Short communication: Effects of different blood buffers administered in electrolyte solution to grain-fed veal calves experiencing diarrhea

Calf diarrhea can commonly lead to dehydration and metabolic acidosis due the loss of fluid electrolytes. The objective this randomized clinical trial was examine differences between treating male dairy calves experiencing with either a basic bicarbonate electrolyte powder (BBP) composed sodium (50.7 mmol/L); mixed buffer (MBP) including (33.8 mmol/L), citrate (8.4 acetate (6.3 potassium (1.9 or liquid (HAL) (50.1 mmol/L). All 3 solutions were standardized provide 50 mmol/L blood buffers similarly strong ion difference (74.4, 74.9, 82.6 mEq/L for BBP, MBP, HAL, respectively). Holstein (n = 80) sourced from auction barns local farms delivered in 1 batch research facility. Calves housed individual pens fed 24% crude protein 17% fat calf milk replacer (CMR) twice daily. Starter grain water offered ad libitum. randomly enrolled treatments when 2 consecutive days fecal score (runny, spreads easily) d (liquid devoid solid material). blocked by different enrollment criteria. respective solution administered via esophageal tube h after feeding CMR until returned 0 (normal consistency) (semiformed pasty). Blood gas measurements taken at 1, 8, 24 post initial feeding, weight measured 2, 7, 14, 28 postenrollment. Mixed repeated measure linear regression models built assess effect that had on body weight. A total 45 16, 15 assigned BBP groups, respectively. As compared MBP increased CO2 8 h, base excess anion gap h. HAL groups noted more severe eye recession group. Average daily gain did not differ any time point. Although challenge present, which should be considered limitation study, improved acid-base status whereas performed MBP.