Calf Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Methods
Calves are the cornerstone of livestock farming. Maintaining calf health is crucial for the sustainability of livestock businesses. Since calves do not acquire immunity while in the womb, they are vulnerable to diseases upon birth. The most common ailment in calves is diarrhea. Calf diarrhea is a significant issue that, due to its high mortality rate globally, can lead to substantial economic losses for businesses. A 2018 study conducted in Turkey indicated that the economic loss associated with calf deaths amounts to 525 million Euros annually. Therefore, the steps taken after birth are critical for calf health.
In calf farming, diarrhea is frequent and requires swift intervention. If not treated properly, calf diarrhea can unfortunately result in the death of the calf. In this article, we will focus on the causes of calf diarrhea and how it should be treated.
Why Do Calves Get Diarrhea? What Are the Symptoms of Calf Diarrhea?
A newborn calf comes into the world with zero immunity, meaning it is defenseless against diseases. Therefore, proper care of the newborn calf is crucial.
Calf diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
Escherichia coli (E. coli): This bacterium causes diarrhea in calves by secreting toxins in the intestines, increasing fluid production, and leading to diarrhea. It also causes damage to the intestines, which can result in blood loss and ultimately death.
Rotavirus: Damages the intestines, leading to fluid loss and diarrhea.
Coronavirus: A virus transmitted via respiratory routes, it also affects the intestines, damaging the intestinal lining.
Cryptosporidium parvum: This protozoan parasite damages the intestinal lining and impairs the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the calf.
Salmonella: These bacteria produce toxins that cause inflammation in the intestines.
Factors That Can Cause Calf Diarrhea:
Inadequate Colostrum Intake: If a newborn calf does not receive sufficient colostrum, its immune system may be weakened, increasing the risk of diarrhea. Colostrum is an important milk that newborn calves need to receive from their mothers in the first 28 days to build immunity against diseases. Receiving colostrum is the most crucial factor for the calf's survival and health.
Barn Climate Control: Poor climate control in the barn can negatively affect both the comfort and health of the calf. Excessive heat and humidity can trigger factors that lead to diarrhea.
Milk Feeding Hygiene: If the milk provided to the calf is not hygienic, it may introduce microorganisms that cause diarrhea.
Weaning Time: If the calf is not weaned at the appropriate time, it can lead to digestive problems and consequently, diarrhea.
Care and Housing Conditions: The environment in which newborn calves are cared for is very important. Calves with undeveloped immune systems need extra attention in their care and housing conditions.
Stress Factors Reducing Animal Resistance: Environmental factors that can stress the calf (social stress, transport stress, etc.) may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of diarrhea.
Clinical Symptoms of Calf Diarrhea:
Abnormal consistency and color of feces,
White, yellow, or bloody feces,
Weak, lethargic, and depressed appearance,
Refusal to feed,
Low body temperature (especially cold ears, udder, nose tip, and feet),
Difficulty standing,
Reduced or no urination,
Decreased skin elasticity and sunken eyes.
What Should Be Done When a Calf Has Diarrhea? What Helps with Calf Diarrhea?
Calf diarrhea is a critical issue for the operation. Immediate intervention is necessary as soon as diarrhea is observed. If possible, an analysis should be conducted to identify the factors causing the diarrhea. This helps prevent the spread to other calves and allows for the necessary precautions to be taken. The cause of the diarrhea should be identified and urgent measures should be taken.
Always consult a veterinarian and strictly follow the treatment plan prepared by them.
As diarrhea can lead to death, it is essential to promptly address the sick calf. The sick calf should be isolated from other calves and kept in a hygienic environment with appropriate housing conditions.
Even if there is no visible fluid loss, rehydration of the sick calf should be ensured. The sick calf should be given plenty of water enriched with electrolytes to maintain its body fluids. Ensuring that the calf receives sufficient water is crucial. Treatment may include broad-spectrum antibiotics and sulfonamides.
What Should I Do to Prevent Calf Diarrhea?
To prevent calf diarrhea, the primary focus should be on proper calf care. Since calves have underdeveloped immune systems, the first step is always to ensure proper care. The environment where newborn calves are kept should be hygienic. It's crucial to protect calves from disease-causing external factors as much as possible. The environment for newborn calves should:
Maintain a temperature not exceeding 16°C or falling below it.
Have separate compartments for calves, with dry and clean bedding. Soiled bedding should be replaced.
Avoid drafts and ensure proper air circulation in the environment of calves with underdeveloped immune systems.
Ensure that cows receive necessary vaccinations before giving birth. The cow should be moved to a separate area at least one week before calving, and a hygienic and suitable environment should be provided.
Calf rearing is critically important in livestock farming. Businesses should be familiar with correct and scientific methods and use appropriate products. With Integro Gıda’s calf feed additives, you can use scientifically accurate products for calf rearing and effectively prevent diseases such as calf diarrhea.
Direnç Buzağı Jel, with its strong vitamin and mineral composition, supports calf development and helps protect against diseases. By strengthening the immune system, it significantly reduces mortality due to digestive and respiratory diseases that occur within the first week after birth. The gel is administered orally to the calf within the first 12 hours after birth.
BuziBON, developed by Integro Gıda, is the first and only licks block designed for calves. The molasses-based licks block contains specially selected vitamins and minerals for healthy development. BuziBON can be freely provided to animals and is an effective solution for contributing to the immune system and preventing calf diarrhea and other diseases.
What is a Calf? Which Species Does It Belong To?
A calf is the young of a cow that is born, fed with milk, and remains a calf until weaning. Calves are a crucial element in livestock farming, requiring special care and playing a critical role in the sustainability of farming operations. Integro Gıda supports the development and immune system of calves with its specialized products designed for calf care.
