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What Causes Scours in Calves?
Scours, commonly known as calf diarrhea, is one of the most distressing conditions a young calf can face. While it might seem like a minor issue, scours can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and even death if not addressed quickly.
Help! My Calf Has Scours, What Should I Do?
Scours, commonly known as calf diarrhea, is one of the most distressing conditions a young calf can face. While it might seem like a minor issue, scours can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and even death if not addressed quickly. For dairy farmers, especially those raising calves from day one, understanding and managing scours is essential to protecting both animal health and economic productivity.
What Causes Scours in Calves?
Scours is usually triggered by:
- Infections – bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (Rotavirus, Coronavirus), or parasites (Cryptosporidium)
- Poor colostrum intake – calves need high-quality colostrum within the first few hours of life
- Unclean environments – dirty pens, feeding equipment, or bedding
- Sudden changes in diet, stress, or cold weather
Signs to Watch Out For:
- Loose or watery stool (yellow, white, or grey)
- Weakness and fatigue
- Dry mouth or sunken eyes (signs of dehydration)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
How to Respond Immediately:
- Rehydrate – Use oral electrolytes to restore fluid and mineral balance.
- Separate the calf – Avoid infecting others; scours is often contagious.
- Clean the environment – Disinfect feeding bottles, pens, and hands.
- Call a vet – They’ll help diagnose the cause and determine if medication is needed.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Prevention begins with good hygiene, proper nutrition, timely vaccinations, and regular observation. Ensuring calves get enough high-quality colostrum and live in a clean, warm environment drastically reduces risk.
🟢 Where NdamaPlus® Comes In
While treatment is vital during scours, post-recovery nutrition and growth support are just as important. That’s where NdamaPlus® by DairyVerse shines.
NdamaPlus® is ideal for calves aged 1 to 15 months, formulated to:
- Promote faster and healthier weight gain
- Improve digestion and reduce bloat
- Enhance coat condition for a visibly healthier animal
- Completely eliminate pot-bellies within 3 months
- Strengthen immunity and reduce post-scours recovery time
It’s not just about treating illness, it’s about building stronger calves from the inside out.
