Abstract
In the first farm trial of our evaluation of the effects of the preparation Sairei-to on scouring calves, we used 61 Japanese black calves divided into an experimental and a control group. Sairei-to was administered to the experimental group and an intestinal protectant to the control group. After3 days of treatment, we checked the calves for the presence of rotaviruses. Although animals positive for the virus were found in both groups, the cure rate was 87% in the experimental group but only60% in the control group. In the second trial, 14 rotavirus-positive calves were divided into an experimental and a control group. Both groups were submitted to the treatment regimen used in the first trial. In this case, on day3, the rotavirus-positive rate was reduced to22% in the experimental group but was60% in the control group. On day5, the cure rate was89% in the experimental group but only40% in the control group. In addition, on day7, we found increased levels of total cholesterol(TCho), total bile acids(TBA), and triglyceride in the experimental group. In our third trial, we administered Sairei-to for3 days to4 healthy-looking Holstein calves. Results showed an increased blood level of TCho, phospholipids, and TBA and an accelerated rate of lymphocyte regeneration. On the basis of all these results combined, we conclude that Sairei-to is effective in treating scouring and in improving fat metabolism in rotavirus-positive calves.
