Evaluation of differing interventions (spray dried beef plasma, spray dried colostrum, or antibiotic) at the onset of neonatal calf diarrhea. 2023. J. Dairy Sci., Vol. 106, Suppl. 1
Research conducted at Mapleview Agri in Ontario examined each of the following five consecutive day regiments implemented at the onset of diarrhea, either a.) 30 g, 2x/d of APC Nutrapro B bovine plasma, b.) 30 g, 2x/d of Saskatoon Colostrum Company spray-dried colostrum, c.) an IM inj. of 3 mL trimethoprim sulphadoxine (Borgal), or no additive/antibiotic intervention. n=160 calves. No sig difference (NSD) in ADG or mortality. Calves supplemented with bovine plasma tended faster resolution of diarrhea vs. control and fewer calves required a second scours treatment. The antimicrobial group tended to reduce 1st treatment for respiratory disease and significantly fewer required a second respiratory treatment. The antimicrobial group noted increased 42 d BW vs. control. Cash outlay per calf was $22.40 (300 g) for Saskatoon Colostrum Co. powder, $1.65 for APC Nutrapro B plasma (300 g), and $1.12 (15 mL) for Borgal trimethoprim sulphadoxine.