Evaluating the efficacy of Tri-Shield® First Defense® as a treatment for diarrhea in pre-weaned dairy calves
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Diarrhea in pre-weaned dairy calves remains a challenge. Antibiotic use can often be inappropriate and adversely affect the gut microbiome. There exists an opportunity to explore alternative treatments for early calfhood scours. Tri-Shield® First Defense® is a veterinary biologic derived from hyperimmunized bovine colostrum concentrated to a standard potency of antibodies against K99 + E.coli, coronavirus and rotavirus. One dose at birth serves as a scour preventative, reducing mortality and morbidity caused by K99 + E.coli and coronavirus, while also reducing severity and duration of scours caused by rotavirus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Tri-Shield® First Defense® as a treatment for diarrhea occurring between 5 and 14 days of age. We hypothesized calves treated with Tri-Shield, in this off-label application, would recover fecal consistency sooner, have improved average daily gain, and lower morbidity and mortality than calves treated only with oral electrolytes.
Authors: C. Havekes, M. Thomas, R. Lichdi, M. Gohlert, C. Record, M. Stangaferro
Institution: ImmuCell (United States)
Language: English
Topic: Animal health and immunology
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408883012