Serum Electrolyte Imbalances in Diarrhoeic Calves and Their Management in Smallholder Farms in Nasarawa State

Neonatal calf diarrhoea is a leading cause of mortality in the first month of life in Nigerian smallholder cattle herds, primarily due to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances associated with enteric infection. In Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria, smallholder farmers frequently lack access to intravenous fluid therapy, necessitating oral rehydration as the primary management strategy. This study characterised serum electrolyte profiles in diarrhoeic calves and evaluated the clinical response to oral electrolyte therapy at farms in Lafia. Forty neonatal calves with acute diarrhoea were enrolled. Venous blood was collected and analysed for sodium, potassium, chloride, total carbon dioxide, and blood glucose. Acid-base status was estimated by the strong ion difference method. A commercially available oral electrolyte solution was administered at 2 litres every six hours for 48 hours. Clinical scoring for dehydration, demeanour, and faecal consistency was performed twice daily. Hyponatraemia was detected in 72.5 percent of calves, hypokalaemia in 47.5 percent, and metabolic acidosis reflected by reduced total carbon dioxide in 65 percent. Hypoglycaemia was present in 30 percent of calves and was associated with greater mortality risk. Clinical improvement was observed in 82.5 percent of calves receiving oral electrolyte therapy by 48 hours. Mortality was highest in calves with both acidosis and hypoglycaemia. These findings characterise electrolyte derangements in diarrhoeic calves in Nasarawa and demonstrate the efficacy of oral electrolyte therapy under smallholder conditions when administered early in the disease course. Keywords: neonatal diarrhoea, electrolytes, calves, oral rehydration, Nasarawa State.