Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Calf Scour Prevention and Management

Neonatal calf scour causes significant suffering and mortality, with prevention through colostrum management and hygiene being more effective than treatment.

Key Facts

Calf scour causes more economic loss than any other neonatal calf disease
Cryptosporidium, rotavirus, coronavirus, and E.coli are primary causes
Adequate colostrum in the first 6 hours of life dramatically reduces scour susceptibility
Oral rehydration therapy is the cornerstone of treatment maintaining gut function
Vaccination of dry cows against rotavirus and coronavirus provides passive immunity to calves

Welfare Considerations

Calf scour causes painful dehydration, weakness, and metabolic acidosis that progresses rapidly to death without treatment. Prevention through excellent colostrum management and hygiene is far preferable to treatment, making neonatal calf management a key welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Ensure all calves receive adequate colostrum within 6 hours of birth
Implement strict calving pen hygiene protocols to reduce pathogen exposure
Treat scouring calves promptly with oral rehydration therapy and seek veterinary advice