Disease can be very challenging in the calf barn. The easiest way to keep disease under control is to reduce calves’ exposure to pathogens. How we do that is easier said then done.
The first way to reduce exposure is to remove the calf from the cow within the first hour after birth. This could be as simple as pulling the calf behind a small temporary pen within the maternity pen. This pen should have clean straw and no cow contamination, with the bedding replaced after every ten calves.
If calves are left with the cow longer than one hour after birth, they are exposed to more pathogens because of the increased risk of manure contact from the cow. For example, on its first attempt to stand, the calf may take a few “face plants” before it is strong enough to stand entirely on its own four legs. This can be a source of contamination if the bedding around the cow has a high bacteria count. Another pathogen source is the cow. When a newborn calf is trying to nurse, its mouth will grab the first thing it can get, which could be a manure–contaminated leg, a dirty tail or a dirty udder.
Trouble Shooting Disease Problems in Calves
Calf Risk Assessment Checklist
Feeding
Calves should be fed youngest to oldest. Feed that is refused by one calf should not be offered to another animal. This avoids spreading disease as illness is often why calves refuse to eat.
To help to identify the signs of disease, Dr. Sheila McGuirk at the University of Wisconsin has put together Calf Health Scoring Criteria. This is an excellent resource to help score calves on sickness. When using the scoring system, ensure the same person is scoring calves, or that there is agreement amongst all those scoring by initially comparing calf assessments together.
Calf Health Scoring Chart
A disease prevention message from beyond the grave
Healthy calves are the building blocks of every successful dairy and veal operation, and early management and rearing practices are a key component of raising a healthy, productive animal. Find practical ways to help your calves reach their full potential here.
The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices.
Follow us here and on social for the latest updates on the Healthy Calf Conference 2022, including speaker announcements, sponsorship opportunities, and registration dates.