Virbac DB

Correct management in the transition period, including meeting greater needs for trace minerals, underpins milk yields, fertility and profitability in the subsequent lactation.

Scours is one of the biggest killers of calves under 12 weeks of age yet the majority of cases can be prevented.

Scours is the greatest single cause of death in young calves, but a new survey has revealed the emotional and financial toll it takes on dairy farmers and why vaccination can be key to managing that disease risk. Debbie James reports.

Ensuring calves have adequate trace mineral levels is an important factor in reducing the risk of diseases such as calf scour in young calves, as it helps their immune system fight off health challenges.

Good husbandry is essential for securing a calf’s long-term health and productivity and for protecting against cryptosporidiosis, the most common cause of scours in beef and dairy youngstock.

Good colostrum management is vital for preventing scours, the greatest single cause of death in young calves.

Good colostrum management is vital for preventing scours, the greatest single cause of death in young calves.

New guidance on vaccination to improve cattle health in the UK prioritises scours as a disease which livestock should be protected against by default.