Rehydration therapy for scour

In calves and during the weaning period in pigs

Scour occurs when the gut becomes compromised and calves lose proper functioning of the intestine, resulting in diarrhoea and loss of fluids. This is the most common health problem affecting calves, especially in the first six weeks of their life.

There are two forms of scour associated with calves: Nutritional and infective.

Nutritional scour can be caused by stress factors, dietary changes or change in the management routine. Nutritional scour could then progress to infection based when the calf accumulates pathogens.

Scour symptoms such as runny white or yellow faeces, reduced feed intake, weight loss, sunken eyes due to dehydration and weakness can be easily recognised in calves but determining what is causing the symptoms is much more difficult.

The most common cause of pathogenic scours in calves are:

Cryptosporidia

Cryptosporidium parvum is the pathogen which causes Cryptosporidia in calves. This type of parasite is transmitted via the faecal oral route.

With infected faeces containing oocysts (eggs) being passed by contact between calves, farm utensils, farmer clothing or movement between pens.

The parasite then causes damage to the absorptive lining of the gut and reduces the calf’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Calves can be susceptible to the disease from the first week of life up to five weeks old.

Coccidia

Similar to Cryptosporidia, coccidia is caused by a protozoa. Coccidiosis is becoming more prevalent in Ireland in recent years.

The disease usually presents clinical signs withing three to six weeks after birth of the calf. Coccidiosis can be significantly more prevalent during a slow turnout to grass in spring because of poor weather conditions and grass growth.

The situation can be exacerbated when calves are housed in pens that are unhygienic. This disease is highly infective and calves that are infected can excrete vast quantities of oocytes that can contaminate the environment and be ingested by other calves, quickly spreading the disease.

Over time, calves will develop their own immunity after the reproductive stage of the disease and may not need specific treatment.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is the second most common cause of scour in Ireland after Cryptosporidium parvum. It usually affects calves between five and 14 days old.

Antibiotics will not be effective against viruses but can be vaccinated for. This virus replicates in epithelial cells and will eventually slow replication as it kills these cells and as the calf builds its own immunity. Often the main cause of ingestion of the virus by calves, is from the faeces of cows that show no symptoms during calving.

Other but less common causes of scour are from coronavirus and from bacterial species such as E.coli and salmonella.

Scour management and prevention strategies:

  • Calves should receive colostrum in the hours immediately after birth;
  • Milk should be continuously fed to the calves on a routine basis if they are willing to drink, as it will not cause the scour to get worse and can help repair the intestine. Calves should only be force fed / stomach tubed milk or milk replacer if it’s absolutely necessary;
  • Calves should be kept separated if possible and avoid mixing calves of different ages as younger calves will be more susceptible. Isolate calves with symptoms of scour as quickly as possible;
  • Proper sheltered housing should be provided, and calves should be handled with care to reduce stress;
  • Hygiene: Calves should be kept on fresh, clean and dry bedding. Handling and feeding of calves from youngest to oldest can help prevent contamination spreading. All feeding equipment should be cleaned after each feeding. Pens should also be cleaned and disinfected after each batch of calves.

Sacrolyte Rehydration Therapy

Oral rehydration is a key part of good scour management practices. In sever cases calves could lose up to 10% of their bodyweight and will be low in essential electrolytes such as sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl).

Ensuring the calf receives enough electrolytes is vital and underfeeding could cause the scour to be prolonged. Sacrolyte is complete dietetic feeding stuff recommended for the stabilisation of water and electrolyte balance in young calves.

Sacrolyte is a four-in-one electrolyte for calves which contains energy (in the form of easily absorbed carbohydrates), electrolytes, B-vitamins and a unique gelling agent to aid in fluid retention.

It may be used in periods of digestive disturbance or scour. Additional electrolytes in the early stages of scour will achieve better results. Sacrolyte should ideally be fed to calves twice daily and independent of milk feeding times. It can be given to calves in either milk or water.

Eugene McCabe from Drumgoon, Co. Cavan, milks 65 dairy cows and has been using Sacrolyte for years. Eugene mentions that he uses Sacrolyte for “calves that have scour or are in bad form”.

Stating that “it gets them going fast and keeps them going”; also that “it’s easy to mix and when you go to a sick calf, they’ll drink it”.

Pigs

Sacrolyte is also available for pigs as a high energy electrolyte. It’s an ideal energy source for weak pigs at birth and reducing stress at weaning time.

Rehydration therapy for scour
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Study probes AMR effects of in-feed CTC

Effects of in-feed Chlorotetracycline (CTC) use in feedlots, on both animal health and antimicrobial-resistant E.coli


This study investigates whether in feed CTC increases antimicrobial resistance in the early stages of a respiratory disease outbreak. Each of the feedlots received CTC treatment in-feed for 5 days, in calves less than 6 months old (150 treated and 150 untreated controls). The results showed that the CTC treated group had reduced morbidity, reduced use of antimicrobials considered critical to human health and no long-term impact on the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant E.coli. Control cattle (untreated with CTC) were also recorded as being unhealthy on the 8th day after arrival at the feedlot. Of the untreated cattle, over 25% (38/150) developed illness requiring treatment with antibiotics critical to human health, compared to only 1.3% (2/150) in the group receiving in-feed CTC.

To see the detailed discussion of the study please read the full research article called: Chlortetracycline and Respiratory Disease in young cattle.

Study probes AMR effects of in-feed CTC
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Chlortetracycline and Respiratory Disease in young cattle

Cyton Biosciences review of in feed chlortetracycline treatment of young cattle to investigate effects on animal health and antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli due to apparently metaphylactic use in the early stages of a respiratory disease outbreak


Agga GE, Schmidt JW, Arthur TM. 2016. Effects of in-feed chlortetracycline prophylaxis in beef cattle on animal health and antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol 82:7197–7204.

Abstract
A USA study investigated concerns that in-feed chlortetracycline (CTC) might increase antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study utilised 5-days of CTC treatment in-feed to cattle less than 6 months old (150 untreated controls and 150 treated) on days 5-9 after arrival at a feedlot. The US publication describes the treatment as prophylaxis but close examination of the data suggests this might be considered to be metaphylactic use. The results show that control cattle started to be recorded as being unhealthy on the penultimate day of the treatment period (8 days after arrival at the feedlot). Investigation of the published graphical data suggests that approximately 33 of the 38 control animals that became unhealthy did so during the period 8-13 days after arrival at the feedlot. Consequently, the CTC use on days 5-9 might be considered as metaphylactic in the early stages of a respiratory disease outbreak. During the approximately 4 months study more than 25% (38/150) of the control cattle developed illnesses that required therapeutic treatment with antimicrobials critically important to human medicine: whereas only two cattle (1.3%) in the CTC group required such treatments. Faecal and pen surface swabs were used to investigate any changes in tetracycline resistant Escherichia coli (TET r E. coli) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli (3GC r E. coli) at five sampling points (arrival at the feedlot, 5 days post-treatment (5 dpt), 27 dpt, 75 dpt and 117 dpt). TET r E. coli concentrations were higher for the CTC group than the control group at 5 dpt (p<0.01) but there were no significant differences between the groups at 27, 75 and 117 dpt. The occurrences of 3GC r E. coli did not differ between groups on any sampling occasion. For both the control and CTC groups, generic, TET r , and 3GC r E. coli occurrences were highest at 75 dpt and 117 dpt which the authors suggest meant that factors other than in-feed CTC contributed more significantly to antimicrobial-resistant E. coli occurrence. The publication indicates that the use of in-feed CTC administered for 5 days to feedlot cattle less than 6 months of age reduced animal morbidity, reduced the use of antimicrobials considered more critical to human health, and had no long-term impact on the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant E.coli.


Background and Introduction
The article “Effects of in-feed chlortetracycline prophylaxis in beef cattle on animal health and antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli” was written by Agga et al. in 2016 and was published in the journal “Applied and Environmental Microbiology”.


The study was conducted to provide further understanding on the theory that exposing healthy animals to in-feed chlortetracycline (CTC) may increase the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the effect of a one-time 5-day in-feed CTC treatment to USA feedlot calves (morbidity and body weight gain), occurrence of tetracycline-resistant (TET r ) E. coli, and occurrence of 3 rd generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC r ) E. coli over a 4-month follow-up period.


Materials and methods:
Three hundred weaned calves less than six months old of both sexes were randomly allocated to a CTC or control group. The calves in the CTC group were medicated with 10 mg chlortetracycline per lb (equivalent to 22.05 mg/kg) for 5 days, starting on day 5 post arrival. The animals were housed in pens of 30 animals per pen. The groups were separated by empty pens, and three empty pens were also included in the study. The detailed study was performed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a declaration of no competing interests.


Faecal swabs, pen surface material, feed and water samples were collected on five occasions: at arrival, and on days 5, 27, 75 and 117 post treatment. On each sampling occasion, faecal swabs were collected from the rectum, four samples per pen were collected from all pens including the three empty pens, one water trough sample from each trough and one fresh feed sample were collected.


Generic E. coli were isolated from CHROMagar E. coli (CEC) media that was supplemented with 2 mg/l cefotaxime to detect 3GC r E. coli and with 32 mg/l tetracycline to detect TET r E. coli. Colonies were enumerated with an automated colony counter. After secondary enrichment, cultures were plated in media as described above to detect generic, 3GC r and TET r E. coli and presumptive colonies were subsequently used to confirm presumptive E. coli by PCR.


The publication used a clinical breakpoint of 32 mg/l to detect resistant strains, and the authors suggest that a lower value may provide false positives, but it is possible that a 32 mg/l breakpoint may have underestimated the number of bacteria that might be considered to be resistant.


Bodyweight measures were assessed using a multilevel mixed effects linear regression. Morbidity was assessed using survival analysis with a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Pen-level generic, TET r and 3GC r E. coli mean and 95% confidence intervals were determined using a multilevel mixed-effects linear model. Mean prevalence (%) was obtained using a multilevel mixed effects logistic regression model. Multiple comparisons were adjusted by Bonferroni. The experimental unit was the pen. P values less than 5% or 95% confidence intervals were used to make inferences.


Zero values for colony enumeration were replaced by the midpoint between the limit of detection and the limit of enumeration. For samples below the limit of detection the zero values were assigned a -1 log less than the limit of detection.


Results
Groups were balanced at the start of the study for age, weight and prior antimicrobial treatments although there were more females in the CTC group (p<0.001) with 60% of the animals in the CTC group being females, compared to 40% in the control group. Throughout the study, mean bodyweights did not differ between groups. A possible effect on bodyweight results (to the detriment of the CTC group) cannot be ruled out as females might be expected to weigh less than males at 9 months of age at the end of the study. The results show that CTC treatment impact was significant, as noted in the cumulative morbidities and survival analysis. Animals in the control group were 28 times more likely to become sick and need antimicrobial treatment than animals in the CTC group. Pneumonia was the most common condition diagnosed. Treated animals were removed from the study but the publication does not provide details on the timings of these removals or information on the microbiological aspect of those cattle.

Faecal swabs: Only on day 5 post treatment were generic and TET r E. coli significantly higher (P<0.001) in the CTC group than the control group whilst at all other sampling time points differences between groups were not significant, except on day 117 post treatment when generic E.coli was higher in the control group (p=0.01). In the CTC group, on day 5 post treatment generic E. coli concentration did not differ from the arrival concentration but TET r E. coli concentration was higher than at arrival (P<0.01). From day 5 post treatment onwards, all concentrations were
higher than in their previous sampling time point (p<0.05) in both groups. Prevalence (%) was analysed for 3GC r E. coli because only 0.1% of the samples presented values above the limit of enumeration. Prevalence of 3GC r E. coli did not differ between the CTC and control group throughout the study and increased from less than 10% to more than 70% in both groups on the last two sampling occasions (P<0.01).


Pen surface samples: On day 5 post treatment, TET r E. coli was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the CTC group than the control group while at all other sampling time points differences between groups were not significant. On day 5 post treatment, measured generic E. coli were higher than their arrival concentration in both groups (p<0.05), while TET r E. coli concentrations were higher than the arrival concentration only in the CTC group (P<0.01). In both groups, on days 27, 75 and 117 post treatment, generic and TET r E. coli concentrations were not significantly different, but
were higher than at earlier time points (p≤0.01). As for faecal swabs, only prevalence (%) was analysed for 3GC r E. coli and prevalence did not differ significantly between the CTC and control group throughout the study.


At arrival, generic and TET r E. coli concentrations in the empty pens did not differ from control or CTC pens, and in the subsequent sampling time points empty pens did not differ from their arrival concentration. From day 27 post treatment onwards empty pen concentrations were lower (P<0.01) than in the control and CTC groups. From day 27 onwards 3GC r E. coli was significantly lower in the empty pens compared to both other groups.


Feed and water samples: Prevalence in feed of generic and TET r E.coli concentrations was 100% at all time points, concentrations were higher on days 75 and 117 post treatment in comparison to earlier time points. 3GC r E. coli was not detected in feed samples until the last sampling time point when it was found in 100% of the feed samples below the limit of numeration. In water, 3GC r E. coli was detected in 50% of the samples in the CTC group on days 75 and 117 post treatment and in 100% of the samples in the control group on day 117 post treatment.


Discussion
The choice of sampling time points was not explained in the publication. Based on the peak observed 5 days post treatment an additional sampling time-point before 27 days post treatment could have provided some additional information regarding treatment related effects, on TET r E. coli isolates. Similarly, an additional sampling time point between day 27 and 75 post treatment may have provided further information on the development of 3GC r E. coli prevalence. The pre-study selection of sampling times is often difficult, and further research would be needed to
investigate these issues.


Pen samples were assessed in this study to address the concerns about the potential environmental impact of in-feed treatment with CTC. Pen samples showed as for faecal samples, that on day 5 post treatment TET r E. coli was higher in the CTC group but thereafter differences were not significant between groups, but concentrations were significantly higher than at arrival. All three pens showed a proportional concentration between TET r and generic E. coli.

It is also noted that the faecal sample concentrations (generic and TET r E. coli) and prevalence (3GC r E. coli) were higher on days 75 and 117 post treatment than at earlier time points, but this increase was not discussed in detail and the investigators suggest that it could be attributed to other factors, including ambient temperature and season.


The lack of significant differences between groups was discussed and it was suggested that other factors had greater impact than in-feed CTC for faecal TET r and 3GC r E. coli prevalence. The investigators suggest that deposited E. coli populations or increased nutrients from deposited manure or a combination of these were the principal factors contributing to the increase in resistant E. coli prevalence. The investigators suggest this is supported by the published literature stating that antimicrobial resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistant genes increased in soils from pens holding untreated cattle or pens that were fertilised with manure from cattle that had not received antibiotics.


The reason why resistant E. coli increased as the study progressed in both groups was attributed to the known presence of E. coli in feed which also increased as the study progressed, and presence in water was attributed to contamination by E. coli from the calves’ heads and oral cavities.


The publication noted that the ration fed contained antibiotics tylosin and monensin on occasions, but it was stated that these antimicrobials had no impact on the results due to the intrinsic resistance of E. coli to them.

The results showed that CTC did not influence body weight but significantly reduced morbidity and therapeutic antimicrobial use in the treated group. Morbidities were more likely in the control group and animals had to be treated with antimicrobials that are considered highest priority critical antimicrobials by the World Health Organisation (WHO).


The investigators concluded that in-feed treatment with CTC temporarily increased TET r E. coli in faecal samples and pen samples but did not impact on faecal or pen prevalence of 3GC r E. coli. Feed and water samples showed increases in generic, TET r and 3GC r resistant E. coli regardless of CTC treatment in the second half of the study. The investigators concluded that other undefined factors contributed more significantly than CTC to the prevalence of TET r and 3GC r E. coli, and that confident attribution of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli occurrences to specific factors requires additional study.


These conclusions are also supported by Alexander et al (2008) who found that the proportion of feedlot steers- harbouring tetracycline resistant E. coli strains exceeded 40% despite their having had no previous exposure to tetracycline, even before antimicrobial agents were included in the diet. Alexander et al demonstrated that tetracycline (- and ampicillin) -resistant E. coli were harboured by a large number of cattle shortly after arrival at the feedlot, independent of any direct exposure to antibiotics and that presumably, the majority of these resistant E. coli would have been acquired from the environment in which the calves were raised, either from their dams or other environmental sources. Survival of E. coli has been shown to occur up to 150 days in faecal pats on range land, and stored feed has also been implicated as a source of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli at
feedlots.


Conclusion
The authors summarise their findings that CTC administered for 5 days in-feed to USA feedlot cattle less than 6 months old: reduced morbidity; reduced the therapeutic use of highest priority critically important antimicrobials; temporarily increased faecal TET r E. coli concentration; temporarily increased pen surface TET r E. coli concentration; did not impact long-term faecal TET r E. coli concentration; did not impact faecal 3GC r E. coli prevalence; and did not impact pen surface 3GC r E. coli prevalence.

Regardless of in-feed CTC exposure, generic, TET r and 3GC r E. coli occurrences were highest during the last two sampling occasions, 75 and 117 days after in-feed CTC administration ceased. Consequently, the paper concludes that other undefined factors contributed more significantly to TET r and 3GC r E. coli occurrence than the use of a 5-day course of in-feed CTC.

Literature cited
Alexander, T W et al. “Effect of subtherapeutic administration of antibiotics on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli bacteria in feedlot cattle.” Applied and environmental microbiology vol. 74,14 (2008): 4405-16. doi:10.1128/AEM.00489-08

Chlortetracycline and Respiratory Disease in young cattle
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Univet launches SanKind Hand Sanitiser

Sankind Hand Sanitiser by Univet Ltd contains 75% v/v Isopropyl Alcohol

Univet is delighted to announce the launch of our new hand sanitiser, SanKind. SanKind is our laboratory tested, pH neutral sanitising agent formulated by our in-house expert team of pharmacists and scientists.

The core formula is based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) formulation, containing 75% (v/v) Isopropyl Alcohol. Sankind contains additional moisturising agents and alongside its neutral pH ensures an even spread with a comfortable experience.

 

SanKind’s quick-drying capabilities leaves hands feeling soft and sanitised in nanoseconds.

 

SanKind’s effectiveness has been accurately proven and tested. Sankind killed 100% of the most commonly encountered human pathogens at levels up to 1000 times that of which is normally found on the hands using only 1ml of product at time zero.

– Univet.ie

 

Univet has challenged Sankind and proven its effectiveness by our expert microbiological team against a broad range of commonly encountered human pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli, Fungi’s such as Aspergillus Niger and Candida Albicans and Viruses.

 

Our expertise not only guarantees a safe and efficacious product but is designed to eliminate the threat of bacteria, viruses and fungi to those closest to you; without the harshness of the traditional formulas.

 

 

How to use SanKind Hand Sanitiser

 

 

 

Average drying time for Sankind is 15 seconds, in line with WHO recommendation for contact time for hand sanitiser.  SanKind our clinically tested formulation offered from our family to yours!

For more detailed product information please see the product information for SanKind Hand Sanitiser

 

You can now buy Sandkind Hand Sanitiser online

Univet launches SanKind Hand Sanitiser
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An incredible rural success story

Rural enterprises face tougher challenges than urban businesses but there are success stories out there – and they don’t go unnoticed.

Tullyvin, a village close to Cootehill in Co. Cavan, lies on the periphery yet not one but two government ministers paid a visit on February 25 this year to see for themselves the success story that is Univet.

Those senior government people – the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys – were more than impressed with what they encountered.

Given its location in a rural idyll, it comes as no surprise to learn that Univet is in the business of veterinary pharmaceuticals. But this is a company with a global outlook, so much so, that three-quarters of its output is exported.

A family business that was established in 1978, Univet has retained its traditional values despite quite significant growth. The company has enjoyed a 27% increase in full-time staff since 2017 and seen average job growth of 15% in the past five years. Not alone does Univet provide opportunities locally but it manages to maintain loyalty among its staff, with an average retention rate of 15 years.

 

Univet and Government ministers standing on stairs

Some of the staff of Univet with the group that visited the company on Monday evening with Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD and Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD. ©Rory Geary/The Northern Standard

That’s real success in a part of Ireland that, like many others of a rural nature, can suffer a brain drain as many of its best and brightest are drawn to positions in the bigger urban areas.

Speaking to those loyal staff, Ministers Donohoe and Humphreys were left in no doubt that Univet is a great company to work for. It boils down to the fact that the Crowe family, many of whom are still involved in the enterprise, have worked hard to build trust locally. This is a trait that works right around the world.

The future

From a small acorn, Univet has grown into a big tree, and the company is not resting on its laurels. Planning for the future has always been part of the brief, and to that end it’s currently extending its manufacturing facility.

All of the company’s products – sterile injections, intramammaries, anthelmintics, oral powders, premixes and nutritional supplements providing cost-effective, superior quality treatments for a variety of livestock conditions – are manufactured at a dedicated GMP compliant facility in Tullyvin, about 18km from Cavan town.

From there, thanks to distribution contracts with trusted partners, the products are shipped around the globe to markets as diverse as Albania, Kenya, Taiwan, Syria and around the Middle East, to mention just a few.

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys with staff from Univet Ltd.

New products in the pipeline include an antibiotic-based intramammary and oxytetracycline injection for new markets, while the company is investing in green energy and lean warehouse solutions, and has identified a gap in the market to offer laboratory testing services.

The government’s Action Plan for Rural Development focuses on both the economic and social development of rural Ireland and the regions, and Ministers Donohoe and Humphreys were lucky enough to see the reality of that on their recent visit to Univet.

One feels there’ll be many more visits in the future to deliver the ministerial seal of approval that is so richly deserved.

An incredible rural success story
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Huge early morning queues at Univet

Huge early morning queues formed at the Univet manufacturing facility this morning as news broke around the Ovis Aries community in Tullyvin, Co. Cavan, Ireland that Univet were working on fresh batches of the ever popular Growvite Sheep.

It was shear bedlam in the usually quiet village of Tullyvin as the excited Growvite fans flocked to the Co. Cavan facility in the hope of being the first to get their chops around some of the much sought after feeding stuff.

It was reported that the excited Growvite fans, many of whom appeared well shaven, were generally good natured and convivial.

Avoid the queues and buy your Growvite Sheep from your local provider today.

Huge early morning queues at Univet
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