Diseases
Calf Scours
I Nutrition
a. Causes
This is caused by poor nutrition and feeding e.g. dirty milk, dirty buckets, overfeeding etc.
b. Signs
- Calf scours
- Loss of appetite
- Rise in temperature
- Dejectedness
- Dehydration
c. Control
- Reduce or completely withdraw milk for two to three meals
- If the above does not work withdraw milk 2-3 meals and then replace it with warm water mixed with ½ tablespoon of baking powder plus two tablespoons of common salt and 110g of glucose (should be mixed in 4.5 litres of warm water).
II Infection
a. Causes
- This is mainly caused by infection of virus and bacteria
b. Signs
- Dehydration sets in.
- Calf weaken very fast
c. Control
- Call a Veterinary Doctor for treatment
Calf Pneumonia
a. Causes
- The disease occurs if the calf is exposed to sudden chilly conditions (e.g. droughty quarters).
b. Signs
- Watery discharge from nose and eyes
- Shallow and rapid breathing
- Calf coughs and will not eat
c. Control
- House all calves for the first 6 weeks if in cold areas.
- Call veterinary help when it occurs.
Parasites
Etoparasites
a. Types
- These are mainly ticks, fleas, lice and flies
b. Control
- Regular dipping or spraying with approved and effective acaricides and insecticides.
Endo-parasites
a. Types
- Mainly roundworms, flatworms, liver flukes, etc
b. Control
- Dose calves with recommended anthelmintics at 4 months and every 6 months thereafter.
c. Method
Drenching
- Restrain the animal either by putting it between you legs (for small animals) or by putting it into a crush.
- Measure the drug into the bottle or drenching gun according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Put one hand over the animals nose, open the mouth just enough to admit the gun or the bottle.
- Place the bottle in the corner to the animal’s mouth and ensure that the tongue is not held when dosing.
- Hold the mouth closed for a few seconds after withdrawing the gun or bottle so that the drug is completely swallowed.
Vaccination
Calves should be vaccinated against killer diseases such as:-
- 4 months old – against black quarter disease
- 6 months old – against Anthrax and Black Water
- 3-8 months old – against Brucellosis in heifers.
