Evaluation of fecal calprotectin levels in neonatal calves with diarrhea

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the levels of fecal calprotectin in calves that had diarrhea in the neonatal period. The study was carried out on a total of 52 calves, 42 with diarrhea (diarrhea group) brought to the Animal Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Balikesir University, for diagnosis and treatment, and 10 healthy (control group). The diarrhea-afflicted calves ranged in age from 3 to 30 days and included a variety of races and sexes. For blood gases, hematological, and biochemical analyses, ten milliliters of blood were collected from each calf’s jugular vein. To determine the levels of calprotectin, stool samples were gathered and stored in sterile containers. The heart rate and capillary refill time (CRT) of the calves with diarrhea were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control group. The calves who had diarrhea also had increased potassium (K) and creatinine levels in addition to metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia. Furthermore, the serum albumin and oxygen saturation values of the diarrheal calves were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group. Fecal calprotectin levels were found to be significantly higher in the calves with diarrhea compared to the control group. When fecal calprotectin levels were examined in terms of etiological factors, no statistical difference was detected between the groups. Consequently, it was determined that fecal calprotectin levels in calves with diarrhea could be a potential biomarker for enteritis.