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Neonatal Calf Diarrhoea: Welfare-Centred Management

Neonatal calf diarrhoea (scour) is the leading cause of calf mortality worldwide. This guide focuses on welfare-centred prevention and treatment.

Key Facts

Scour causes rapid dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances
Causes include E. coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, and Cryptosporidium
Affected calves show weakness, sunken eyes, and reduced suck reflex
Without treatment, severe cases are fatal within 24-48 hours
Early intervention with oral rehydration is life-saving
Prevention through colostrum management is most effective

Welfare Considerations and Management

Rapid assessment of hydration status guides treatment intensity. Mild cases respond to oral electrolytes; severe cases require intravenous fluids. Pain management with anti-inflammatories improves welfare and recovery. Vaccination of dams pre-calving provides passive immunity. Hygienic calving environments dramatically reduce infection pressure.

What You Can Do

Ensure calves receive adequate high-quality colostrum within 2 hours of birth
Maintain clean, dry, well-ventilated calving environments
Have oral rehydration fluids readily available throughout calving season
Train staff to assess and treat scour cases promptly