Bacterial and Parasitological Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Calf Diarrhoea in Tamboul Locality, Gezira State-Sudan

Abstract

This study was aiming at investigating bacterial and parasitological causes and risk factors associated with bovine calf diarrhea in Tamboul Locality, Gezira State-Sudan. The study was conducted during the year 2021 to cover farms in Tamboul city.  Questionnaires were filled and 36 fecal samples were taken from calves at the age less than 5 months, showing clinical signs of diarrhea and not subjected for treatment. Samples were subjected for bacteriological and parasitological examinations. The results showed that 35 (97.2%) of the samples were positive for bacteriological tests and all of the samples were negative for parasitological examinations. The statistical analysis showed a significant variation (P=0.000) in the effectiveness of etiology on occurrence of calf diarrhea in Tamboul city. Gram negative bacteria were isolated from 20 (57.2%) diarrhoeic samples, gram positive bacteria from 4 (11.4%) samples and mixed (gram negative and gram positive) bacteria were isolated from 11 (31.4%) samples. The statistical analysis showed no significant variation (p>0.05) between colour of diarrhea and other symptoms (emaciation, anorexia, nasal discharge, fever and Skin lesion) and incidence of calf diarrhoea.  The results showed that 21 (58.3%) diarrhoeic calves were under 1 month of the age, 9 (25%) were in between 1-3 months and 6 (16.7%) were more than 3 months. By using Chi-square test there was no significant variation (p>0.05) between groups of age of diarrhoeic calves and incidence of calf diarrhoea. The results showed that 21 (58.3%) diarrhoeic calves were males and 15 (41.7%) were females. There was no significant variation (p>0.05) between groups of age of diarrhoeic calves and incidence of calf diarrhoea. Also cross-breed were more infected than local breed (61.61% and 38.89%) respectively. All bacterial isolate were sensitive to Gentamicin and Enrofloxacin and Resistant to Oxytetracycline and Sulphadimidine. Animals' owners should be aware about risk of antimicrobial resistance and we recommend the use of Gentamicin and Enrofloxacin for treatment of calf diarrhea.