Preventing Scours in Your Herd
By Dr. Jeff Hookstead

Most dairymen know the common cause of calfhood diarrhea (i.e. E-coli, cryptosporidium, coccidiosis, rota virus, corona virus, salmonella). Without question, the single most important thing a dairyman can do to prevent scours is to ensure the calf receives adequate amounts of high quality colostrum in the 1st twelve hours of life. Four quarts for most holstein calves is a good benchmark and should provide most calves with adequate colostral anti-body uptake.

There are also vaccines that can be administered at birth to prevent infections such as E-Coli, Rota, and Corona Virus. These vaccines are called mono-clonal anti-body. Each works by blocking receptors the infectious agent attacks. Vaccinating the dry cow to stimulate better colostrum improves the general health of the calf. These products along with good hygiene gives calves the best opportunity for a healthy start. Of all the causes of calfhood diarrhea, E-Coli is without question the easiest to treat, because it is a secretory diarrhea and because it occurs in the first couple days of life, when the calf still has a lot of fat reserves and still has a healthy intestinal system. Dehydration is usually curative. With the value of heifer calf still high, the cost of treatment has about a 3 to 1 return on investment.

If you are struggling with calfhood diarrhea, want clarification on some of the vaccine products, or are having mortality in your 1-3 day old calves, please contact us at the Marsh View Veterinary Clinic at 326-3020.

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© Marsh View Veterinary Clinic, 2007
These articles are for your educational enjoyment. They may not be republished without the permission of Marsh View Veterinary Clinic. Please contact us at 920-326-3020 or 920-326-5738 if you have any questions.