Bacterial Causes of Calf Diarrhoea in Dairy Farms in Bahri Locality, Sudan

Abstract

This study was aiming at investigating the bacteriological causes of calf diarrhea in dairy farms in Bahri Locality of Khartoum State during 6 months of the year 2019. A questionnaire survey was done before collection of samples. A total of 60 faecal samples were collected directly from rectums of 60 diarrhoeic dairy calves at the age of one month and less. Samples were collected from calves not subjected for any treatment before collection of samples. Samples were examined bacteriologically using conventional and rapid API methods. The prevalence of calf diarrhoea in dairy farms was 9.4%. Results of the questionnaires of 10 dairy farms revealed that calves at age of one month or less are more susceptible for diarrhea, calves were separated from dams, hygiene is poor in 80% of the farms, records were not available in 70% of the farms, colostrum was fed to caves at first hours of birth in 30% of the farms, all farms experienced calf diarrhea before, 70% of the owners do not vaccinate calves, 90% experienced death of calves due to diarrhea and in 60% of the farms treatment of calf diarrhea was successful. Ninety six bacterial isolates were identified as 48 Escherichia coli (50.0%), 16 Pseudomonas aerogenosa (16.6%), 10 Proteus mirabilis (10.4%), 8 Staphylococcus aureus (8.3%), 6 Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.3%), 4 Salmonella spp., (4.2%), 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis (2.1%) and 2 Bacillus subtilis (2.1%). Gram negative bacteria represented the higher percentage (87.5%) compared to Gram positive bacteria. E. coli was the dominant bacteria. We recommend feeding colostrums during the first day of birth.