Surgical Repair and Management of Congenital Intestinal Atresia in 68 Calves

Objective— To determine outcome and survival rate after surgical treatment of intestinal atresia, gender predilection, and effect of rectal palpation on the cause of atresia coli in calves.
Study Design— Prospective clinical study.
Animals— Newborn calves (n=68).
Methods— Data collected were husbandry system, anamneses, physical examination findings, surgical treatments, and postoperative results. Calves with atresia ani, and with atresia coli et recti had anal reconstruction and right flank colostomy, respectively. In midflank colostomized calves, the inner muscular layers were dissected to form a valve-like stoma.
Results— Of 68 calves with intestinal atresia, 37 were treated surgically. Anal reconstruction was performed in 21 calves with atresia ani with a long-term survival rate of at least 6 months with good condition. Colostomy was performed in 14 calves with atresia coli and 1 with atresia coli et recti; survival rate was 73%. The case morbidity rate for intestinal atresia was 13.8% and for atresia coli, 5.7% in the hospital population. No gender predilection for occurrence of atresia ani and atresia coli was identified. Palpation per rectum for early pregnancy diagnosis did not predispose to atresia coli.
Conclusion— Surgical treatment of atresia ani through circular anal skin removal has a good prognosis for survival. Colostomy is not an acceptable treatment from the calf's perspective because of the resulting poor condition but the high survival rate is important to allow continued milk production of the dam.
Clinical Relevance— Early diagnosis, supportive treatment, and surgical correction are important in management of atresia coli.     

Clinical management and surgical repair of atresia coli in calves: 66 cases (1977-1988).

The medical records of 66 calves with atresia coli were reviewed; 64 calves were examined at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, and 2 calves were examined at the New Bolton Center. In each case, the site of the atresia was within the spiral loop of the ascending colon. In 1 of these calves, a segment of jejunum was also atretic. Absence of feces, progressive weakness, and abdominal distension were the most common clinical signs observed. Other congenital abnormalities were detected in 12 (18%) of 66 calves. Of the 66 calves examined, 5 were euthanatized or died on admission, and 61 had an exploratory celiotomy performed. Eight calves were euthanatized or died during the surgery. In the remaining 53 calves, surgical treatment consisted of enterotomy followed by meconium evacuation, resection of the proximal blind end (in 30 calves), and restoration of intestinal continuity. Restoration of intestinal continuity was done either by side-to-side anastomosis of the proximal to distal blind ends (5 calves), or by side-to-side or end-to-side anastomosis of the proximal blind end to the descending colon (48 calves). Of the 66 calves seen, 27 (41%) were discharged from the hospital, and 11 of these reached reproductive age (11 calves were lost to follow-up before they were 2 years old). From the 11 calves reaching reproductive age, 33 calves were born, one of which may have had atresia coli. The owners should anticipate that long-term survivors likely will have loose feces and normal offspring, but may not grow as well as otherwise expected.     

Colonic atresia in cattle: A prospective study of 43 cases

This prospective study was initiated to document the success rate obtained in the treatment of colonic atresia in calves, identify factors that influence survival rate, and to report the histopathological appearance of the proximal blind end of the ascending colon. Forty-three calves with intestinal obstruction due to colonic atresia were admitted to the Ontario Veterinary College between September 1982 and May 1986. Parameters recorded prospectively in this study included age, breed, sex, history, vital signs, acid-base and electrolyte status, location of intestinal atresia, medical and surgical management, and outcome. The typical history and clinical signs included failure to pass meconium or feces, decreased appetite, and progressive depression and abdominal distension. The most common site of colonic atresia was the midportion of the spiral loop of the ascending colon (n = 25). Of the 43 calves, three (7%) were euthanized at surgery, 21 (49%) died in the hospital, and 19 (44%) survived and were discharged from the hospital. Four of the surviving calves died subsequent to discharge giving an overall long-term (mean 15.9 months) survival rate of 35%. No significant risk factors were identified, although experienced surgeons showed a trend towards increased survival rate.     

Epidemiological investigations of an outbreak of intestinal atresia in two Israeli dairy herds

An epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of intestinal atresia in Israeli Holstein-Friesian newborn calves showed a linkage with rectal palpation for early pregnancy diagnosis, performed less than 42 days after insemination. The odds of an exposed calf, i.e., one born to a dam that was diagnosed by early palpation as having intestinal atresia were 119.7 times higher than one born in normal control herds (95% CI; 7.4-1946.3). A total of 682 calves-at-risk was recorded from mid-1998 to mid-2000 and a total of 47 calves (6.9%) were born with intestinal atresia during this period. Two forms of intestinal atresia were recognized at post-mortem: atresia coli and atresia ilei.     

Effect of castration technique on beef calf performance, feed efficiency, and inflammatory response

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effect of castration technique on daily feed intake (DFI), daily water intake (DWI), growth performance, residual feed intake (RFI), and inflammatory response in weaned beef calves. Seventy-five beef calves (214 ± 3.2 kg; 200 ± 26 d of age) were housed in a GrowSafe 4000 feed intake facility 7 d post weaning (15 calves/pen). Calves were offered a total mixed ration (TDN = 67.3% and CP = 12.2%, DM = 89%) for ad libitum consumption. On d 0, calves were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments (n = 15 calves/treatment): 1) steers castrated surgically pre-weaning (52 d of age; CON); 2) intact bulls (BULL); 3) bulls castrated by the Callicrate Bander on d 0 (No-Bull Enterprises LLC.; BAN); 4) bulls castrated by the Henderson Castrating Tool on d 0 (Stone Mfg & Supply Co.; HEN); and 5) bulls castrated surgically utilizing an emasculator on d 0 (SUR). Average daily gain, DFI, and DWI were recorded over 84 d. Blood was collected from a sub-sample of calves (n = 45) on d 0, 2, 6, 9, 12, and 15 relative to castration. Castration decreased (P = 0.06) ADG for castrates compared with CON from d 0 to 14 but not d 0 to 84. Daily feed intake and DWI were similar (P > 0.10) among treatments during d 0 to 84. Gain:feed was not affected by castration technique; however, RFI tended (P = 0.09) to be negative for CON and BULL compared with castrates on d 0 to 14 but not d 0 to 84. Acute phase protein analyses indicated that surgical castration (SUR or HEN) elicited a short-term inflammatory response in calves, whereas calves castrated with BAN elicited a delayed response. Calves castrated pre-weaning had improved d 0 to 14 ADG, feed intake, and inflammation response compared with calves castrated at weaning. Banding elicited a delayed negative response in ADG, DWI, and inflammation. In weaned calves, castration method did not affect performance, DFI, DWI, or inflammatory response during the 84-d trial.     

Response of fall-born calves to progesterone-estradiol benzoate implants and reimplants

Two trials, involving 469 steer and heifer calves, were conducted to evaluate the practices of implanting or reimplanting suckling fall-born calves with progesterone-estradiol benzoate (PE) implants (100 mg of progesterone, 10 mg of estradiol benzoate). Calves having an average initial weight of 67 kg were randomly allocated within sex and location to remain either nonimplanted or to receive a PE implant in the late fall, in the spring just before green grass, or in both fall and spring. All animals grazed good- to excellent-quality native Bluestem range. Nonimplanted calves in Trial 1 gained .57 kg/d during the winter months and PE implants improved growth rate by 7% to .61 kg/d (P less than .05). Growth rate of calves on dry winter range in Trial 2 was only .20 kg/d, and was not affected by PE implants. Average daily gain of nonimplanted calves during the spring and summer months was .96 and .87 kg/d for trials 1 and 2, respectively. Performance of implanted calves during that period was improved an average of 4.3 to 10% (P less than .05) by PE implants in both trials regardless of when the calves were implanted. Growth rate of calves over the entire 8-mo trials was .66 kg/d for nonimplanted calves and was improved (P less than .01) to .70, .70 and .71 kg/d for calves on the two single-implant and reimplant schedules, respectively. Implanted calves gained an average of 10.4 kg more than nonimplanted calves during the study.     

Clinical assessment of epidural analgesia induced by xylazine-lidocaine combination accompanied by xylazine sedation in calves

: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether epidural administration of a xylazine-lidocaine combination accompanied by xylazine sedation would provide satisfactory analgesia for some surgical procedures on 10 calves admitted to the Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Kafkas with perineal urolithiasis (n:2), rectovaginal fistula (n:1), atresia ani (n:2), omphalophlebitis (n:2), omphaloarteritis (n:1) and umbilical hernia (n:2).Following intramuscular injection of xylazine at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg for sedation, xylazine-lidocaine combination (0.2 mg/kg lidocaine + 0.02 mg/kg xylazine + 5 ml 0.9% NaCl) was administrated into the lumbosacral (L6-S1), sacrococcygeal (S5-Co1) or intercoccygeal (Co1-Co2) space. Heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were recorded prior to and during analgesia at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Furthermore, depth and duration of analgesia were evaluated during surgical intervention.The study revealed that the combination of epidural xylazine-lidocaine with xylazine sedation was highly satisfactory for surgery of the lower urinary tract and the perineal region, but it was less so for surgery of the umbilical area.     

Different virulence of porcine and porcine-like bovine rotavirus strains with genetically nearly identical genomes in piglets and calves

Direct interspecies transmissions of group A rotaviruses (RVA) have been reported under natural conditions. However, the pathogenicity of RVA has never been directly compared in homologous and heterologous hosts. The bovine RVA/Cow-tc/KOR/K5/2004/G5P[7] strain, which was shown to possess a typical porcine-like genotype constellation similar to that of the G5P[7] prototype RVA/Pig-tc/USA/OSU/1977/G5P9[7] strain, was examined for its pathogenicity and compared with the porcine G5P[7] RVA/Pig-tc/KOR/K71/2006/G5P[7] strain possessing the same genotype constellation. The bovine K5 strain induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the small intestine of piglets and calves, whereas the porcine K71 strain caused diarrhea and histopathological changes in the small intestine of piglets, but not in calves. Furthermore, the bovine K5 strain showed extra-intestinal tropisms in both piglets and calves, whereas the porcine K71 strain had extra-intestinal tropisms in piglets, but not in calves. Therefore, we performed comparative genomic analysis of the K71 and K5 RVA strains to determine whether specific mutations could be associated with these distinct clinical and pathological phenotypes. Full-length sequencing analyses for the 11 genomic segments for K71 and K5 revealed that these strains were genetically nearly identical to each other. Two nucleotide mutations were found in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of NSP5 and the 3′ UTR of NSP3, and eight amino acid mutations in VP1-VP4 and NSP2. Some of these mutations may be critical molecular determinants for RVA virulence and/or pathogenicity.     

Complete diphallia, imperforate ani (type 2 atresia ani), and an accessory scrotum in a 5-day-old calf.

A 5-day-old Angus calf was submitted to the necropsy service at the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. At birth, the calf was noted to have 2 scrota. Five days post-calving the calf developed severe tenesmus and an umbilical infection. Clinical examination revealed atresia ani. At necropsy, complete diphallus, imperforate ani (type 2 atresia ani), and remnants of 2 scrota were identified. This report describes the gross pathologic appearance of a rare case of complete diphallia, imperforate ani (type 2 atresia ani), and an accessory scrotum in a 5-day-old calf.     

Effect of Cryptosporidium parvum infection on the absorptive capacity and paracellular permeability of the small intestine in neonatal calves

Cryptosporidium parvum is recognized as one of the most important pathogens causing enteritis and severe diarrhoea in calves up to 1 month of age. Although the infection may be responsible for some mortality, its impact is mainly associated with the impairment of intestinal functions and lower performance of animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cryptosporidiosis on the intestinal functions in neonatal experimentally infected Holstein calves. Absorption tests with d-xylose and retinyl-palmitate, and the lactulose/mannitol test of intestinal permeability were simultaneously performed in 1-week intervals from challenge to full recovery. In infected animals, reduced intestinal absorptive capacity for both D-xylose and retinyl-palmitate was observed on day 7 post-infection (p.i.). At the same time, a more than 100% elevation of intestinal permeability was observed in the infected calves. All intestinal functions, except absorption of retinyl-palmitate, were significantly affected and changes were detected up to day 14 p.i. In contrast, results of all tests obtained on day 21 p.i. suggest full recovery of the infected intestine. Significantly, growth of the calves which had recovered from cryptosporidiosis was still affected between days 14 and 21 p.i.     

Experimentally induced coronavirus infections in calves: viral replication in the respiratory and intestinal tracts

Eleven 3- to 50-day-old colostrum-deprived gnotobiotic calves and seven 25- to 63-day-old colostrum-deprived conventional calves were allotted into 3 groups. Each group was inoculated with a fecal isolate of bovine coronavirus via different routes: orally/intranasally OR/IN, No. 1 through 8, group 1 calves; OR, No. 9 through 13, group 2 calves; IN, No. 14 through 18, group 3 calves. Nasal swab specimens and fecal specimens were collected daily and were examined for coronavirus antigen by use of direct immunofluorescent staining (nasal epithelial cells) or by use of immune electron microscopy (fecal specimens). All but 4 calves (No. 11, 13, 17, and 18) were euthanatized on postinoculation days (PID) 3 to 7. Calves 11 and 17 became severely dehydrated and died at PID 5. Calves 13 and 18 were evaluated for nasal and fecal shedding of coronavirus through PID 14. Distribution of coronavirus antigen in the respiratory and intestinal tracts of the 14 euthanatized calves was evaluated by use of direct immunofluorescent staining. All calves developed profuse diarrhea by PID 2 to 4; however, calves did not develop clinical signs of respiratory tract disease before euthanasia or death. Inoculated calves shed coronavirus in their feces as detected by use of immune electron microscopy. Infected nasal epithelial cells were detected in all but 2 orally inoculated calves (No. 9 and 10). Route of inoculation influenced the sequence of initial detection of coronavirus antigen from fecal specimens or nasal swab specimens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Surgical repair of atresia jejuni in two calves.

Two Holstein calves with similar histories of not defecating since birth were determined to have atresia jejuni. Resection of the distended blind end of the jejunum and the remaining jejunum and ileum followed by a jejunocecostomy was performed. One calf died 7 months after surgery of unknown causes. The second calf has survived for greater than 1 year, and has maintained a growth rate similar to other calves its age. Atresia jejuni has been reported to be a universally fatal disorder of unknown pathogenesis. It has been postulated that intestinal atresia is caused by palpation of the amniotic vesicle at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, between days 36 and 42 of gestation.     

Isolation of Mycoplasmas from nasal swabs of calves affected with respiratory diseases and antimicrobial susceptibility of their isolates

Nasal swabs of 293 calves were examined for Mycoplasma. The samples were collected from calves affected with respiratory diseases on 71 farms in various parts of Japan between 1996 and 1997. Mycoplasma bovirhinis was isolated from 47 of 293 calves (16.0%). Mycoplasma alkalescens, M. bovis, M. arginini, M. bovigenitalium and Acholeplasma spp. were isolated from 19 (6.5%), seven (2.4%), four (1.4%), four (1.4%) and 18 (6.1%) calves, respectively. Pasteurella multocida and P. haemolytica were isolated from 60% of Mycoplasma-positive calves. However, other bacteria were not isolated from calves. To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of their isolates, 68 M. bovirhinis, 21 M. alkalescens and 10 M. bovis strains were examined for 12 antimicrobial agents. All isolates showed higher susceptibility to tiamulin than to the other drugs used in the study. However, erythromycin had no effect on any of the Mycoplasma strains studied. The field isolates were less susceptible than the type strains to some drugs, such as spiramycin, oxytetracycline and tylosin.     

Bovine embryo transfer pregnancies. I. Abortion rates and characteristics of calves

Data were obtained from 1,908 pregnancies resulting from bovine embryo transfer procedures. Responses examined included sex ratio, fetal, neonatal and preweaning death losses, birth weight and calving assistance. The sex ratio for 1,751 embryo transfer calves examined was 51.11% males. Cows older than 10 yr that had become repeat breeders produced more (P less than .05) male calves than other donors. Breed of embryo, age and quality of embryos at the time of transfer, embryo storage time from collection to transfer, asynchrony of recipient with donor estrus and number of palpable corpora lutea in superovulated donors were not related to sex ratio (P greater than .05). The abortion rate between 2 and 3 mo of gestation in embryo transfer recipients was 3.15%, and between 3 to 7 mo, 2.14%. Neonatal and preweaning losses for 1,682 calves with complete information were 1) congenital defects, .54%; 2) death due to premature birth (7 to 8 mo of gestation), .18%; 3) dystocia-related deaths, 2.38%; 4) deaths of unknown causes at birth, 2.14%; 5) deaths of unknown causes from 24 h after birth to weaning, 1.43%; 6) deaths due to calfhood diseases, 1.25% and 7) deaths due to environmental factors, 1.13%. Total losses of 2-mo pregnancies due to abortion or death of calves or recipients were 14%. Birth weight of embryo transfer calves changed .29 kg/d of deviation from average gestation length (P less than .005) for pregnancies within breeds. Birth weight was also affected (P less than .005) by donor breed and recipient breed and age. Male calves averaged 2.19 kg heavier (P less than .005) than females. Calving assistance was affected by donor breed; Angus calves required the least assistance (P less than .005). Hereford, Holstein and Limousin calves were similar and intermediate; Simmental calves needed the most calving assistance. Recipient breed and age influenced calving ease, with younger recipients of Angus and Hereford descent requiring more assistance (average calving score, 2.1) than both cow (1.3) and heifer (1.5) recipients of the larger Continental European breeds. Characteristics of 305 non-embryo transfer calves were not significantly different from 185 embryo transfer calves from the same farms. We conclude that embryo transfer calves did not differ from the non-embryo transfer population in any of the characteristics studied.     

Modified Colostomy Technique for Colonic Atresia in Calves

Objective: To report a modified colostomy technique for permanent fecal diversion in calves with colonic atresia. Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Calves (n=19) with colonic atresia. Methods: Clinical findings, white blood cell counts, radiologic, ultrasonographic, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Calves were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=9) had conventional colostomy and group 2 (n=10) had a modified colostomy. Technique efficacy was evaluated by postoperative observation, owner satisfaction, and calf survival. Results: Fifteen (79%) calves were discharged from the hospital; 4 (21%) group 1 calves died within 24 hours after surgery. Two (40%) group 1 calves died 18 and 30 days after surgery and 5 (50%) group 2 calves died 2–60 days after surgery. Eight calves reached slaughter weight (120±10 kg); 5 group 2 calves grew normally but the 3 group 1 calves had lower weight gain. Owners of the calves with conventional colostomy reported that the evacuation of feces was continuous whereas owners of calves with the modified colostomy reported that feces were released through the stoma in intervals. Conclusion: Modification of conventional colostomy by forming an hourglass shaped stoma lessens fecal incontinence but there was no difference in survival rate. Clinical Relevance: Modified colostomy was considered advantageous because of intermittent fecal discharge from the stoma compared with continuous fecal release in conventional colostomy. The modified technique seemingly has a beneficial effect on growth of the calf.     

Evaluation of the embryo transfer procedure proposed by the International Embryo Transfer Society as a method of controlling vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in cattle

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of embryo transfer into seronegative recipients, using the procedure proposed by the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS), for preventing vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in cattle. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 87 recipient cows and heifers and their embryo transfer calves from 22 donors originating from 9 dairy herds. PROCEDURE: Neospora caninum serologic status of donors and recipients was determined before collection and transfer of embryos. Viable embryos were washed and treated with trypsin. Recipients in experimental groups A (n = 50) and B (29) were seronegative and received embryos from seropositive and seronegative donors, respectively. Recipients in group C (n = 8) were seropositive and received embryos from seronegative or seropositive donors. Antibody titers against N caninum were determined monthly during pregnancy in recipients and in calf blood samples collected at birth. Tissues collected from stillborn calves and aborted fetuses were analyzed histologically and by immunohistochemical (IHC) methods. RESULTS: 76 calves and 11 fetuses and stillborn calves were examined. All calves from groups A and B were seronegative (n = 70) or lacked evidence of infection by use of tissue analysis (9). In group C, 5 of 6 calves were seropositive at birth, and IHC results were positive for 1 of 2 calves. Vertical transmission rate was significantly lower in groups A and B (0%) than in group C (75%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Embryo transfer into seronegative recipients, using the procedure proposed by IETS, is an effective way to prevent vertical transmission of N caninum. Results provide support for pretransfer testing of all embryo transfer recipients.     

Esophageal Disorders in 61 Horses: Results of Nonsurgical and Surgical Management

Obstructive esophageal disorders in 61 horses included feed or foreign body impaction (27 horses), strictures (18 horses), perforations (11 horses), and diverticula (5 horses). Horses with feed impaction were treated nonsurgically (25 horses) or by esophagotomy (2 horses). Survival to discharge was 78%, and 37% of these had persistent chronic obstruction at home. Long-term survival was 52%. Long-term survival of nine horses treated nonsurgically for esophageal strictures was 22%; for nine horses treated surgically it was 44%. Long-term survival of horses treated nonsurgically was significantly better in acute than chronic strictures. Surgical repair of esophageal mural strictures was more successful than repair of annular or mucosal strictures. One third of the horses with strictures were foals. Long-term survival for horses with strictures was 33%. Long-term survival was higher for the horses with perforations managed surgically (2 of 4) than nonsurgically (0 of 7). Long-term survival for this group was 18%. One esophageal diverticulum was managed nonsurgically, and four were treated surgically; all horses survived long term. Complications of obstructive esophageal disorders included aspiration pneumonia, chronic obstruction, esophageal mucosal ulceration, postoperative infection, pleuritis, laminitis, laryngeal paralysis, and Horner's syndrome.     

Esophageal disorders in 61 horses. Results of nonsurgical and surgical management

Obstructive esophageal disorders in 61 horses included feed or foreign body impaction (27 horses), strictures (18 horses), perforations (11 horses), and diverticula (5 horses). Horses with feed impaction were treated nonsurgically (25 horses) or by esophagotomy (2 horses). Survival to discharge was 78%, and 37% of these had persistent chronic obstruction at home. Long-term survival was 52%. Long-term survival of nine horses treated nonsurgically for esophageal strictures was 22%; for nine horses treated surgically it was 44%. Long-term survival of horses treated nonsurgically was significantly better in acute than chronic strictures. Surgical repair of esophageal mural strictures was more successful than repair of annular or mucosal strictures. One third of the horses with strictures were foals. Long-term survival for horses with strictures was 33%. Long-term survival was higher for the horses with perforations managed surgically (2 of 4) than nonsurgically (0 of 7). Long-term survival for this group was 18%. One esophageal diverticulum was managed nonsurgically, and four were treated surgically; all horses survived long term. Complications of obstructive esophageal disorders included aspiration pneumonia, chronic obstruction, esophageal mucosal ulceration, postoperative infection, pleuritis, laminitis, laryngeal paralysis, and Horner's syndrome.     

Duration of immunity and efficacy of an oil emulsion Escherichia coli bacterin in cattle

An oil emulsion Escherichia coli bacterin administered in 1- and 2-dose vaccination regimens was evaluated in beef cattle. Serologic responses to the K99 pilus antigen were monitored, and suckling offspring from vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows were inoculated with virulent, K99-positive, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The degree of protection and duration of immunity conferred were determined in 2 respective studies. In the first study (study A), titers of pregnant cattle were determined from time of vaccination through calving (a 6- to 20-week period). Titers of 24 cows vaccinated with a single 2-ml dose of bacterin were compared with those of 24 cows given a 2-dose regimen and with those of 23 nonvaccinated cattle (contemporary controls). Inoculum consisting of 1.2 X 10(12) viable enterotoxigenic E coli/dose administered to nursing calves from these dams yielded 0% mortality (0 deaths/20 calves) in calves from 1-dose vaccinates, 6% mortality (1 death/18 calves) in calves from 2-dose vaccinates, and 37% mortality (7 deaths/19 calves) in calves from nonvaccinated dams. Study B was an extended evaluation conducted in cattle that were kept in the study up to 87 weeks from initial vaccination until calving. Serologic titers to the K99 pilus antigen were compared in 1-dose, 2-dose, and nonvaccinated cattle in groups of 8, 6, and 6, respectively. Calves from these dams were inoculated with 8.1 X 10(11) viable enterotoxigenic E coli/dose, which resulted in 0% mortality (0 deaths/5 calves) in calves from 1-dose vaccinates, 0% mortality (0 deaths/5 calves) in calves from 2-dose vaccinates, and 80% mortality (5 deaths/6 calves) in calves from nonvaccinated dams.     

Abortion and Calf Mortality in Danish Cattle Herds

The aetiology of abortions and calf mortality in 65 Danish cattle herds consisting of both dairy and beef breeds during a 1-year period is described. All observed aborted foetuses, stillborn calves, and calves dying before 6 months of age were necropsied, and relevant microbiological examinations were performed. A total of 240 calves and 66 abortions were submitted corresponding to a calf mortality rate of 7%. The abortion frequency could not be calculated. 43% of the calves died at day 0, while 22% were aborted, 15% died during the first week of life, 9% died from 1 to 4 weeks of age, and 11% died at the age of 1 to 6 months. The most common cause was neonatal pulmonic atelectasis (stillbirth) followed by foetal infections, pneumonia, and septicaemia.