Evaluation of case definitions for neonatal calf diarrhea: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background: A high proportion of calves suffer from diarrhea which results in productivity losses in dairy, beef, and veal systems. Extensive research has been conducted on neonatal calf diarrhea; however, various case definitions are used to diagnose the condition. A scoping review of the literature relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of calf diarrhea would help identify areas for evidence synthesis and move towards a consensus in creating a practical case definition for neonatal calf diarrhea in research settings. Objectives: This scoping review protocol will describe the steps taken to address the question, “What case definitions are used in evaluation of neonatal calf diarrhea?” Eligibility Criteria: The review will include primary research studies published in English since Jan 1, 1978. This will include randomized controlled trials, observational studies but exclude case studies/serios and other systematic or narrative reviews. Diarrhea is broadly defined for this scoping review and may not be the primary outcome measured within the study. For example, studies might evaluate other calfhood diseases or relevant production metrics like weight gain or feed intake as the primary outcome. “Neonatal” will refer to unweaned calves that are less 2 months old or less than 8 weeks after arrival to a calf-rearing facility. Studies must be available in full-text (> 500 words) and in English. The initial search will include relevant terms in the title and abstract. Some studies reporting calf diarrhea may be missed by only screening the title/abstract, however, in these cases, diagnostic criteria would not likely be reported in detail and therefore such articles would contribute minimally to answering the research question. Sources of evidence: Searches will be conducted in Medline, CAB Direct, and Agricola. A grey literature search will be not be conducted as articles will not likely conference proceedings will not be considered as they will not likely contain adequate information on diagnostic criteria. Charting methods: Data will be collected including: Journal and date of publishing, broad study type (observational (cohort, case-control) vs RCT), broad objectives (e.g. risk factor identification, treatment evaluation), population description (veal, dairy, beef), all diagnosticcriteria used for diarrhea case definitions (clinical signs, hematological parameters, pathogen ID), personnel in charge of diagnostics (veterinarian, researcher, farmer), and if different levels of diarrhea severity are evaluated. The target journal for publication of the manuscript is Preventive Veterinary Medicine