Jinhee Kang, S H Jung, J B Chae, S H Kim, A Cho, Y H Jung, C Y Choe, J G Yoo, D H Yu, K S Choi, H C Kim, B K Park, J S Chae and J Park
Chonbuk National University, South Korea
Seoul National University, South Korea
National Institute of Animal Science, South Korea
Gyeongsang National University, South Korea
Kyungpook National University, South Korea
Kangwon National University, South Korea
Chonnam National University, South Korea
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vet Sci Technol
Introduction & Aim: Calf diarrhea in 1-60 days aft er birth accompanies dehydration, malnutrition, hypothermia and even death. Th e cause of diarrhea is either infectious or non-infectious in nature and the former case includes bacteria (pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, etc.), viruses (Rotavirus, Coronavirus, etc.) and parasites (Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, etc.). However, there was no study to be done on fecal appearances such as fecal color and liquid state and their changes associated with age and pathogen. Th is study is to provide basic and simple information associated with diarrhea by investigating changes in their fecal color and liquid state according to their age as well as the pathogen. Materials & Methods: 111 calves from 9 farms in Korea were selected for this study. Th e fecal state was classifi ed by solid (0-value), semi-solid (1-value), loose (2-value) and watery (3-value). Th e color was classifi ed by yellow and brown. In order to detect fecal pathogens in diarrhea-induced calves, RT-PCR and Rapid BoviD-5 Ag Test Kit (Bionote Inc., Korea) were used and then the relationship between age, fecal liquid state and fecal color was compared according to pathogen-positive/negative results. Results: In the absence of pathogen, semi-solid type decreased and solid type increased as age increases. Solid and semi-solid types were commonly observed in the absence of pathogen, whereas the loose fecal type is predominantly observed regardless of age in the presence of pathogen. Th e fecal color tended to be yellow under 10 days old and changed to brown as calves grow older regardless of pathogen infection. Conclusion: Th is research analyzed fecal color and liquid state using the feces collected from farms. For healthy calf, the liquid state such as semi-solid is associated with calf age, considered as normal (non-diarrheic) in calves aged less than 10 days. Also, this study demonstrates the fecal color turns from yellow to brown as age increases. Th is study would help early predict and detect pathological fecal changes by off ering criteria on normal fecal appearances according to age and pathogen infection.
Jinhee Kang is a Postgraduate student of Chonbuk National University, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine. She has participated in research related to healthcare and disease prevention of large animal.
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