SPECIAL REPORT
Speedy reaction to illness Words and photos by: Karen Trebilcock
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ust like us, young calves need social distancing in their bubble too. Balclutha-based vet Olivia Hickman of Clutha Vets says that to stop the spread of diseases in calf sheds, groups of young calves should not be in contact with other groups. Having an “all in all out” policy helps reduce the risk of spreading disease through the different age groups. That means using solid barriers such as plywood instead of the usual netting, especially the sick-calf pen. The list of symptoms calves display when they are ill is short and easy to spot. Unwell calves will at first not want to feed, or will feed less than normal. “They may also have a cold nose and can look a bit mopey. “Scours (diarrhoea), which can be white or yellow or watery and may contain
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blood, usually follows.” Dehydration was the main concern following scours. “Scours will progress to unwillingness to stand and then they will eventually lie flat. “You don’t want them to get to that stage, so acting fast is best. “From not wanting to drink to lying flat and unresponsive can occur in a few hours. That’s how fast it happens.” Olivia says calves that aren’t feeding and are scouring should be isolated from others and given electrolytes as soon as possible. “Sometimes you will see a calf that’s off its feed in the morning and fine in the afternoon, but if it’s still not feeding in the afternoon and isn’t looking right you should act.” Having the same person feeding the calves every day makes it more likely these unwell calves will be spotted. It is easy to tell if a calf is dehydrated. “The eyes look sunken and if you pinch
the skin on its body it doesn’t go back down. Over the neck tends to be the easiest place to assess this. “The more dehydrated it is, the higher the peak. If you’re not sure, do the same on a well calf and you will see the difference. “Also if you put your finger in its mouth the gums will be dry and the salvia will feel tacky. “If a calf won’t suck, give the electrolytes through a tube, and make sure you know how to do this before you have to. “You should have the electrolyte mixes and the equipment to tube feed a calf on hand ready at the start of calving. “If you can, give it electrolytes morning and night and a milk feed in the middle of the day so it’s getting some nourishment.” The reasons calves get sick are more complicated than the symptoms. It could be from a virus such as a rotavirus or a coronavirus or from bugs such as cryptosporidia and coccidia.
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | June 2020
