A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation as a treatment for diarrhea in neonatal Holstein calves

Abstract

Raising calves to maturity is vital for both the dairy and beef industry. Diarrhea is the leading cause of poor weight gain and death in neonatal calves and contributes to major economic losses in the dairy and beef industries. Antimicrobials are often ineffective against the common pathogens associated with calf diarrhea. Zinc-supplemented oral rehydration salt (ORS) therapy has been effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in children with diarrhea. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral inorganic and organic zinc supplementation as a treatment for diarrhea in neonatal calves.