Calf Mortality in Cow Herds Floron C. Faries, Jr., DVM, MS Professor and Program Leader for Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas A&M University System College Station, Texas Calf Scours Causative Disease Agents Calf Ages Bacteria E. coli <5 da C. perfringens B, C 5-30 da C. perfringens D >30 da Salmonella >15 da Viruses Rotavirus 5-15 da Coronavirus 5-15 da BVD >30 da Protozoa Cryptosporidia 5-30 da Coccidia >15 da Calf Ages Disease Agents <5 da E. coli 5-15 da Rotavirus Coronavirus C. perfringens B, C Cryptosporidia 15-30 da C. perfringens B, C Cryptosporidia Coccidia Salmonella >30 da Coccidia Salmonella C. perfringens D BVD
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 Causative Disease Agents E. coli Lepto Causative Disease Agents Bacteria Pasteurella H. somnus Viruses IBR PI 3 BRSV BVD Stress Weather Weaning Calf Septicemia Calf Pneumonia
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/PI 3 /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