1
|
Quigley JD. INVITED REVIEW: An evaluation of EFSA opinion on calf welfare from a nutritional and management perspective. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00868-3. [PMID: 38825134 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
In March, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority published a Scientific Opinion on Calf Welfare. This Opinion was prepared in response to a request from the European Commission to provide an independent view on the welfare of calves that reflected the most recent scientific knowledge. Data sources used to develop their recommendations included peer-reviewed studies, expert knowledge, and gray literature. The Opinion considered specific scenarios and welfare consequences of specific management practices, including feeding fiber to calves raised for white veal and amount of cow-calf contact. Their Opinion suggested that calves should be fed specific quantities of forage NDF during the rearing cycle. Regarding separation of calves, the Committee recommended that the calf should remain with the cow for a minimum of 24 h and then be housed with another calf. They further suggested that prolonged cow-calf contact should increasingly be implemented due to benefits to both cow and calf to minimize stress of separation. The objective of this review is to assess the veracity of these recommendations and the scientific data that underpins them. This review will present a literature to support the contention that, from a nutritional and management perspective, these recommendations may impair calf welfare by exposing calves to innutritious rations containing excess fiber and increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality due to poor colostrum intake and exposure to disease-causing pathogens. Alternative recommendations are made that may further the goal of calf welfare in the context of nutrition and housing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Quigley
- Calf Notes Consulting, LLC, 7901 4th St. N., Suite 300, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Roblin M, Canniere E, Barbier A, Daandels Y, Dellevoet-Groenewegen M, Pinto P, Tsaousis A, Leruste H, Brainard J, Hunter PR, Follet J. Study of the economic impact of cryptosporidiosis in calves after implementing good practices to manage the disease on dairy farms in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100149. [PMID: 37941926 PMCID: PMC10628542 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are widespread parasitic protozoans causing enteric infections in humans and animals. The parasites cause neonatal diarrhoea in calves, leading to a high mortality rate in the first three weeks. Losses are significant for farmers, but the cost of cryptosporidiosis remains poorly documented. In the absence of a vaccine, only preventive measures are available to farmers to combat the infection. This study, conducted between 2018 and 2021, aimed to evaluate the economic impact of Cryptosporidium spp. on European dairy farms and monitor changes in costs after implementing disease management measures. First, a field survey was carried out and questionnaires administered to 57 farmers in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. The aim of the survey was to assess the losses associated with the occurrence of diarrhoea in calves aged between 3 days and 3 weeks. The economic impact of diarrhoea was calculated based on mortality losses, health expenditures, and additional labour costs. To refine the cost estimation specifically for Cryptosporidium spp., stool samples were collected from 10 calves per farm. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was determined, and the economic impact of diarrhoea was adjusted accordingly. The assumption was made that a certain percentage of costs was attributed to cryptosporidiosis based on the prevalence. These protocols were repeated at the end of the study to observe changes in costs. In the three years, the cost of diarrhoea for the 28 farms that stayed in the panel all along the study improved from €140 in 2018 to €106 on average per diarrhoeic calf in 2021. With a stable prevalence at 40%, the cost of cryptosporidiosis per infected calf decreased from €60.62 to €45.91 in Belgium, from €43.83 to €32.14 in France, and from €58.24 to €39.48 in the Netherlands. This represented an average of €15 saved per infected calf. The methodology employed in this study did not allow us to conclude that the improvement is strictly due to the implementation of preventive measures. However, with 11 million calves raised in the Interreg 2 Seas area covered by the study, it provided valuable insights into the economic burden of Cryptosporidium spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maud Roblin
- Junia, Group for Research and Concerted Studies on Agriculture and Territories, F 59000, Lille, France
| | - Evi Canniere
- Inagro vzw, Repursue 87, 8800, Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium
| | | | - Yvonne Daandels
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223, DE, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Martine Dellevoet-Groenewegen
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223, DE, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Pedro Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Anastasios Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Hélène Leruste
- Junia, Animal Behaviour and Farming Systems, F 59000, Lille, France
| | - Julii Brainard
- The Norwich School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, England, UK
| | - Paul R. Hunter
- The Norwich School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, England, UK
| | - Jérôme Follet
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Junia, Université Polytechnique Hauts de France, UMR 8520, IEMN Institut D’Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, F 59000, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hoque S, Pinto P, Ribeiro CA, Canniere E, Daandels Y, Dellevoet M, Bourgeois A, Hammouma O, Hunter P, Gentekaki E, Kváč M, Follet J, Tsaousis AD. Follow-up investigation into Cryptosporidium prevalence and transmission in Western European dairy farms. Vet Parasitol 2023; 318:109920. [PMID: 37030025 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is an enteric parasite and a major contributor to acute enteritis in calves worldwide, causing an important economic burden for farmers. This parasite poses a major public health threat through transmission between livestock and humans. Our previous pilot study in Western Europe revealed a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in calves of dairy farms. In the sequel study herein, 936 faecal samples were collected from the same 51 dairy farms across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. Following DNA extraction, Cryptosporidium screening was carried out using nested-PCR amplification targeting the SSU rRNA gene. All positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were used to identify the Cryptosporidium spp. present. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was also sequenced to determine the C. parvum subtypes present. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium ranged from 23.3% to 25%, across the three countries surveyed. The parasite was found in most of the farms sampled, with 90.2% testing positive. Cryptosporidium parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae and C. andersoni were all identified, with the former being the most predominant, representing 71.4% of all infections. Cryptosporidium parvum was associated with pre-weaned calves, while other species were associated with older animals. Subtyping of gp60 gene revealed nine subtypes, eight of which have previously been reported to cause clinical disease in humans. Similarly to the first study, vertical transmission was not a major contributor to Cryptosporidium spread. Our study highlights the need for further investigation into cryptosporidiosis transmission, and future studies will require a One Health approach to reduce the impact of this disease.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zolova A, Keidāne D, Zolovs M. Prevalence of susceptibility to Cryptosporidium spp. among dairy calves with different feeding regimens with an emphasis on the feeding of transition milk. Vet World 2022; 15:1256-1260. [PMID: 35765491 PMCID: PMC9210855 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1256-1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Colostrum composition and importance for newborn organisms were repeatedly studied. However, the interest in transitional milk usefulness is weak and recommendations concerning transition milk intake are not developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether transition milk intake after colostrum consumption affects the chances of calf infection with Cryptosporidium spp. Materials and Methods: We collected data for Cryptosporidium spp. infection from calves (n=425) divided into three groups: The first group – supervised colostrum and transition milk intake; the second group – supervised colostrum and whole milk intake; and the third group – not supervised colostrum and whole milk intake. To detect oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in feces, the flotation method was used, and slides were stained using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Generalized linear mixed modeling was conducted to determine whether the explanatory variable – the management of colostrum and transition milk feeding with three categories (three research groups) – was related to the probability of calves incurring infection with Cryptosporidium spp. Results: In the first group, 26.1% of calves were positive for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, in the second – 37.2%, and in the third – 44.1%. Statistical data analysis showed that calves who did not receive transition milk after colostrum consumption had increased chances of having Cryptosporidium spp. (by 1.90-2.47 times on average). The main results showed that the management of colostrum and transition milk feeding is related to Cryptosporidium spp. infection, indicating that both colostrum and transitional milk play a significant role in controlling pathogenic infections. Conclusion: The most effective management of colostrum and transition milk feeding against Cryptosporidium spp. infection is the timely intake of an adequate amount of colostrum followed by transitional milk consumption for at least 2 weeks before weaning from the dam.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alīna Zolova
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Dace Keidāne
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Maksims Zolovs
- Department of Biosystematics, Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia; Statistics Unit, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Falkenberg U, Krömker V, Konow M, Flor J, Sanftleben P, Losand B. Management of calves in commercial dairy farms in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany and its impact on calf mortality and prevalence of rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum infections in pre-weaned calves. Vet Anim Sci 2022; 16:100243. [PMID: 35265772 PMCID: PMC8899403 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cross-sectional study, impact of management in dairy farms on calf mortality rates and prevalence of rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum in feces of calves was investigated. Sixty-two commercial dairy herds in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, were stratified selected in 2019. We performed in-person interviews and fecal specimens in samples of all-female calves of age 7 up to 21 days. Management data were documented on farm level. A Multiscreen Ag-ELISA was performed to determine rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum. Associations between two calf mortality rates, detection of C. parvum and rotavirus, and predictors were examined with GLM models. In farms with routine vaccination against respiratory diseases, 31-days mortality rate was 4.2% +/-1.26 compared to 7.6% +/-0.97 (p = 0.040) on non-vaccinating farms. Six-months mortality was lower in farms that continued feeding milk to calves during periods of diarrhea compared to farms that did not (6.9% +/-0.8 vs. 12.4% +/-2.3). In case of a routine shifting of calves from the calving box into calf boxes less C. parvum was detected compared to an individual moving of calves (33.3% +/-2.6 vs. 19.6% +/-5.3; p = 0.024). Our model confirms a positive association between occurrence of aqueous feces and frequency of detection of C. parvum (45.4% +/-23.6 vs. 21.4% +/-18.7; p < 0.001). Frequency of detection of rotavirus was lower in farms that reported a defined amount of applicated colostrum per calf than in farms that presented a range of colostrum instead of a defined amount. This study indicates the potential for mitigation of risk factors for mortality in calves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U. Falkenberg
- Rindergesundheitsdienst Tierseuchenkasse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Neustrelitzer Straße 120c, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - V. Krömker
- University of Kopenhagen, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Corresponding author.
| | - M. Konow
- Landesamt für Landwirtschaft, Lebensmittelsicherheit und Fischerei, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Thierfelderstraße 18, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - J. Flor
- Landesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Fischerei, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Dorfplatz 1, OT Gülzow, 18276 Gülzow-Prüzen, Germany
| | - P. Sanftleben
- Landesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Fischerei, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Dorfplatz 1, OT Gülzow, 18276 Gülzow-Prüzen, Germany
| | - B. Losand
- Landesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Fischerei, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Dorfplatz 1, OT Gülzow, 18276 Gülzow-Prüzen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adkins PRF. Cryptosporidiosis. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2022; 38:121-131. [PMID: 35219480 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of diarrhea among preweaned dairy calves. In the United States, the most common species of Cryptosporidium found in dairy calves is Cryptosporidium parvum, an important zoonotic species. Cryptosporidiosis is spread by fecal-oral transmission. Calves begin shedding the oocysts as early as 2 days of age, with peak shedding occurring at 14 days of age. Diarrhea generally starts 3 to 4 days after ingestion of the oocysts. Risk factors for the disease include large dairy farms, summer months, feeding of milk replacer, and early feeding of starter grain. Concrete flooring and appropriate cleaning of feeding utensils decreases the risk of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela R F Adkins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, 900 E Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pinto P, Ribeiro CA, Hoque S, Hammouma O, Leruste H, Détriché S, Canniere E, Daandels Y, Dellevoet M, Roemen J, Barbier Bourgeois A, Kváč M, Follet J, Tsaousis AD. Cross-Border Investigations on the Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of Cryptosporidium Species in Dairy Cattle Farms in Western Mainland Europe. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2394. [PMID: 34835519 PMCID: PMC8617893 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an apicomplexan parasitic protist, which infects a wide range of hosts, causing cryptosporidiosis disease. In farms, the incidence of this disease is high in animals such as cows, leading to extensive economic loss in the livestock industry. Infected cows may also act as a major reservoir of Cryptosporidium spp., in particular C. parvum, the most common cause of cryptosporidiosis in these animals. This poses a risk to the trading of livestock, to other farms via breeding centres, and to human health. This study is a part of a global project aimed at strategies to tackle cryptosporidiosis. To reach this target, it was essential to determine whether prevalence was dependent on the studied countries or if the issue was borderless. Indeed, C. parvum occurrence was assessed across dairy farms in certain regions of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. At the same time, the animal-to-animal transmission of the circulating C. parvum subtypes was studied. To accomplish this, we analysed 1084 faecal samples, corresponding to 57 dairy farms from all three countries. To this end, 18S rRNA and gp60 genes fragments were amplified, followed by DNA sequencing, which was subsequently used for detection and subtyping C. parvum. Bioinformatic and phylogenetic methods were integrated to analyse and characterise the obtained DNA sequences. Our results show 25.7%, 24.9% and 20.8% prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands respectively. Overall, 93% of the farms were Cryptosporidium positive. The gp60 subtyping demonstrated a significant number of the C. parvum positives belonged to the IIa allelic family, which has been also identified in humans. Therefore, this study highlights how prevalent C. parvum is in dairy farms and further suggests cattle as a possible carrier of zoonotic C. parvum subtypes, which could pose a threat to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK; (P.P.); (C.A.R.); (S.H.)
| | - Cláudia A. Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK; (P.P.); (C.A.R.); (S.H.)
| | - Sumaiya Hoque
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK; (P.P.); (C.A.R.); (S.H.)
| | - Ourida Hammouma
- UMR-Transfrontalière 1158 BioEcoAgro, Junia, University of Lille, University of Liège, UPJV, ULCO, University of Artois, INRAE, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Hélène Leruste
- Junia, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d’Elevage, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Sébastien Détriché
- University of Lille, Institut Mines-Télécom, University of Artois, Junia, ULR 4515—LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et Géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Evi Canniere
- Inagro vzw, Ieperseweg 87, 8800 Rumbeke-Beitem, Belgium;
| | - Yvonne Daandels
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223 DE’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (Y.D.); (M.D.); (J.R.)
| | - Martine Dellevoet
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223 DE’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (Y.D.); (M.D.); (J.R.)
| | - Janine Roemen
- Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organisation (ZLTO), Onderwijsboulevard 225, 5223 DE’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands; (Y.D.); (M.D.); (J.R.)
| | | | - Martin Kváč
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jérôme Follet
- University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Junia, University Polytechnique Hauts de France, UMR 8520 IEMN Institut d’Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, F 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID Group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK; (P.P.); (C.A.R.); (S.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mahendran SA, Wathes DC, Booth RE, Blackie N. A survey of calf management practices and farmer perceptions of calf housing in UK dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:409-423. [PMID: 34763915 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adoption of optimal management techniques for rearing dairy calves has significant effects on their health, welfare, and productivity. Despite much published literature on best practice, calf morbidity and mortality rates remain high. This survey aimed to establish current calf management practices in the United Kingdom, along with farmer perceptions surrounding different housing types. A survey containing 48 questions was distributed online to UK farmers via social media, online forums, and a convenience sample of veterinary practices and was completed by 216 participants. A descriptive analysis with frequency distributions was calculated, with chi-squared tests, linear regression and multinomial regression performed to assess associations between variables. There was a low level of regular veterinary involvement in day-to-day health decision making for calves (3/216, 1.4%), highlighting the need for appropriate staff training and standard operating procedures to ensure prudent antimicrobial usage. Restricted calf milk feeding remains highly prevalent in the United Kingdom, with most calves fed milk replacer (114/216, 52.8%), twice daily (189/216, 87.5%), initially given milk at 4 L/d (66/216, 30.6%) or 6 L/d (47/216, 21.8%). There was, however, a small number of farmers initially feeding only 2 to 3 L/d (28/216, 13.0%). Euthanasia of bull calves (5/216, 2.3%) and feeding antimicrobial waste milk to calves (8/216, 3.7%) both occurred on some farms. With regard to housing, use of individual calf pens has reduced from around 60% in 2010 to 38.4% in this study (83/216), with this reduction being partly driven by the policy of UK milk buyers. Farmer perceptions indicated that individual housing was thought to help to improve calf health and feed monitoring of calves, suggesting that successful use of group housing requires a higher level of stockmanship. The majority of farmers did not provide fresh bedding to calves on a daily basis (141/216, 65.3%), and relatively few disinfected both the calf housing (38.0%) and ground (47.7%) between calves, suggesting that hygiene practices may require additional attention in farm management protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Mahendran
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom.
| | - D C Wathes
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - R E Booth
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - N Blackie
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brainard J, Hammer CC, Hunter PR, Katzer F, Hurle G, Tyler K. Efficacy of halofuginone products to prevent or treat cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Parasitology 2021; 148:408-419. [PMID: 33261668 PMCID: PMC11010047 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A prior systematic review on the efficacy of halofuginone (HFG) treatment to prevent or treat cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves was inconclusive. We undertook an updated synthesis and meta-analyses on key outcomes for the treatment of calves with HFG. Evaluated outcomes were oocyst shedding, diarrhoea, mortality and weight gain. Experiments had to describe results for same age animals in contemporary arms. Most doses were 100-150 mcg kg-1 day-1. Results were subgrouped by study design, experiments with the lowest risk of bias and lack of industry funding. Eighteen articles were found that described 25 experiments. Most evidence came from randomized controlled trials in Europe. Significantly lower incidence of oocyst shedding, diarrhoea burden and mortality was reported when treatment started before calves were 5 days old. Most studies reported on outcomes for animals up to at least 28 days old. Publication bias was possible in all outcomes and seemed especially likely for diarrhoea outcomes. Beneficial results when HFG treatment was initiated in calves older than 5 days were also found. Prophylactic treatment to prevent cryptosporidiosis is effective in preventing multiple negative outcomes and is beneficial to calf health and will result in a reduction of environmental contamination by Cryptosporidium oocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julii Brainard
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Paul R. Hunter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
| | - Frank Katzer
- The Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, Penicuik, UK
| | - Georgina Hurle
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
| | - Kevin Tyler
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK
| |
Collapse
|