Neonatal Diarrhea in Ruminants
Chapter from the book:
Günaydın,
A.
&
Yeşilyurt,
M.
&
Yıldırım,
O.
(eds.)
2025.
Basic and Clinical Studies in Veterinary Medicine-I.
Synopsis
The neonatal period in ruminants is highly critical due to diarrheal diseases associated with elevated morbidity and mortality, which also result in significant economic losses in livestock production. The etiology of neonatal diarrhea includes bacterial (E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp.), viral (Rotavirus, Coronavirus), and protozoal (Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp.) agents. In addition to infectious causes, insufficient colostrum intake, inadequate hygiene, environmental stressors, and nutritional deficiencies serve as predisposing factors. Pathogenesis involves villous atrophy, increased intestinal secretion, impaired absorption, electrolyte imbalance, and subsequent dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Clinically, affected neonates present with watery and foul-smelling diarrhea, anorexia, dehydration, weakness, and in severe cases, sudden death. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, epidemiological data, and laboratory methods such as culture, PCR, and ELISA. Treatment focuses on restoring fluid and electrolyte balance, while antibiotics are reserved for septicemic cases. Supportive therapies aim to prevent secondary infections. Preventive measures include ensuring adequate colostrum intake, improving housing conditions, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Effective management of neonatal diarrhea requires a multidisciplinary approach and remains vital both for animal welfare and for minimizing economic losses in ruminant farming.
