Prevalence of Coccidiosis in Calves in the Green Mountain Region and the Impact of Balanced Nutrition and Treatment on the Health of Fattening Calves

Abstract

This study was conducted following a complaint from a breeder that his calves, intended for fattening, were suffering from symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Five young calves, aged between two and three months, were brought to the Al-Salfium Veterinary Services Center in Al-Bayda during January. Their temperatures were found to be low, and they exhibited bloody diarrhea in the perineal area, a characteristic symptom. Veterinarians took rectal samples and transported them to the Omar Al-Mukhtar University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Al-Bayda. The samples were immediately subjected to parasitological examination, which revealed the presence of coccidia eggs in almost all of them. After spore formation, a range of Eimeria species were identified. Further examination revealed that Eimeria zuernii was the most prevalent species in the tested samples, followed by Eimeria spp. spherica, and then species of Apaminis and Bovis. These calves were given a balanced diet containing fiber and protein, along with some therapeutic medications to support their health, such as sulfadimethoxine and butrim, for approximately 5 to 7 days. The calves began to feel better starting from the fourth day.