Spotting and treating navel infections in calves

Umbilical health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of calf management. Proper care of the umbilical cord significantly impacts a calf’s long-term health and productivity. Umbilical infections affect 19 to 27 per cent of calves, leading to complications such as hernias, joint infections, and poor growth.

Causes of umbilical infections

At birth, the rupture of the umbilical cord creates an entry point for bacteria. Several factors increase the risk of infection:

• Poor hygiene in calving areas: Contaminated bedding exposes newborns to harmful bacteria
• Delayed drying of the umbilical cord: Moist conditions promote bacterial growth
• Inadequate navel care: Lack of disinfectant treatment allows infections to develop

Identifying umbilical infections

Early detection is key to effective treatment. Producers should watch for:

• Swollen or enlarged umbilicus (greater than 1.3 cm (0.5″) in diameter)
• Heat, pain, or discharge from the umbilical area
• Flinching or discomfort when touched
• Lethargy or poor appetite, indicating systemic infection

Studies suggest many infections go undiagnosed, reinforcing the need for routine monitoring.

Navel scoring: A tool for early detection

Navel scoring helps producers identify problems before they worsen. This system evaluates size, heat, pain, and discharge, assigning a severity score from 0 to 3. A score of 0 indicates a healthy navel, while higher scores signal infection risks. By integrating navel scoring into calf health assessments, producers can detect infections sooner and act quickly.

Download the “Navel health” resource here.

Hygiene practices and infection prevention

A clean, dry environment is critical to reducing bacterial exposure. Producers should:

• Use deep, clean bedding to prevent moisture build-up; do the kneel test to double-check
• Maintain proper ventilation to minimize the spread of bacteria
• Disinfect calving pens before use and replace bedding regularly
• Dip the umbilical cord in iodine or chlorhexidine immediately after birth

Routine navel scoring allows for early intervention when infection signs appear. Combining hygiene with proactive monitoring leads to stronger, healthier calves.

Holistic management for umbilical health

Effective care extends beyond navel disinfection. A holistic approach includes:

• Optimal colostrum intake: Newborns need four litres within 30 minutes of birth, followed by two litres within eight hours to build immunity. Continued feeding of three litres twice daily for the first three days strengthens resistance to infections
• Biofilm awareness: Milk delivery systems can accumulate biofilm, harboring bacteria. Regular sanitation is essential
• Monitoring milk feeding behavior: Changes in appetite can indicate underlying health issues

The economic impact of umbilical infections

Ignoring umbilical health can be costly. Treatment expenses, including labour and medication, add up quickly, especially in today’s competitive market. Additionally, affected calves experience slower growth rates and increased mortality, reducing overall productivity.

Conclusion

Umbilical health requires active management from birth. By maintaining clean environments, monitoring calves for signs of infection, utilizing navel scoring, and adopting holistic care strategies, producers can significantly improve calf welfare and performance.