What is scouring?
Calf Scours can be characterised by diarrhoea that often leads to dehydration and is one of the main leading causes of death in calves between 2 and 30 days of age, emphasising the importance of implementing good calf management and appropriate protocols.
Causes of Scouring
Non-infectious causes include gaps in herd management, insufficient nutrition for the pregnant dam, and an inadequate environment for the newborn calf. Infectious causes include: Viral (Rotavirus, Coronavirus, BVD virus, IBR virus), Bacterial (E. coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens), Yeasts and mould, and Protozoal (Cryptosporidium and Coccidia). Note: some bacterial and protozoal pathogens are transmissible from cattle to humans.
What to look out for
Watery stools (may be green/yellow, occasionally with blood or mucus); sunken eyes and prominent hips, shoulders and ribs; and lethargy, with more severe cases resulting in weakness or inability to stand.
Preventing Scours
Maintaining adequate protein, energy and micronutrients in the dam during gestation helps ensure correct colostrum levels. Calves should nurse or be supplemented with colostrum in the first 2-4 hours of life, with a repeat feed 4-6 hours after – Osmonds Premium Brand Calf Colostrum (Johne's, EBL, BVD and TB free) is ideal when the dam's supply is insufficient. Additional protection can come from Osmonds Lifesaver Calf Syringe or Osmonds Calf Insta-Life. Maintain hygiene using a disinfectant such as Osmonds Zenosan, and segregate calves by age to prevent transfer of infectious agents.
Treating Scours
The main aim is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes – Osmonds Lifesaver Calf Gel Powder is a fast-acting supplement with fibre gel, added electrolytes and essential vitamins & minerals, plus Vetoxan® pre-biotic to help inhibit pathogenic bacteria and stimulate beneficial gut bacteria. Calves too weak to stand may require intravenous fluids from a qualified veterinarian.
If you have any questions, please call our office on 01948 668100, email info@osmonds.co.uk or visit our website to see our whole range of calving essentials.
