Prompt treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea is essential in cases of neonatal calf scour, warned Norbrook veterinary adviser, Maura Langan.
According to the Regional Veterinary Labs, scour accounts for 28% of diagnosed conditions in calves up to one month old, making it the most frequent cause of death in this age group.
It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites but the resulting dehydration and weight loss are the main reasons calves are slow to recover.
The financial costs incurred on farm can be substantial due to mortality, treatment costs and weight loss resulting in subsequent poor growth rates.
Scouring calves lose more fluids than theyre taking in and this can quickly lead to dehydration, said Maura.
Farmers will notice a dull, depressed animal, often with a sunken eye. The affected animal can deteriorate if not treated quickly because they have poorly developed fat stores.
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the single most important therapeutic measure to be carried out to help correct the dehydration, acidosis and electrolyte imbalance that occurs in scouring calves.
Good-quality, commercially available ORT powders contain optimal levels of electrolytes, bicarbonates and glucose, but it is essential they are used correctly to ensure the best possible outcome.
Maura recommends that farmers follow a three-point treatment plan:
One way to reduce potential problems is to ensure every calf receives 3L of colostrum within two hours of birth.
Calves are born without any immunity and rely on the passive transfer of antibodies from their mothers milk in those first hours of life, advised Maura.
However, calf scour occurs under the strictest of management practices, so its a good idea to monitor the frequency of outbreaks.
If you are concerned that your farm has a recurring problem, ask your vet to diagnose the pathogens that may be the cause, concluded Maura.
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Rapid response improves the recovery of scouring calves - Agriland
