Evaluation of Different Oral Rehydration Solutions for Diarrheic Dairy Calves

Regardless of the causative agent, diarrhea results in large loss of water and electrolytes, which leads to reduced performance and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral rehydration solutions in order to determine the most effective in restoring electrolytes and water while maintaining animal performance. Forty two calves (14 per treatment) were distributed in one of three treatments (1) Common electrolytes solution (dextrose, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride; 507±2 mOsm), (2) Glutellac^® (sodium acetate, glucose and sodium and potassium chloride; 665±1 mOsm); and (3) Common electrolytes solution + Aminogut^® (glutamate and glutamine; 575±2 mOsm). Treatments were administered when fecal score ≥3, in a scale of 1 to 5. During diarrhea daily water intake was registered and blood sample was taken for metabolites, electrolytes and gases determination. Animals did not differ in days in diarrhea, fecal score or hematocrit. Calves receiving Glutellac^® presented higher voluntary water intake. There was no effect of treatment for animal performance and starter feed intake. Concentrations of Na⁺ and HCO₃ tended to be higher for animals rehydrated with Glutellac^®. While there was an increase in HCO₃ from the first to the second day, K⁺ and glucose decreased. The increased voluntary water intake in animals rehydrated with Glutellac^®, which shows greater simplicity of use, are the main advantages of this solution.