The expert's advice: 5-point plan for a healthy calf

During the rearing phase of newborn calves, the treatment of respiratory diseases is an important factor in the health of the calf. After viral diarrhea, respiratory diseases are the next largest causes of losses in calves at a young age. The experts have estimated that the losses in the treatment of a calf suffering from influenza /enzootic bronchopneumonia/ with a mild course is 90 euros. In a severe case, we already pay around 230 euros.

5-point plan for a healthy calf.

The calf owner should have a plan to manage calf health on the farm. This plan should contain at least five points :

1. Activation of the immune system: The farmer must ensure that the newborn calf drinks four liters of colostrum during the first two hours of life.
2. Vaccine: the vaccination program must be developed together with the veterinarian. Vaccination is possible already on the eighth day after birth. After two primary immunizations, active immunity slowly accumulates. This means that from around the seventh week the animals are already protected.
3. Early detection of the disease: The average duration of the examination is 47 hours. Two days pass from the first fever to the onset of symptoms. Any calf that has a temperature above 39.5 degrees should be treated immediately.
4. Attitude: Bovine influenza is a factor disease. Therefore, consideration should be given to providing a stable climate, grouping, bedding and environmental hygiene, drinkers and feeders.
5. Drinking and eating: Drinking water should not be too cold. Heated drinkers and water temperatures of five to 15 degrees Celsius are recommended. The optimal temperature for drinking milk from a heat exchanger should be around 40 degrees Celsius.

Symptoms of beef flu:

• Body temperature above 39.5 degrees Celsius
• Frequent breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Respiratory rate - over 36 breaths per minute
• The head is relaxed
• Ears hanging down
• Nasal discharge
• Tearing
• The calf does not respond to stimuli
• Calves do not react when it is time to drink for feeding
• Food and liquid intake decrease
• Once we find these external signs, we should immediately contact a veterinarian to start treatment.

Source: Govedovad.eyu