Calf scours is something that is concerning for all cow/calf producers. It causes more financial loss to producers than any other health problem in their herd. It can come out of nowhere and spread throughout your herd much like wildfire. The main issue with this disease is that it can be confusing for some people.
The trouble with calf scours is that it is not a single disease that causes it. Instead, it is a clinical sign that is associated with several diseases. Despite its many causes, one common sign is your calves having diarrhea. Regardless of what is causing it, diarrhea prevents the absorption of fluids in the intestines. Because of this, the onset of calf scours is very serious.
As any producer will tell you, it is severe. Calf scours is the primary cause of death in calves from 2 to 30 days of age. However, despite the seriousness of this disease, it is relatively treatable. The leading cause of death from this disease is dehydration from fluid loss. Let us look at ways to treat and prevent calf scours from taking their toll on your calf herd.
Gut health is one of the often underutilized components of a successful operation. Sure, people have a basic understanding of it when it comes to nutrients and their absorption, but that is usually as far as it goes. Producers often need to fully understand what it entails or even what factors can influence it.
Calf scours is something that is concerning for all cow/calf producers. It causes more financial loss to producers than any other health problem in their herd. It can come out of nowhere and spread throughout your herd much like wildfire. The main issue with this disease is that it can be confusing for some people.
