Risk Factors Analysis of Colibacillosis in Holstein Friesian Calves
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Abstract
Background: Neonatal calf diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, treatment cost, and reduced future productivity in dairy calves. Early-life susceptibility, inadequate colostrum intake, overcrowding, and poor hygiene may increase disease risk, while Escherichia coli remains an important bacterial agent associated with neonatal enteric disease. Objective: To assess risk factors associated with neonatal calf diarrhea among dairy calves aged 1–30 days and to identify E. coli from fecal samples using bacteriological, biochemical, and molecular methods. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 100 neonatal dairy calves from selected farms. Data on calf age, breed type, calf source, housing, housing density, floor type, hygiene, feeding practices, starter-feed introduction, and colostrum timing were collected using a structured questionnaire. Associations with diarrhea status were assessed using chi-square testing and binary logistic regression. Fecal samples were processed by enrichment, selective culture on MacConkey and Eosin Methylene Blue agar, IMViC biochemical testing, and PCR screening for the stx1 gene among confirmed isolates. Results: Neonatal calf diarrhea was present in 50.0% of calves. Diarrhea prevalence was highest in calves aged 1–10 days. Adjusted analysis identified age 1–10 days, high housing density, and delayed colostrum feeding as independent predictors of diarrhea. Farm hygiene showed an adverse bivariate gradient but was not independently significant after adjustment. Seventeen presumptive isolates showed biochemical reactions consistent with E. coli. Conclusion: Neonatal calf diarrhea was mainly associated with early age, overcrowding, and delayed colostrum feeding. Preventive strategies should prioritize timely colostrum administration, reduced housing density, and improved early-life calf management
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