Tolerance of a rice-based oral rehydration solution given to normal calves

The objective of the study was to test the tolerance of a rice-based oral rehydration formula when fed to calves. Six healthy Holstein calves, 1 week of age, were fed the formula instead of milk replacer for 3 days. Pre- and posttreatment results of clinical examination and laboratory parameters were compared. Vital signs, attitude, appetite, clinical hydration status, urine specific gravity, and most routine serum biochemistry test results did not vary and remained within the normal range. Five of the 6 calves developed diarrhea when fed the rice-based formula, which was accompanied by a reduction in fecal pH and presence of reducing sugars in the feces. This effect was reversed when calves were returned to the milk replacer diet at the end of the study. Diarrhea was accompanied by increased water consumption, which allowed the calves to maintain normal hydration status. These results suggest that calves are unable to properly digest the rice-derived carbohydrate, and this type of formula is not recommended for oral rehydration of calves.