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Greater than 60% of all calves that die before weaning, in both the beef and dairy industries, die from complications as a result of diarrhea. It’s not usually the pathogen causing the diarrhea itself that kills the animal. Sometimes the animal may die from secondary bacterial infections, or even starve to death if scouring for a prolonged period of time, but most commonly calves will die from dehydration and/or metabolic acidosis caused by the condition...

Over 50% of pre-weaned calf deaths are attributed to dehydration caused by scours. Young calves have 5-10% more body fluid than adult animals. The average 100 lb. (45.5 kg) calf requires 4.5 liters of water per day! Scouring calves may require an additional 20-30% of daily water intake to maintain body functions...

Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA’s) are byproducts of microbial fermentation in the rumen. The three most abundant VFA’s produced in the rumen are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Butyrate is a key nutrient essential for the development of rumen papillae, as the cells of the epithelial layer of the rumen wall use butyrate for energy and growth. 

Mature cattle are ruminants and utilize all four of their stomach compartments (rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum) to allow for digestion of fibrous feeds. The digestive system of a newborn calf is very different from a mature animal. Initially, the digestive process is more similar to mono-gastrics (animals with one stomach)...

The 2021 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) Annual Conference kicked off April 6th. Producers and industry professionals from across the country were able to come together to learn from each other. This year the conference was also offered virtually and producers from across the globe were able to join in and view the presentation sessions through Zoom....