Investigation of Protective and Therapeutic Efficacy of Lactoferrin on Neonatal Calf Diarrhea

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, E. coli F5 (K99), Cl. perfringens and Salmonella spp. and clinical, haematological and biochemical changes in calves with neonatal diarrhoea and the efficacy of lactoferrin supplementation in standard treatment in Van and Diyarbakır provinces. The calves with diarrhea were investigated by immunochromatographic test kit and conventional bacteriological methods. Rotavirus was detected in 51%, Cryptosporidium in 35%, Cl. perfringens in 23%, coronavirus in 16%, E. coli F5 (K99) in 4%, Salmonella spp. in 2% of the calves with diarrhea. Giardia spp. was not detected in any calf, while 65% of the calves had a single agent, 33% had more than one agent. In vitro bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of lactoferrin on E. coli O157, E. coli F5 and Salmonella enteriditis were investigated. Lactoferrin was found to be effective on bacteria at concentrations of 100 mg/ml and higher, decreased the mortality rate and showed a positive effect on clinical parameters. It was concluded that lactoferrin can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes at doses of 100 mg/ml and higher and will be more effective in treatment.