Maternal Scour Protection - Since the cow provides protection via the colostrum, prevention should start with her. When pregnant cows are vaccinated against bacterial and viral pathogens like E coli, Rotavirus and Coronavirus, they pass along the protection to calves through their colostrum.
Prevent Hypothermia – Cold stress presents a significant challenge to the survival of newborn calves. Warm calves quickly after birth to restore core body temperatures. The Roy-L-Heat Animal Warmer utilizes a 110-volt heater to circulate warmth, quickly drying and warming newborns. A Calf Coat repels moisture and wind, offering a degree of protection for newborns or young calves.
Colostrum - It’s important that the calf received adequate colostrum to achieve passive transfer of immunity from disease. Supplementation may be desirable, especially during inclement weather, which can increase pathogen load and weaken the calf’s immune system.
Antibiodies – Provide some scour protection until the immune system is functional.
Respiratory Protection – against respiratory diseases IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV and Mannheimia haemolytica (pasteurella). Modified live (MLV) products for calves have the advantages of a fast immune response and long duration of immunity.
Antibiotics - Scours and pneumonia caused by bacterial infections may improve with the use of sulfas and antibiotics.
Calf scours that are resistant to treatment may be caused by Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto). The organism invades cells in the intestines and can quickly spread through a high percentage of the calf crop. Avoid buying calves to cross-foster, as this is the usual source of the organism. Clean, dry calving areas also help prevent infection. Lori H
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