Spring calves have been hitting the ground, and many of us are eagerly looking forward to some warmer, sunnier days on a consistent basis. As we patiently wait for the turn of the season, producers will continue to keep a watchful eye on young calf health, especially regarding scours. Pasty, off-colored manure on calves and watery stool spots on the ground are often one of our first indicators of an issue.
Scours can occur due to several reasons: the calf’s digestive system is overwhelmed from milk, environmental stress from weather, muddy pen conditions and exposure to infectious agents. Typically, the calf will adjust to its nutritional intake, and weather is out of our hands.
When it comes to pen conditions, it’s always ideal to move pairs frequently to avoid infectious agent buildup where the calves are; however, not all operations have this option. The next best practice would be to establish a pen management practice that includes regular cleaning and manure removal. The combination of weather stress with muddy pen conditions is what often leads to scours caused by an infectious agent.
Regardless of cause, replenishing fluids and electrolytes is usually the best treatment. In addition to the calf continuing to nurse from its mother, consider providing the calf electrolytes on a schedule advised by your veterinarian. In extreme cases, electrolytes may need to be administered intravenously. If feasible, move the pair to a dry, clean spot where weather exposure will be reduced, and the calf can continue to be monitored. Should the calf not demonstrate signs of improvement, consult with your veterinarian on any additional interventions or products.
While focus will remain on getting through this season, producers could start thinking ahead to next year to limit a scours issue. Pregnant cows begin building colostrum in the last several weeks of gestation, which provides producers an opportunity to influence the quality and quantity of a cow’s colostrum. In the final trimester, pregnant cows need to be supplied adequate levels of trace minerals and be at an appropriate body condition.
An additional management option would be to administer a vaccine to the cow prior to calving that will provide some passive transfer immunity to the unborn calf. These products have a specific time they need to be administered: four to eight weeks prior to calving, so consult with your veterinarian to determine if this management practice is right for your operation. There is also the option of providing the newborn calf with an oral antibody product, being mindful of administration directions on the product label.
