BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Once calves are safely on the ground, many cattle producers continue to worry about the possibility of neonatal calf diarrhea or calf scours, says Janna Kincheloe, South Dakota State University Extension research associate.
"Calf scours is one of the primary health problems in baby calves. Digestive problems such as calf scours are the reason for 14 percent of death loss of calves less than three weeks old," says Kincheloe, referencing a 2007 to '08 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System.
Scours cases typically can be blamed on infectious agents, including: bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella; viruses such as rotavirus and coronavirus; or protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidia and coccidia.
"Even so, management-related issues play a large role in allowing these organisms to affect calves," says Russ Daly, SDSU Extension veterinarian and SDSU professor.
Daly highlights two of the main factors: inadequate nutrition of the dam, which could lead to poor colostrum quality and quantity; and wet cool weather, which results in cold stress for the calf and good survival conditions for scours-causing germs.
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"Because there is such a long list of factors that contribute to this ailment, it is often difficult to pinpoint one single intervention that will eliminate the problem," Daly says.
He and Kincheloe encourage cattle producers to consult their veterinarian to select effective treatment options and help develop management strategies to prevent future scours outbreaks.
What to do
Daly explains it is the loss of water and electrolytes experienced by scouring calves that causes dehydration and alters a calf's acid-base balance of body fluids. He says oral fluid
replacement using a calf feeder should be the initial method used to restore water and electrolytes in a calf with diarrhea.
A variety of dry electrolyte powders are available that can be mixed with water for oral administration.
"These products contain sources of minerals, energy and buffers in the correct proportion to sufficiently address the needs of the calf," he says.
He adds solutions that contain acetate or propionate as buffers are preferred over solutions using bicarbonate.
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"These solutions should be fed separately from milk," Daly says. "Calves should be encouraged to nurse (or be fed by hand) during treatment since they need the protein and energy supplied by milk to effectively fight off the infection."
When calves show clinical signs that indicate severe (greater than 8 percent) dehydration, oral electrolytes might not be sufficient, and intravenous fluid therapy will be necessary.
"Most dehydrated calves will also suffer from hypothermia, and may need to be placed in a hot box or under a heat lamp during treatment," Daly says.
Colostrum's value
Severe scours outbreaks are often associated with bad weather conditions and storms. Since weather conditions are often unpredictable, a clean, dry place for calves early in life is very important.
"Calving areas should be separate from standard wintering areas in order to reduce the incidence of bacteria and other infectious agents," Kincheloe says.
She adds consumption of sufficient colostrum within hours of birth is extremely important in ensuring immunity against the various infectious diseases that cause scours.
A broad-spectrum scours vaccine given to pregnant heifers and cows up to 16 weeks prior to calving and again within four weeks before calving will build antibodies in the colostrum to protect against pathogens that may cause scours.
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"However, a vaccination program alone cannot prevent the incidence of scours due to poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition and facilities, and poor calving management," Daly adds. "These are all critical components in preventing disease and ensuring a healthy calf crop."
