British Cattle Veterinary Association

Neonatal calf diarrhoea results in dehydration which is commonly associated with significant losses in bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, chloride, and nutrients. Clinical signs of depression are frequently correlated with the severity of metabolic acidosis. We used to believe that the main factors involved with metabolic acidosis were rapid dehydration, fecal bicarbonate losses, and increased serum L-lactate levels. In calves with malabsorption diarrhoea, researchers have found an increased level in serum D-lactate secondary to intestinal bacterial fermentation of undigested or unabsorbed substrates. Continued milk feeding has been recommended world-wide. This article explains the concepts of oral rehydration therapy solutions which allow proper correction of metabolic acidosis and abomasal milk clotting formation.