INTERVENTIONAL METAPHYLAXIS AND UNDESIRABLE EFFECTS OF EXCEDE (CEFTIOFUR) AGAINST PNEUMONIA IN DAIRY CALVES UNDER EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

Biosecurityin dairy farms depends on a broad range of preventive measures that are fundamental to optimal calf health from birth to weaning. Calf hood diseases have a major impact on the economic viability of cattle operations. Metaphylactic effect of Excede (Ceftiofur crystalline free acid) was evaluated in 30 dairy calves under cold stress for a period of 5 wks; during which a total of 450 samples (150 whole blood, 150 serum and 150 nasal swaps) were collected and examined (hematological - Biochemical and Bacteriological). Some of the injected animal exhibited few signs of pneumonia with morbidity rate up to 33.3% in injected groupand 13.3 % in control group. A highly significant decrease (P < 0.01) in WBCs and Globulin, a highly significant increase (P < 0.01) in Albumin, A/G ratio; ALT; Glucose and log TPC confirmed the development of stress. Temperature revealed a significant strong negative correlation with WBCs count, a significant strong positive correlation with Albumin; a highly significant (P < 0.01) strong positive correlation with ALT and a significant intermediate negative correlation with Creatinine. Relative humidity revealed a significant intermediate negative correlation with hemoglobin concentration; a significant strong negative correlation with log TEC; a highly significant strong negative correlation with MCHC and WBCs count; a significant intermediate positive correlation with Albumin; a significant (P < 0.01) strong positive correlation with ALT and a significant intermediate negative correlation with Creatinine. In conclusion; a failure of Excede (Ceftiofur) was certified to perform a promising metaphylaxis in dairy calves; although the undesirable effects were developed under the mercy of adverse environmental conditions and contributed an increase in the overwhelming challenges on calves.