Abstract of research

CLINICAL AND HAEMATOBIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF DIARRHEIC NEONATAL BUFFALO CALVES (BUBALAS BUBALIS) WITH REFERENCE TO ANTIOXIDANT CHANGES

Ghanem, M.M.a,*, El-Fkhrany, S.F.b, Abd El-Raof, Y.M.a, El-Attar, H.M.a

Abstract

The present study was carried to investigate the prevalence, etiology and changes related to enteritis and diarrhea in newborn buffalo calves (n=100) of both sexes from birth up to 3 months of age. The prevalence of diarrhea was 60% and the mortality rate was 10%. E. coli (73.3%) and salmonella (26.7%) were isolated from diseased calves. Based on clinical examination and skin fold test; calves were divided into three groups. Group 1 (control): apparently healthy calves (n=10, selected from 40). Group 2: calves suffering from mild diarrhea (n=10, selected from 38). Group 3: calves suffering from severe diarrhea (n=10, selected from 22). SOD significantly reduced in both mild and severe diarrhea compared to control. A strong negative correlation was found between the degree of diarrhea and the levels of Cu, Zn and Fe, respectively. Besides, there were a significant elevation in liver enzymes (ALT, AST& ALP) and kidney function test (BUN& creatinine). Histopathology of intestine of diarrheic calves revealed thickening of mucosa and wall, and occasionally desquamation or atrophy of lining epithelium. The mesenteric lymph node showed expansion of the medullary sinuses by increased numbers of inflammatory cells mainly large macrophages, lymphocytes along with fibrin. It was concluded that high prevalence (60%) of diarrhea in newborn buffalo calf associated with haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. Additionally, results signified the relationship between Cu, Zn and Fe deficiency and the degree of diarrhea. The reduction of SOD highlights the role of oxidant injury in induction of enteritis in newly born buffalo calves.