ISSUE FOCUS 40 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2025 intestine causing an increased osmotic pressure and water secretion into the intestinal tract (Figure 3). However, regardless of the pathogen or mechanism involved, diarrhea increases the loss of electrolytes and water in the feces and often decreases milk intake. The result is dehydration, potentially causing severe metabolic acidosis, electrolyte abnormalities, and negative energy balance. Even when calves recover from these infections, they may never perform as well as unaffected animals. A study of the long-term growth effects of cryptosporidiosis found that calves diagnosed with severe cryptosporidiosis had significantly reduced weight gain at 6 months compared to calves with only a few clinical signs of infection. This underscores the negative long-term effects of this pathogen on weight gain and production efficiency. It is critical for every farm to have an effective strategy to prevent and treat calf diarrhea, as quick action should be taken when diarrhea occurs. The priority is to minimize the calf’s fluid loss to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of metabolic acidosis. Stabilizing the intestinal microbiota and promoting the regeneration of intestinal villi are additional key points to address in cases of calf diarrhea. There are two main strategies for treating diarrhea. One is the compensation of existing fluid loss with products containing electrolytes like Prolyt Pack® Extra. The second is the reduction of fluid loss itself by using water-attracting products. This strategy works to decrease fluid loss, retaining it in the body. PART OF AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY One such strategy is a dietary feed supplement, DiaReset, designed to be given to calves during a case of diarrhea to ease the intensity, reduce fluid loss, help restore gut integrity, and minimize performance losses. This unique product contains guar gum and provides fast and effective support when needed. Guar gum is composed primarily of galactomannan, a polysaccharide that forms a gel when in contact with water. Guar gum increases viscosSecretory Diarrhea Endotoxins Bacteria Nutrients Viruses Healthy Intestine Osmotic Diarrhea Figure 3. The mechanisms of secretory and osmotic diarrhea. In both cases, the result is a net movement of water into the intestine, resulting in diarrhea.
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