Calf scours is one of those problems that instantly puts cow/calf producers on high alert—and for good reason. It’s the number one cause of financial loss in young calves, costing operations time, money, and sometimes entire calf crops if it gets out of hand. What makes calf scours in cattle especially frustrating is how quickly it can appear and spread. One day calves look fine, and the next you’re dealing with diarrhea, weak calves, and long nights in the barn. It can feel like a wildfire moving through a pasture, leaving producers scrambling to get ahead of it.Part of the challenge is that calf scours isn’t a single disease. It’s a clinical sign associated with several causes, ranging from management issues to infectious pathogens. No matter the trigger, the result is the same—diarrhea that prevents the calf’s intestines from absorbing fluids and nutrients. That fluid loss leads quickly to dehydration, weakness, and a calf that just can’t keep up. If left untreated, scours can escalate fast, turning what looks like a minor issue into a life-threatening emergency.
Ask any experienced producer, and they’ll tell you just how serious scours can be. Calf scours is the leading cause of death in calves between 2 and 30 days of age, and dehydration is usually the real killer, not the infection itself. The good news? Calf scours is highly treatable when caught early. With quick action, proper treatment, and a solid prevention plan, most calves can recover and go on to perform well. In the sections that follow, we’ll break down what causes calf scours, how to spot it early, and the practical steps you can take to protect your herd and your bottom line.
For a newborn calf, colostrum isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. That first milk from the cow is packed with antibodies that jump-start the calf’s immune system and protect it from disease during the most vulnerable days of its life. Without adequate colostrum, a calf starts behind the eight ball, facing a much higher risk of scours, pneumonia, poor growth, and even long-term health problems that can follow it for life.
For a newborn calf, colostrum isn’t just important—it’s critical. This first milk from the mother provides essential antibodies that help calves build their immune systems and fight off disease. Without it, their health and well-being can be compromised for the rest of their lives. A calf that doesn’t receive colostrum has a significantly higher risk of infections and diseases and may even have a shorter lifespan. But what happens when a calf doesn’t get colostrum from its mother? Whether it’s because the dam can’t produce enough or the calf isn’t nursing, you’ll need a backup plan to give that calf the best start possible.
