Salivary pH as an Indicator of Diarrhea in Calves
Author Information
Author(s): Riley Beth B., Corbishley Alexander, Haskell Marie J., Duthie Carol-Anne, Macrae Alastair I., Burrough Elizabeth, Mason Colin
Primary Institution: Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Can salivary pH and conductivity serve as indicators of diarrhea in neonatal calves?
Conclusion
Saliva pH is associated with diarrhea in calves, while saliva conductivity is not.
Supporting Evidence
- Calves with diarrhea had a lower saliva pH than healthy calves.
- Saliva conductivity was not associated with diarrhea or dehydration.
- Dehydrated calves had a higher hematocrit than non-dehydrated calves.
Takeaway
This study found that if a calf has diarrhea, its saliva will have a lower pH, which can help farmers know when to treat them.
Methodology
The study involved measuring saliva pH and conductivity in calves, alongside clinical assessments and blood tests.
Limitations
The small number of dehydrated calves limits the ability to draw strong conclusions about saliva conductivity.
Participant Demographics
141 dairy-bred calves, approximately 1 week of age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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