Homeopathic treatment as an alternative prophylactic to minimize bacterial infection and prevent neonatal diarrhea in calves.

Abstract:

Bovine neonatal diarrhea is common due low immunity in newborn calves, poor management (or absence) of sanitary barriers, and other factors. Newborn calves with diarrhea in the first days of life suffer failure to thrive and may die if left untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prophylactic administration of a homeopathic product (Dia 100 ® ) can control bovine neonatal diarrhea in calves born on a farm with substantial sanitary challenges. We counted total bacteria and protozoan parasites in fecal samples. We measured serum glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides on days 1, 7 and 14 of life. Twenty newborn calves were maintained in individual stalls, and were divided in two groups: ten untreated animals (control) and ten animals treated with Dia 100 ® . Fecal consistency was evaluated daily. We diagnosed diarrhea in five animals in the treated group, and in all animals from the control group. Infections with Escherichia coli and Giardia duodenalis were identified as the responsible organisms. The E. coli count was low in the treatment group on day 7 of life compared with the control group. Antibiotics were given to eight animals in the control group, and to two animals in the treatment group. On day of life 7, serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher in the control group, but were lower on day 14. Serum levels of glucose and triglycerides were greater in treated animals on days 7 and 14, suggesting that the homeopathic product contributes to improvement of intestinal health and absorption and nutrients. We conclude that Dia 100 ® controls diarrhea with 50% of efficacy, and reduces antibiotic utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Microbial Pathogenesis is the property of Academic Press Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Authors:

Fortuoso, Bruno F.1
Volpato, Andreia2
Rampazzo, Luana1
Glombowsky, Patrícia1
Griss, Luiz Gustavo1
Galli, Gabriela M.1
Stefani, Lenita M.1,2
Baldissera, Matheus D.3
Ferreira, Emanuel B.4
Machado, Gustavo5
da Silva, Aleksandro S.1,2 aleksandro_ss@yahoo.com.br

Source:

Microbial Pathogenesis. Jan2018, Vol. 114, p95-98. 4p.

Document Type:

Article

Subject Terms:

*HOMEOPATHY
*NEONATAL diarrhea in cattle
*BACTERIAL diseases in animals
*PREVENTION
*MICROBIOLOGY
*FECES
*GIARDIA

Author-Supplied Keywords:

Calves
Diarrhea
E. coli
Homeopathic
Intestinal health
Treatment

Author Affiliations:

1Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
2Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
3Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil
4Medical Veterinarian, Londrina, Brazil
5Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA

ISSN:

0882-4010

DOI:

10.1016/j.micpath.2017.11.041

Accession Number:

128003381