Evaluation of Enteropathogens and Fecal pH Changes in Neonatal Calves with Diarrhea

The aim of this study is to investigate fecal pH changes in diarrheal newborn calves infected with enteropathogens such as Bovine rotavirus, Bovine Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp, Escherichia coli K99 and Giardia lamblia. This study will be the first to reveal the relationship between fecal pH and enteropathogens in cases of diarrhea. The animal material of the study consisted of 96 diarrheal calves aged between 1 and 28 days. Fecal samples were taken from calves with diarrhea. Rapid diagnostic kits were used to diagnose enteropathogens in the stool samples taken. When the pH analysis results of all cases were examined, fecal pH values of both single and co-infected cases were determined to be predominantly between 5-6 and 6.1-7. Fecal pH values of infected calves were determined to be maximum between 6.1-7. When the pH values of all cases were examined, it was determined that cases with 8-15 days of diarrhea were detected more frequently. It was determined that the fecal pH values of these calves with diarrhea varied between 6.1-7. In the analysis of fecal pH values in 12 samples in which only E. coli was detected, it was determined that the fecal pH value of 11 of these calves was measured between 5 and 6, and only 1 of them had a pH value above 6. On the other hand, it was determined that the fecal pH value was measured below 6 in 12 of the remaining 84 calves. It was observed that the fecal pH value was between 5-6 in the majority of calves in which E. coli was detected. It was determined that the fecal pH value was above 6 in 73 of a total of 96 calves. Additionally, pH was not detected above 7.1 in any of the cases infected with enteropathogens. The pH value of both single and co-infected cases was determined predominantly between 6.1 and 7. As a result, fecal pH values of calves with identified pathogens were measured using nitrazine paper, and it was revealed that there was a relationship between the detected factor and the age of the case. It was determined that the fecal pH values of cases infected with enterogens were not higher than 7, and the fecal pH values of enteropathogens were concentrated in the range of 6.1-7. For faster diagnosis, prevention, control and treatment of enteropathogens that cause diarrhea in newborn calves, attention can be taken in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease when fecal pH values are an easily detected parameter. It is thought that it will shed light on future studies regarding fecal pH.