Calf Mortality in Cow Herds

Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MSProfessor and Extension Program Leader

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceTexas A&M System

College Station, TX 77843http://extensionvetmed.tamu.edu

Calf Scours

Causative Disease Agents Calf AgesBacteria

E. coli <5 daC. perfringens B, C 5-30 daC. perfringens D >30 daSalmonella >15 da

VirusesRotavirus 5-15 daCoronavirus 5-15 daBVD >30 da

Protozoa

Cryptosporidia 5-30 da

Coccidia >15 da

Calf Ages Disease Agents

<5 da E. coli

5-15 da RotavirusCoronavirusC. perfringens B, CCryptosporidia

15-30 da C. perfringens B, CCryptosporidiaCoccidiaSalmonella

>30 da CoccidiaSalmonellaC. perfringens DBVD

Disease Agent Sources

Carrier Cows, Heifers Manure – Vulva, ground (teats, haircoat,

grass, hay)

Diseased Calves Scours – Ground (haircoat, grass, hay)

Calf Pathology/Signs

Intestinal Mucosa Damage Irritation, necrosis, toxins

Diarrhea, Dehydration Malabsorption Hypersecretion Colon fermentation, fluid retention

Electrolyte Imbalance Acidosis – bicarbonate loss

Body Weakness

Reduced Nursing

Possible Septicemia

Calf Septicemia

Causative Disease Agents

E. coli

Lepto

Calf Pneumonia

Causative Disease Agents

BacteriaPasteurellaH. somnus

VirusesIBR

PI3

BRSVBVD

Stress

Weather

Weaning

Disease Incidence Factors

Carrier Cows, Heifers, Calves - Disease agents

Contaminated Environment - Disease agents

Stressed Cows, Heifers - Suppressed immunity Disease agent shedding Reduced colostrum quantity Reduced colostrum globulins (quality)

Thin Cows, Heifers – Low Energy Diet Reduced colostrum quantity Reduced colostrum globulins (quality)

Heifers Colostrum – Lower quantity, quality

Calves Late Colostrum Intake No local, systemic immunity

>6 hrs, >24 hrs after birth

Calves, Low Colostrum Intake Weak local, systemic immunity

< 10% body weight – First 24 hrs Weak local immunity

<10% body weight – Second day <10% body weight – Third day

Stressed Calves Dystocia, cold stress

Colostrum intake – Low, late Heat stress

Globulin absorption - Reduced

Disease Management Practices

Sanitary Measures Maternity pasture

7 da pre-calving to 1 da post-calving 15 acres per 75 females Rotate pastures anually

Nursery pasture 3 wks 20 acres per 75 pairs Rotate pastures annually

Nursing pasture 3 wks post-calving to weaning Prevent overcrowdedness

Treatment pasture/pen Isolate diseased calves 1 wk minimum

Haying, Supplement Feeding Facilities Rotate locations Manure removal

Shelter Facilities Manure removal

Prevent Stress in Pregnant Cows, Heifers Provide shelter, wind breaks Energy diet (grain) – last trimester

Assure calf nursing Within 6 hours of birth

Identify Reasons for Late/Low Colostrum Intake/Absorption Abandoned calf Calf can’t find teat Big teats Weak calf Calf kicked off Calf not mothered Udder not distended Caesarean cow/heifer

Bottle Feed Non-nursing Calf Within 6 hrs of Birth

Colostrum quantity – 5% body weight

Next 18 – 24 hrs Colostrum quantity – 5% body weight

Days 2 and 3 Colostrum quantity – 10% body weight

Disease Diagnostic Procedures

Laboratory Tests of Fresh Scour Specimen Bacteria culture/antibiotic sensitivity Virus isolation Protozoa demonstration

Disease Vaccination Practices

Pre-calving Vaccination of Pregnant Cows, Heifers Procedures

Intramuscularly, subcutaneously 2 doses, 2-3 and 6-8 wks before calving 1 dose annually

Products E. coli K-99 Bacterin Rotavirus/Coronavirus Vaccine (Killed, Modified

live) C. perfringens C,D (B) Bacterin (7-way Blackleg) Lepto (5–way) IBR/PI3/BRSV/BVD Pasteurella H. somnus

Vaccination of Calves at Calving Procedures

Orally 1 dose at birth

Products E. coli K-99 Monoclonal Antibody Rotavirus/Coronavirus Vaccine (Modified live)

Disease Treatment Practices

Dehydrated Calves Procedures

Orally, intravenously, intramuscularly

Products Oral electrolytes – 1 to 2 qts. Every 6 to 8 hrs. Intravenous electrolytes Antibiotics – E. coli septicemia

Genetic Defects

Homozygous Recessive Genes

Double Recessive Genes

Passed by both Parents

Anal Atresia Scrotal Hernia Cryptorchidism Cleft Palate Over-shot Jaw Mulefoot Dwarfism Five-legged Supernumerary Teats No Teats No Tail

Twinning

Genetic Inheritable (1% Rate) Free Martins Lighter Birth Weights Heavier Dual Weaning Weights Retained Placentas Dystocias Perinatal Calf Mortality Reduced Fertility Increased Nutritional Requirements