Serum Concentrations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-a in Neonatal Calves with Presumed Septicemia

This study was performed to determine the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the serum of neonatal calves with presumed sepsis and determine the correlation between serum concentrations of TNF and the severity and outcome of disease. Thirty‐five sick calves 2+ toxic changes in neutrophils than did calves without high serum TNF concentrations. Mean values for packed cell volume, band neutrophil count, and venous PCO2 were significantly (P < .007) higher in the group of calves with high serum TNF concentration. Results of this study indicate that serum TNF concentration is correlated with clinical criteria of sepsis in neonatal calves. A close association was apparent between disease severity and serum TNF concentrations in this group of calves with presumed septicemia.