Scours
Diarrhoea is one of the most common health problems amongst
young calves.
Approximately one third of all calves suffer from diarrhoea
during their first two weeks of life and this is a common cause of
death in young calves
The financial losses resulting from diarrhoea are enormous; the
cost of treatment, failure of calves gaining weight, the extra work
to farmers and stock fatalities.
A distinction is made in principle between non-infectious causes
(usually feed-related) and infectious causes of diarrhoeal
diseases; Infectious is most common causing approximately 80% of
cases. In the majority of cases, pathogens are of primary
importance.
Non Infectious causes include:
- Colostrum supply - it is estimated approx 50% of NZ calves
receive insufficient colostrum, leading to reduced immunit
- Feeding issues - too much/too little, too warm/too cold,
frequency
- Hygiene and management - Poor housing, hygiene, draughts,
- Stress - leaving mother, moving farms
These factors can lead to diarrhoea or can be predisposing
factors which allow secondary infections to invade.
Infectious causes include:
- Viruses - rotaviruses and coronaviruses
- Bacteria - E. coli, Salmonella
- Unicellular parasites - cryptosporidia, coccidia
Irrespective of the cause of diarrhoea the consequences to the
animal are essentially the same and need to be addressed
urgently.
Consequences:
- Dehydration
- Loss of electrolytes
- Acidosis
- Energy deficit
Oral rehydration solutions, such as Glutellac, can address these
consequences.
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Baycox C
Baycox C is for the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis in cattle up to 9 months caused by Eimeria bovis or Eimeria zuernii. Coccidiosis typically occurs in cattle less than a year old causing diarrhoea which is often blood stained. Recently weaned calves are particularly susceptible to outbreaks of clinical disease. One dose is effective because it attacks all stages of the parasite in the animal.
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Calform Plus
For use as a nutritional support for cows at calving, administered as an oral drench.
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