The clay-colored stool sounds like coccidiosis or cryptosporidiosis, and the malodorous manure sounds like salmonella. Contact your local veterinarian to help you diagnose this problem in your calves. There are many Web-based resources for details on coccidiosis or cryptosporidiosis. Check the eXtension Web resources on this DAIReXNet Web site and also Jim Quigley's "Calf Notes" (www.calfnotes.com).
Dick Wallace, DVM, MS, Dairy Extension Veterinarian. University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET
Hugh Chester-Jones, Dairy and Beef Specialist, University of Minnesota
FAQ #25303
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I have a 6-week-old calf that was born healthy, fed colostrum, and was doing fine. All of a sudden she developed a suppressed appetite, and her manure is clay in color with an odd odor. She is no longer bright and has a rough hair coat. Her maternal sister developed the same condition last year and died at 8 weeks.
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