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FAQ #28672

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We have a three month old calf that has had scours for five weeks now. He was treated for coccidia, but the last test results showed him parasite free. We tried several antibiotics, treated for worms, changed pens, changed milk replacers to medicated, and feed gelling agents with electrolytes everyday for the last three weeks. The calf is getting skinnier and skinnier. I feel we are losing the battle and the vet is out of ideas. Please help! The calf eats hay well but not a lot of calf starter.

Related resource areas: Beef Cattle


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Sometimes after severe coccidia, or other gut infections there is enough injury to the lining of the intestines that nutrients are unable to be absorbed. The result is that, even though the original infection is cured, the calf has become unable to utilize the nutrients being fed. Because these nutrients are passing through the gut they carry water with them and the result is called a malabsorptive diarrhea. Calves with malabsorptive diarrhea do not perform well and they may never realize their growth potential.

You are waiting for the gut to regain its normal function. At this point you should try to provide any nutrient rich feeds that the calf is willing to consume; for example, a high quality alfalfa hay and a good calf starter. Avoid using antibiotics or other medications that might prevent the growth of the microorganism necessary for digestion.

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