With spring upon us, the thought of wet and muddy conditions brings to mind the inevitable cases of scouring calves that we see each year.
Several factors are involved in preventing calf scours. In my view, the top concern is reducing the infection pressure of bacteria and viruses on the calves.
Calves initially get scours primarily by ingesting fecal material from their environment. Cows and heifers are the largest contributors of this material. Any condition that exposes calves to excessive amounts of fecal material can start the first case of scours, including wet spring conditions or low-lying areas that accumulate water, from which calves often drink.
Read Also
Agriculture needs to prepare for government spending cuts
As government makes necessary cuts to spending, what can be reduced or restructured in the budgets for agriculture?
The first calf to get scours will shed large numbers of infectious bacteria and viral particles. Calf shelters then become ideal ways to expose calves to these particles, which makes a clean and dry environment one of the best ways to prevent scours.
Good calf nutrition is also important, which starts with the mother’s nutrition. Cattle with poor nutrition will not produce good quality colostrum. As well, heifers require better feed than cows and have not had as much exposure to disease agents as older cows. They are usually lower in the herd hierarchy and may be bossed around by older cows. Ideally, the best option is to sort these younger animals into their own group and feed them accordingly. Because heifers’ colostrum is often not as protective as that from cows, calves should get at least two litres within the first 12 hours of life, and the sooner the better.
Vaccinating cows, and especially heifers, before calving for the agents that cause scours is an effective way to ensure good quality colostrum. However, remember that the calves must ingest the colostrum.
Cold temperatures and calving difficulties can lead to weak calves, which may not nurse early enough or effectively. The calves may lie around more, increasing the likelihood of navel infection and inadequate colostrum intake.
Calving later, such as in May and June, will decrease the risk of scours, primarily due to better environmental conditions. While the tradeoff may seem to be reduced weaning weights, remember that lactation increases feed requirements and winter feeding costs are the most expensive.
It may be less expensive to have spring grass provide nutrition to the lactating mother. Studies have shown that there may be less of a price difference between the two calving times when all factors are considered.
Look closely at the dams. Are they good mothers? How is the udder conformation? Cows with bad bags or poor mothering abilities increase the likelihood for problems.
Once the first case of scours is seen, immediately separate that cow-calf pair from the rest of the herd. You will be able to watch the calf more closely, treat it if necessary and reduce the spread of disease to the rest of the herd.
Don’t use the overwintering area for calving, and have a plan ready should you experience scours. Many producers do not have the extra pens necessary to separate scouring calves.
Consult your local veterinarian for advice on scours and its prevention. Prevention is always better than reaction, especially in these uncertain times.
Daryl Meger is a veterinarian and outdoors enthusiast in a mixed animal practice in Westlock, Alta.
