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ABSTRACT.- Soares M.C., Paula M.R., Slanzon G.S., Rocha F.H., Mourão G.B. & Bittar C.M.M. 2017. Clinical, blood gas and biochemical profile of diarrheic dairy calves fed starter concentrate containing citrus pulp as a replacement for corn. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(8):790-796. Departamento de Zootecnia, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba, SP 13418-900, Brazil. E-mail: carlabittar@usp.br
The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical signs, gas analysis, and metabolic effects of diarrhea in milk-fed calves consuming starter feed containing citrus pulp (CP) as a replacement for corn. Twenty-four newborn Holstein male calves were distributed into treatments according to starter composition: (1) 0% CP, (2) 32% CP, (3) 64% CP, on dry matter basis. The calves were housed in individual hutches, with free access to water and concentrate, and received 4 L/d of milk replacer. After diarrhea diagnosis, evaluations of fecal score, score of clinical signs and measurement of physiological parameters were performed three times a day during 3-d. Blood samples were collected for electrolytes, blood gases, and plasma biochemical analysis. Starter feed composition had no negative effect (P>0.05) on fecal score, characteristics of diarrheic stools and on the aggravation of diarrhea clinical signs. Biochemical, blood gases and electrolytes changes, as a function of starter composition, did not resulted (P>0.05) in dehydration, acidosis, or other metabolic disturbance animals. Total lactate and D-lactate plasma concentrations were higher for calves on control and 64% CP, and L-lactate was highest for the 64% CP; however, calves showed no signs of metabolic acidosis. Thermal comfort indexes influenced clinical and physiological parameters (P<0.05). Citrus pulp may replace corn in starter composition without prejudice to intestinal health or metabolism of young diarrheic calves. |
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