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Calf Health: Introduction To Scours
Calf scours causes more financial losses to cow-calf producers than any other health problem in their herds. Calf scours is not a single disease; it is a clinical sign associated with several diseases characterized by diarrhea. Regardless of the cause, diarrhea prevents the absorption of fluids from the intestines; also, body fluids pass from the scouring calfs body into the intestines. A calf is approximately 70 percent water at birth. The scouring calf loses fluids and rapidly dehydrates. In addition, dehydration is associated with loss of essential body chemicals (electrolytes)-sodium and potassium-and the buildup of acid. The scouring calf becomes dehydrated and suffers from electrolyte loss and acidosis. Infectious agents cause the primary damage to the intestine, but death from scours usually results from dehydration, acidosis, and loss of electrolytes. The identification of infectious agents which cause scours, however, is essential for implementing effective preventive measures.
Source: Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A & M University System
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