With calving season underway, there is always the possibility that producers will have to deal with calf scours. Early detection of scours and prompt response is by far the best approach to the success in getting calves to respond to treatment. Sometimes not all calves that sour need to be treated. Nutritional changes in a cow’s diet post-calving can cause calves to scour. This type of calf scours is commonly called “milk scours” caused by increased milk production and are characterize by the feces being white in color. Milk scours can also be caused by infrequent nursing due to a storm and when the calf does nurse, a larger than normal meal is consumed. Scour are normally caused by bacteria that include E. Coli, salmonella and Clostridium perfringens (enterotoxemia). Viral scours are caused by rotavirus and/or coronavirus. Scours may also be a result of crytosporidiosis or coccidiosis, which are parasites.

If a calf gets scours, the biggest problem that producers have to deal with is dehydration. When fluids and electrolytes are lost, they must be replaced. When using commercial products to replace electrolytes, follow the instructions so that they are properly mixed and administered. If at all possible, remove the souring calf and the dam from the herd and isolate them. Some may remove the calf from the cow, but withholding milk completely may not be best for the calf. In range conditions, it is sometimes not practical to isolate calves. From a management standpoint, make sure all calves get colostrum within 24 hours of birth. If viral scours are a problem, cows can be vaccinated prior to calving and then passive immunity passed to the calf through the colostrum.

Increased sanitation is probably the best way to prevent scours. Work to keep the calving areas clean, especially the calving barn. Remove bedding frequently. Avoid over crowding during calving which may mean you have cow/calf pairs in more than one pasture during the calving season. Avoid calving in muddy areas and areas with a high accumulation of manure.