Neonatal calf health

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Neonatal calf diarrhea and pneumonia are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in calves and represent a major cause of economic losses to cattle producers. Financial losses arise from mortality, cost of medication, and labour needed to treat, prevent, and control the disease.

Our research focuses on understanding the interaction of known pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and/or protozoa, and the complex intestinal microbial communities.

The characterization of the fecal bacterial and viral communities (microbiota) and their interactions in healthy and diarrheic calves using metagenomic analysis, and the targeted treatment strategies are major goals of our research. Field studies in multiple farms in Southern Ontario are enrolled in this research program.

Funded by: