Moocall | Calf Scours

The term scours is commonly used in the cattle industry to describe diarrhea in young animals. Scours lead to dehydration and various other problems, and often result in the death of very young calves. www.moocall.com/calf-scours/#

What are Calf Scours?

Scours, or enteritis as they are sometimes referred to, describes diarrhea and an inflammation of the intestinal tract. Unfortunately cattle of any age can develop this condition. But most calf scours cases tend to occur in calves that are less than one month old.

Causes of Calf Scours

Calf scours can be caused as a result of various reasons, including viruses, parasites and bacteria. There are in fact both infectious as well as non-infectious causes, as we shall be discussing in more detail hereunder.

Infectious Causes

Research has shown that most adult cattle shed various infectious agents that can cause calf scours. These are mostly shed in fecal matter. While the feces of healthy cattle appear to be normal, there will still be pathogens that are responsible for scours present, especially in the feces of pregnant cows that have approached their calving date, and in that of heifers, particularly following cold weather. Healthy older calves can become infected quite easily. Even if they remain otherwise healthy, they will be contributing to the shedding of a higher amount of these agents in their environment, leading to even higher numbers of calf scours outbreaks. Rotavirus, cryptosporidium and coronavirus cause around 95% of infectious calf scours cases for calves who are less than 3 weeks old. These three agents may also be present together. While all calves are exposed to these three pathogens, the determining factor whether a calf ends up getting sick or not lies on the dose. Hence the more pathogen a calf receives, the bigger the probability that it will develop scours. Rotavirus infects those cells that are considered to be essential for the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Since there will be a lower nutrient absorption, the calf will suffer from nutritional deficiencies and this will lead to problems in its digestive tract’s functioning. For instance, there will be problems associated with water absorption, and this will lead to diarrhea. Coronavirus also infects cells in a similar way as rotavirus does. However, in the case of coronavirus, there will not be only a problem with absorption, as the coronavirus actively kills cells found in the lining of the intestine. As a result there will be a considerable destruction of this lining, leading to the calf being unable to absorb nutrients, while also ending up suffering from a massive inflammation. Severe diarrhea will result thereafter. The cryptosporidium, or crypto, is a protozoan. This is not bacteria, but rather microscopic animals. Crypto implants itself in the wall of the intestine. It then leads to severe inflammatory damage to the lining, which results in diarrhea. These crypto infections are very painful.

Non-Infectious Causes

There are also non-infectious causes of calf scours, including:

Poor Nutrition

Inadequate nutrition is one of the most common causes of calf scours. It is very important that calves receive proper nutrition as they are in a phase in their lives where they require plenty of nutrients in order to grow as well as manage to fight off any pathogens. Without adequate nutrition the calf will not be able to gain weight as well as have enough energy to provide adequately for its immune system.

Feeding at Inconsistent Times

It is very important to feed calves on a regular schedule. Otherwise inconsistent timing can lead to stress, and calves can develop acidosis.

Fed Milk at Incorrect Temperature

It is very important to feed calves milk that is at body temperature. A cow’s body temperature lies between 101º and 102.5º Fahrenheit.

Milk Replacer Issues

If milk replacer powder is used, it is very important to make sure that it is being accurately measured and properly mixed with water. In cases where milk replacer is too concentrated, it can lead to osmotic diarrhea.

Symptoms of Calf Scours

Diagnosing calf scours is carried out by evaluating the following symptoms.

Manure Consistency

A calf’s feces cannot be solid since they ingest a liquid diet. The manure consistency should be slightly loose, and semi formed. It should be able to sit on top of straw bedding. Should the manure be similar to water in terms of its consistency, then it will most probably be scours manure. One way to check is to see if it runs immediately through straw bedding. The watery stools may be yellow, green, brown or grey, and occasionally there could be blood and even mucus in them.

Weakness

Calves are often weak and look depressed. In many cases they will lose any desire to nurse. Sick calves will also be noticeably weak in their walking as they often stagger, and they are generally not able to stand.

Examination

A visual and physical examination of the calf will need to be carried out in combination with checking the manure consistency. A sick calf will look lethargic and depressed. It will typically have dull eyes and drooping ears. If you notice that the calf is remaining lying down while other calves its age have stood up, then it could also be a warning sign. A sick calf may also show reluctance to eat. Many calves with scours will also be breathing much faster and with more effort.

Preventing Calf Scours

Prevention is of utmost importance, and it is always preferable to treatment. The following preventative measures can help to avoid calf scours from developing in your cattle.

Mother Cow

As a general rule, a healthy mother cow has a higher probability of giving birth to a healthy calf. Thus during pregnancy, the mother cow should be well taken care of. You should ensure it has a good body condition score, and is properly fed, including the amount of minerals it receives. Adequate protein, energy and micronutrient nutrition is important for the dam throughout its gestation. The cow should also be kept in a clean and dry environment. There is also the option of making use of vaccines in order to influence the antibodies that the cow will have in its colostrum, as this will then be passed on to the calf. Vaccinating at the right time during pregnancy can greatly improve the quality of the colostrum and target pathogens which could cause scours.

Colostrum

As soon as the calf is born, within its first two hours of life, four quarts of colostrum need to be fed to it. This colostrum needs to be clean and of good quality. In the next hours the calf’s ability of absorbing protective antibodies in the colostrum will start to decrease. Hence, managing the quality of the colostrum is one of the most important preventative measures in improving the calf’s health. In case the delivery was a difficult one, and the dam is either in pain or too tired, it is best to milk the colostrum from the dam and feed it to the calf by means of an esophageal feeder. Another option is to obtain fresh colostrums from a local dairy and freeze them. Colostrum replacer may also be used, although not the best option.

Calving Pens

As soon as the calf is born, it will be exposed to pathogens. Hence the

importance of a clean calving pen can never be emphasized strongly enough.

Hygiene

Besides maintaining a clean calving pen, proper hygiene measures are key. Anything that the calf comes in contact with should be clean. Make sure that anything within their reach, which they could end up chewing on, is clean. Feeding equipment needs to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Making use of chlorine dioxide is a good way of ensuring proper disinfection.

Nutrition

As a general rule, calves need to be fed at least 8 quarts, or 2 gallons, of whole milk or a high quality milk replacer, per day. Adequate nutrition is of huge importance, as calves need it to grow and to have enough energy. In case you are using milk replacer, it is very important to ensure that it is properly mixed. Its consistency is critical as it could lead to problems. Thus, accurately weighing and mixing is important. There should not be any clumping and any other problems which could make the volume of the milk replacer inconsistent.

Vaccination

Colostrum, proper nutrition and feeding consistency, and maintaining a clean environment are the most important factors for preventing calf scours. However you may also wish to consider vaccination, even though it is not as important as the previously discussed factors. The veterinarian will be able to discuss vaccination as an option, but it is important to point out that while they could reduce calf scours if given at birth, they are not a cure-all solution in any way.

Treating Calf Scours

The following are key ways to treat calf scours. As mentioned earlier, prevention is always better than having to treat the disease or condition. But if preventative measures did not suffice and there are any calves that have calf scours, the following treatment methods can help. Needless to say, calling a veterinarian to check the sick calves is always best, especially if the calves in question are unable to stand.

Hydration

Proper hydration is of utmost importance. In fact, dehydration is what ultimately ends up killing the sick calves. Using supplemental electrolytes is generally a key part of the treatment protocol. This is carried out in conjunction with milk feedings. As much as possible, it is recommended to leave the sick calf with its mother. Make sure to monitor that the calf is drinking the milk provided. The electrolytes will supplement this, and it is important to make sure that they are mixed properly, according to the particular instructions. If the calf is fed electrolytes which are too concentrated, it could end up making things worse as scours will increase. Fluid therapy may be carried out by means of oral or intravenous administration, although the former is preferred.

Painkillers

Calf scours are both painful as well as uncomfortable. As a result, painkillers are required. The veterinarian will prescribe these and it is important to follow the instructions as to the administration.

Antibiotics

Most calf scours cases are not caused by bacteria, and hence in the vast majority of cases there is no need to resort to antibiotics. The veterinarian will determine whether there is the need for antibiotics after carrying out an exam, which includes taking a rectal temperature. Should the temperature be very high, over 102.5º Fahrenheit, antibiotics will generally be prescribed.

Conclusion

Calf scours is unfortunately quite common, but with proper prevention it can be reduced and avoided. Considering that it could end up being a deadly condition for young calves, one needs to be careful. Having proper preventative measures in place all along, accompanied by a well planned treatment protocol in case there are any sick calves is paramount. You can learn more about health conditions in calves in our blog: www. moocall.com/blogs/ Also check out our range of calving products to help assist with successful breeding on the farm.

EDITOR'S NOTE: These two articles are from agricultural writers in the United Kingdom; there may be some unfamiliar spelling and terms herein.

www.moocall.com/the-reasons-behind-abortion-in-cows/

It’s tricky enough to get a cow in calf, and that’s before the worries that come with

the gestation period itself. Abortion in cattle is a big fear many farmers have at this time of year, and they can happen for the simplest of reasons. A cow may ‘throw a calf’ after catching an infectious disease, or even if they have a small injury. Stress can also result in the calf being lost. Here are a few of the more common diseases that bring about abortion in Irish Cattle (as an example). Brucellosis: This disease normally causes abortion after the first five months of pregnancy. It is very contagious and it is required by law that you report it to government authorities. Additionally, farmers are legally obliged to have any cow or heifer that aborts tested twice for the disease. The placenta and fluids released at calving are highly infectious, so it is imperative that you treat a Brucellosis infection and abortion with the highest urgency. Leptospirosis: This disease can cause an abortion at any stage of the pregnancy, and needs to be detected via a blood test. Tests on the foetus are unsatisfactory. It's among the main causes of abortion in Irish suckler herds, so vaccination should be carried out to ensure the herd is free from the disease if it does appear. It also causes infertility and poor milk yield, so it is cause for concern even if the cow is not in calf. Leptospirosis affects humans causing influenza-like symptoms with severe headaches but can be treated effectively. Salmonellosis: This disease causes abortions from the fourth month of pregnancy onwards, and can also cause other illnesses in the herd. It is highly contagious and can be difficult to control, as many animals don’t show signs of having it. However, unlike other infections, aborting animals can sometimes display signs of illness. If this disease is confirmed (it can be detected from the aborted fetus, placenta or blood test) then the herd needs to be vaccinated. Neosporosis: This disease is especially damaging, as once an animal is infected, they have it for life. Neosporosis is caused by a parasite found in the faeces of dogs and foxes. It brings about abortion between the third and eighth months of gestation in the dam. If a calf makes it through the full term alive, they may be born infected, and it will be able to pass from generation to generation. There is no vaccine available for this infection, so prevention is the only cure. Infected animals should not be part of the breeding herd, and pets and wildlife shouldn’t have access to animals’ feed. Mycotic Abortion: This typically occurs between the third and seventh month of pregnancy. It is caused by a fungus that can be found on silage that is poorly preserved. (Silage is essentially “pickled pasture,” or fodder that's been fermented to feed cattle or sheep during dry seasons.) There is also a slight risk of obtaining it from bedding, but the chances are significantly slimmer. Silage can also carry the listeria and bacillus bacteria that were mentioned above. They are common in silage that has picked up soil during harvesting. Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD): BVD abortion is more prone to happen in the early stages of gestation in suckler herds, however it can happen at any stage. If the animal is persistently infected, the Animal Health Ireland recommend it be eliminated from the herd. You can vaccinate the herd against BVD, but if a persistently infected animal is not removed, vaccination will not effectively protect it. Tissue tagging will identify whether BVD caused the abortion, and all farmers in Ireland are required to carry is practice out.

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis

(IBR): IBR is a highly infectious virus pneumonia that can be transmitted by the semen of infected bulls. This disease can cause abortion in beef herds, and can be spread from animal to animal rapidly. If the calf makes it through their full term alive, there’s a chance the mother may have passed it on. From there, it can be passed from one calf to another. This disease can be controlled with a rigorous vaccination program. Prevention: As with most things, prevention is the most effective treatment. Cattle should be kept in clean, well ventilated and disinfected pens. If there is a large variation in size and BCS, they should be separated (frailer cows are more prone to abortion if a larger cow rams into them in the pen). Good hygienic practices should be adopted, especially when it comes to handling discharge from the aborting animal. It's advised to quarantine the aborting cow from other cattle, especially from other pregnant cows for 2-3 weeks until vaginal discharge has ceased. If one of your cows aborts, you should keep a close eye on the rest of your pregnant herd. If you can vaccinate your animals to prevent the same thing from happening again, do.