This study was developed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and performance parameters of calves affected by diarrhea caused by the bacterial enteric pathogen Escherichia coli, treated with three different protocols containing sulfonamides. Fourteen Holstein calves were monitored from birth to 60 days of age, and divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n=5) animals were treated with 80 g of Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brazil, administered orally (BM), dissolved in 160 ml of water every 24 h; Group 2 (n=4) received IM sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil), and Group 3 (n=5) animals were treated with 80 g of Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brazil, which is made up of 16 g of phthalylsulfathiazole, associated with 2.28 g neomycin sulfate, 1.6 g of pectin, and 80 g of kaolin, dissolved in 160 ml of water and administered every 24 h by mouth, in addition to sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil), at a daily dose of 16 mg/kg live weight, through IM injection. During the study, the animals were clinically evaluated, and once they were diagnosed with diarrhea, feces samples were collected to identify the bacterial enteric pathogen, antibiogram, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and coproparasitological exams. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the hematological profile, and the performance profile was monitored weekly. In the clinical examination, all calves presented a reduction in body temperature (<39.2°C) and some improvement in hydration after treatment (p=0,31). However, group 2 had a better concentration of lymphocytes and TP concerning the other animals, as well as better performance. Besides, E.coli was detected in 100% of feces samples. Thus, the therapeutic protocols with sulfonamides used to treat bovine neonatal diarrhea were effective in the clinical improvement of the animals. Nonetheless, the protocol with systemic therapy using sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil) intramuscularly, provided better performance, with better weight gain, and body development of the animals.

This study aimed to evaluate lytic bacteriophage supplementation in pre-weaned dairy calves on disease occurrence, performance, and biochemical parameters. Two hundred Holstein × Gyr crossbred female calves were divided into two groups: CON, no supplementation; and PHAGE, bacteriophage supplementation (1 g·d−1) from day 3 until day 70 of life. Calves were monitored daily for age of first diarrheal episode and its duration. Fecal samples were cultured for bacterial isolation and PCR was performed to identify Escherichia coli virulence genes and to confirm Salmonella spp. Performance outcomes were evaluated up to 80 d of age. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of total proteins, albumin, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, and urea. PHAGE group had fewer days with diarrhea (PHAGE: 4.68 d, CON: 6.61 d; P = 0.03). Fecal samples of three animals in PHAGE and nine in CON were positive for E. coli after PCR tests. Average daily gain of PHAGE was higher up to 80 d of life (P < 0.05). PHAGE mean was lower for albumin and higher for urea (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Phage therapy during the pre-weaned period reduced the duration of neonatal diarrhea, providing greater weight gain for calves.

The aim of this study was to determine zootechnical and health performance of Girolando calves born with high or low birth weight, and compare metabolic parameters between groups. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm located in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this sense, a hundred Girolando calves were divided into 2 groups: Control, which consisted of calves that were born weighing ≤ 35 kg; and HBW, calves that were born weighing > 35 kg. Calves were monitored for zootechnical parameters; epidemiological indexes such as morbidity, mortality, recurrence of diarrhea, pneumonia; as well as serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglycerides, paraoxonase1, albumin, urea and globulin). Calves from the HBW group had a higher mortality rate as well as a tendency to more cases of pneumonia, but no effect on zootechnical performance was seen. The reasons for the differences in mortality need to be clarified since our study found no changes in biochemical parameters between the groups. The results allow us to conclude that Girolando calves from in vitro fertilization that are born heavier have a greater chance of clinical complications and a higher mortality rate, but the birth weight does not influence the zootechnical performance.

O Brasil apresenta um elevado número de cursos superiores voltados para o mercado agrícola, fazendo com que uma grande quantidade de profissionais esteja disponível no mercado a cada ano. A identificação das principais características exigidas por esse mercado é fundamental para uma melhor qualificação desses novos profissionais. O presente estudo foi realizado com profissionais da área do Agronegócio (gestores, consultores e professores universitários), através da aplicação de um questionário, e teve por objetivo apresentar os atributos pessoais e profissionais exigidos dos recém-formados na área das ciências agrárias para ingresso no mercado de trabalho. Os três grupos pesquisados destacaram a maior importância das características pessoais em relação as características profissionais como fator determinante na contratação desses novos profissionais. Evidencia-se a importância que o mercado agropecuário atribui às características pessoais em detrimento das características técnicas para contratação de profissionais recém-egressos das universidades.

This study aimed to evaluate lytic bacteriophage supplementation in pre-weaned dairy calves over neonatal calf diarrhea and respiratory diseases occurrence, performance and biochemical parameters. Also, to determine bacterial agents causing NCD. Two hundred Holstein×Gyr crossbred female calves were divided into two groups: Control (CON, n = 100), no supplementation; and Bacteriophage (PHAGE, n = 100) bacteriophage supplementation (1 g/day) from d 3 until d 70 of life. Calves were monitored daily for respiratory disease and diarrhea, as for age at the first diarrheic episode and its duration. Fecal samples were cultured for isolation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. colonies and PCR was performed to identify E. coli virulence genes and to confirm Salmonella spp. Performance outcomes were evaluated up to 80 d of age. Blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of total proteins, albumin, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase and urea. PHAGE group had fewer days in diarrhea and duration of the first episode was lower, compared to CON group. Fecal samples of three animals in PHAGE and nine in CON were positive for E. coli in PCR. Thoracic perimeter tended to be higher in supplemented animals. Average daily gain mean of PHAGE was higher in the first 30 d of life, at the beginning of step-down weaning (up to 42 d) and after weaning (up to 80 d). PHAGE mean was lower for albumin and higher for urea. Therefore, phage therapy during the pre-weaned period reduced the duration of neonatal diarrhea, providing greater weight gain for calves.