Haemato-biochemical Changes and Various Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Coronavirus Infection in Cattle Calves

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a major viral pathogen linked to respiratory and enteric problems in newborn calves. The goal of this study is to look into the molecular occurrence, haemato-biochemical changes, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of BCoV infection in cattle calves at different dairy farms and small households in the district of Jhelum, Pakistan. From July 2020 to June 2021, 200 faecal samples were collected from newborn cattle calves exhibiting symptoms of diarrhoea and dysentery. S&C Biotech Bovine Coronavirus Antigen Rapid Test Kits were used to screen samples, which were then subjected to RT-PCR for molecular characterization. For the haemato-biochemical analysis, blood was taken from calves infected with BCoV. A questionnaire was used to collect information about the risk factors associated with the occurrence of BCoV infection. BCoV infection was found in 3.5% (7/200) of calves using diagnostic screening kits and 3.0% (6/200) of calves using RT-PCR. Breed, age, sex, vomiting, previous history of diarrhoea, body conditions, food type, colostrum feeding, deworming history, living environment, seasonal variation, and cohabitation with other animals were all assumed risk factors for BCoV infection ( p< 0.05). There was a significant ( p< 0.001) decrease in MCV (fl) and a significant ( p< 0.006) increase in TLC (1x10 3 /cm 3 ) on haematological analysis in BCoV-infected calves. TEC (1x10 6 /cm 3 ), WBC (1x10 6 /cm 3 ), RBC (1x10 6 /cm 3 ), and Hct% were significantly ( p< 0.05) higher. Similarly, infected calves had a non-significant ( p< 0.090) increase in K (mEq/L) and a significant ( p< 0.000) decrease in Na (mEq/L), Ca (mmol/L), Cu (mol/L), and Fe (mol/L) on biochemical analysis. It was concluded that the occurrence of BCoV infection was predisposed by assumed risk factors, and haemato-biochemical alterations were observed in BCoV infected calves.