Lactoferrin reduces mortality in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea

Abstract

Calf diarrhea is the most common illness in young calves, and nearly 8% die as a result. Alternatives to antimicrobials are frequently used to treat calf diarrhea on organic operations, but there is little data confirming their effectiveness. Additionally, the availability of effective antimicrobial alternatives could help improve antimicrobial stewardship and reduce usage in cases of diarrhea. Lactoferrin and garlic extract have antimicrobial properties and have shown positive impacts on growth in pre-weaned calves. We hypothesized that lactoferrin and garlic extract would decrease mortality, improve weight gain, and decrease disease duration in preweaned calves with diarrhea.