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Stark-Billings County |
Extension Spotlites
April 9, 2009
Dealing with Scours
This springs snow/rain have severely hampered the ability of calves to survive.
Feed supplies are limited, so the pregnant dam may not be receiving adequate nutrition, which causes a decrease in colostrum quantity and quality, and also leads to dystocia because the female doesnt have enough energy to go through parturition. Also, the calving areas are muddy and crowded and become easily contaminated with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Pregnant females require a ration balanced for energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Producers should make a special effort to ensure these cattle get enough energy. Producers may need to consider other feedstuffs, such as grain, to augment or replace hay supplies. Poor-quality feedstuffs are also low in vitamin A. vitamin A deficiency increases the number of weak or stillborn calves and the number of scours cases.
The newborn calf needs a place that is as dry and clean as possible to reduce the incidence and severity of scours. Snow should be moved off frozen ground to provide a place for cattle to lie down. Clean bedding should be provided to help keep calves dry and warm.
Once scours starts and a calving area has become contaminated, nothing can be done to clean the environment or stop transmission of the pathogens. If this happens, producers need to consider moving the pregnant females that have not calved to another site to continue with calving.
The calf also must receive sufficient colostrum from its dam. At a minimum, the calf should receive 1 quart by 30 minutes of age and 2 quarts by 12 hours of age. The No. 1 cause of calves becoming ill is directly related to not receiving enough colostrum in the first 12 hours of life.
Treatment of scours should be directed toward alleviating dehydration, acidosis and electrolyte loss. Oral fluids used early in the scouring process have been quite successful. Most dehydrated calves also suffer from hypothermia. Providing an external source of heat during fluid/electrolyte treatment often is necessary.
Antibiotics can be very beneficial when used in conjunction with fluid therapy. The most effective antibiotics for treating scours are prescription medications. Producers need to consult their veterinarian about using the most appropriate antibiotic for their operation.
Also see Calf Scours: Causes, Prevention, Treatment
Also see Preparing for a Successful Calving Season
For more information contact:
Kurt Froelich,
Extension Agent
NDSU Extension Service
Stark-Billings County
1340 W. Villard St.
Dickinson ND 58601-4646
(701) 456-7665