Evaluation of Retinol, Cholecalciferol, Α-Tocopherol and Phylloquinone Levels in Naturally Infected Calves With Eimeriosis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (cholecalciferol), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone) levels changed in naturally infected calves with eimeriosis. The study was conducted on a total of 70 calves, 55 with eimeriosis and 15 healthy (control) calves of different races, sexes, and ages ranging from 26 to 60 days, with complaints of bloody diarrhea, weight loss and tenesmus. As result of statistical analysis; serum vitamin A, D, E, and K concentrations of calves with eimeriosis were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.001). As a result; significant decreases were detected in serum retinol (vitamin A), cholecalciferol (vitamin D), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and phylloquinone (vitamin K) levels concentrations of calves with eimeriosis. It was concluded that the application of preparations containing vitamins A, D, E and K, in addition the routine treatment protocol applied in cases of eimeriosis or other diarrhea, may be beneficial in the treatment and prognosis of eimeriosis.