Neonatal calf scours (diarrhoea) is the leading cause of calf mortality globally. Effective prevention and prompt, welfare-positive treatment reduces significant suffering in newborn cattle.
Neonatal scours causes genuine suffering in young calves. Rapid fluid loss causes weakness, abdominal pain, depression, and the progressive deterioration of dehydration and acidosis. Calves unable to stand are in a welfare emergency — recumbency allows aspiration pneumonia and pressure sores to develop alongside the primary disease. Early recognition and prompt oral electrolyte therapy can resolve many cases before they reach this stage. Welfare-positive treatment removes the calf to a clean, warm environment, provides adequate oral fluids (minimum 4L per day), continues milk feeding alongside electrolytes, and provides pain relief where appropriate. Prevention through excellent colostrum management and dam vaccination is the most welfare-effective approach.