calving tech bulletins m upply distributingmetaphylaxis. metaphylaxis refers to giving an antibiotic...

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This document contains the following Technical Bulletins and Product Charts.

Click on the name of the topic to access it. To return to the Table of Contents from any page within this document, click the Ctrl+Home buttons on your keyboard. You can also print this entire document or sections of it.

1. Calf Pneumonia• Tech Bulletin• Treatment Chart

2. Colostrum Replacers• Tech Bulletin• Product Chart

3. Scours Prevention• Tech Bulletin

4. Scours Identification• Tech Bulletin

5. Nutraceuticals• Tech Bulletin

6. Electrolytes• Tech Bulletin• Product Chart

7. Properly Tube a Calf• Tech Bulletin

Table of Contents

MIDWEST SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTING

MIDWEST SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTINGCalving Tech Bulletins

Professional Veterinary Services Technical Bulletin

www.mws-d.com 800.397.6972

Content provided by ANIMART Professional Services© 2016 Midwest Supply & Distributing

Pneumonia, also known as shipping fever or bovine respiratory disease (BRD), is the second most common cause of calf death. Calves have very small lungs compared to their body size so any pneumonia episode will cause a certain degree of permanent lung damage, making it difficult for the calf to thrive. Calves most commonly get pneumonia after a period of stress (such as weaning, dehorning, castrating, or moving). When stressed, a calf’s immune response decreases, allowing viruses or bacteria to grow in the lungs and cause disease. Pneumonia is a very expensive disease due to decreased weight gain and increase treatment costs. Preventing pneumonia is the best option for superior calves.

Pneumonia: Causes, identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

What Causes Pneumonia? Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria or a combination of both.

Viruses: Most are rarely fatal by themselves, but they damage the lining of the lungs and cause decreased immune function which will allow bacteria to populate the lungs. Viruses usually affect the upper part of the lungs.

• Bovine herpes virus (also known as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, or IBR)• Calves can recover from pneumonia but viruses remain hidden in the nose for the rest

of the calf’s life and will reactivate when the calf is stressed, thus infecting other cattle• Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) type 1 and 2

• Calves infected with BVD before they are born are called persistently infected (PI) calves and will shed the virus continuously throughout their life• PI calves can look completely healthy but may infect other calves• Calves should be tested for PI status, and any PI animals should be culled

• Bovine parainfluenza type 3 (PI3)• Causes very mild respiratory signs if no other infection but predisposes to

secondary bacterial pneumonia• Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)

• BRSV can cause severe and sudden pneumonia by itself• Cattle can be re-infected multiple times throughout their lives, as immunity is short-lived

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• Droopy ears• Increased respiratory rate and/or noise• Difficulty breathing• Sudden death• Open-mouthed

breathing

What Causes Pneumonia? Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria or a combination of both.

Bacteria: Most are normal residents of the nose that descend into the lungs when a calf’s immune system is jeopardized. Bacteria usually affect the bottom part of the lungs.

• Mannheimia haemolytica (used to be called Pasteurella haemolytica)• Most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in feedlot calves• Severe, rapid and deadly pneumonia; if calves survive the initial infection, they often

have chronic pneumonia • Lungs are usually covered in a thin yellow film, and the lung cavity is filled with a

large amount of light yellow fluid• Histophilus somni (used to be called Haemophilus somnus)

• Also causes brain and joint infections• Lungs are often red and thick with large pus pockets

• Pasteurella multocida• Most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in dairy calves• Lungs are often red and thick with large pus pockets

• Mycoplasma bovis• Also causes joint and middle ear infections• Respond poorly to standard antibiotic treatment resulting in chronic pneumonia• Lungs often have multiple small pus-filled bumps

Identifying Pneumonia

Symptoms:• Fever over 103.5° F• Coughing• Runny nose• Neck outstretched with front legs

held away from the chest• Droopy ears

• Increased respiratory rate and/or noise • Difficulty breathing • Sudden death • Open-mouthed

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• Reduced conception rate• Abortions• Still births• Premature births

• Birth defects• Weak calves• Stunted growth in calves

PI cows or cows infected with BVDV during pregnancy can display:

How to Diagnose Pneumonia?

Deceased Calves• Necropsy provides the best results; sections of lung should be sent to the

diagnostic lab for further testing, as multiple pathogens are often involved Live Calves

• PI BVD: Ear notch or blood sample• Nasal swabs: Since most of the bacteria normally live in the nose without causing

disease, this test provides limited results • Tracheal swabs: Will show which bacteria have descended to the

lungs, but should be gathered by a veterinarian• Antibody titers in blood: Need two samples (one at the time of

disease outbreak, the second 3-4 weeks later). Not beneficial in young calves that received colostrum, as they have antibodies from their mothers that would interfere with the results

How to Treat Pneumonia?

Regardless of the cause, all calves with pneumonia should be treated with an antibiotic as soon as possible. Antibiotics will be most effective in the early stage of disease. Once a large amount of lung damage occurs, all antibiotics will fail. Treatment should continue for at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. The choice of which antibiotic to use is very organism and farm dependent, and should be recommended by your on-farm veterinarian following bacterial susceptibility results. Calves with pneumonia also benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment.

Metaphylaxis

Metaphylaxis refers to giving an antibiotic to an animal that is in the early stage of disease or is at great risk of developing pneumonia. An example of this would be giving an antibiotic at the time of movement. Metaphylaxis aims to prevent pneumonia by killing the bacteria before they reproduce and cause lung damage. It may not prevent all cases of pneumonia, but it has been shown to be beneficial and cost-effective.

An antibiotic that states it can be used for control of BRD can be used for metaphylaxis if there is a previous history of pneumonia at the time of stress. However, certain antibiotics are illegal if used in an extra-label manner, which may include treating animals that are not ill. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for usage instructions unless you have been given specific directions by your veterinarian. Using antibiotics indiscriminately for metaphylaxis should never replace proper management and other preventative strategies.




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Vaccines can be helpful but DO NOT replace proper management

How to Vaccinate to Prevent Pneumonia?

Vaccinate 10-14 days before a known stressful event to allow time for the body to mount an immune response to the vaccine.

• Modified live viral vaccines will provide the best and longest-lasting protection• Do not use on non-vaccinated pregnant or nursing cows as the live BVD portion of

the vaccine can infect the calf, potentially causing a PI calf • Killed virus vaccines can safely be given at any time but usually do not provide as

long of protection• Intranasal vaccines provide almost immediate protection from pathogens, but

immunity is generally short-lived (around 7 weeks)• Can be given more often without harming the animal’s immune system and can be

given at the time of stress to aid in protection• Always follow the vaccine manufacturer’s directions

**Always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about pneumonia causes, identification, diagnosis, treatment or prevention.

How to Prevent Pneumonia?

• Calves should be born into a clean, dry environment and be given adequate amounts of good quality colostrum or colostrum replacer

• Calves need fresh, draft-free air at all times• Hutches provide the best air quality for pre-weaned calves• Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) systems work well for

group housing• Avoid stress as much as possible

• Separate multiple stressors (such as weaning, moving, dehorning and castrating) by at least a week




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For more information contact:1.800.397.6972 l www.mws-d.com

Antibiotic Class

Product Name Drug Indications Respiratory Bacteria

Covered Frequency Efficacy Meat Withdrawal Notes

Acetamides

Nuflor Florfenicol BRD treatment & control, foot rot

Mannheimia, Histophilus, Pasteurella

Single orMulti Dose

4 days 38 days DO NOT USE in dairy animals over 20 months old

Nuflor Gold Florfenicol BRD treatment Mannheimia, Histophilus, Pasteurella, Mycoplasma

Once 4 days 44 days DO NOT USE in dairy animals over 20 months old

Resflor Gold Florfenicol,Flunixin

BRDtreatment,fever control

Mannheimia,Histophilus, Pasteurella,Mycoplasma

Once 4 days 38 days DO NOT USE in dairyanimals over 20months old

Quinolones

Baytril Enrofloxacin BRD treatment & control

Mannheimia, Histophilus, Pasteurella, Mycoplasma

Single orMulti Dose

12 hours 28 days DO NOT USE in dairy animals over 20 months old

Advocin Danofloxacin BRD treatment Mannheimia, Pasteurella Single orMulti Dose

12 hours 4 days DO NOT USE in dairy animals of any age

Macrolides

Tylan Tylosin BRD treatment, foot rot, calf diphtheria, metritis

Pasteurella, A. pyo Daily 21 days DO NOT USE in dairy animals over 20 months old

Micotil Tilmicosin BRD treatment & control


Once 3 days 42 days DO NOT USE in dairy animals over 20 months old; Accidental injections in humans are fatal

Draxxin Tulathromycin BRD treatment & control, pinkeye, foot rot



Zactran Gamithromycin BRD treatment & control



Zuprevo Tildipirosin BRD treatment & control



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Please note that these are per label instructions from the manufacturer. If you have further questions, please contact your veterinarian.

Calf Pneumonia Treatment OptionsProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

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©2016 Midwest Supply & Distributing

Antibiotic Class

Product Name Drug Indications Respiratory

Bacteria Covered Frequency Efficacy Meat Withdrawal Notes

Tetracyclines

LA 200, Agrimycin 200

Oxytetracycline BRD treatment, pinkeye, foot rot, calf diphtheria, enteritis, woody tongue, metritis

Mannheimia, Histophilus

Single orMulti Dose

28 days Causes large lumps when given under the skin

Agrimycin 100 Oxytetracycline BRD treatment, foot rot, calf diphtheria, enteritis, woody tongue, metritis

Mannheimia Daily 22 days Not for use in lactating dairy animals

300 Pro LA Oxytetracycline BRD treatment & control, pinkeye, foot rot, calf diphtheria, enteritis, woody tongue, metritis

Mannheimia, Histophilus

Single orMulti Dose

28 days Not for use in lactating dairy animals

Aureo Granular

Chlortetracycline BRD treatment & control, enteritis

Pasteurella Daily 7 days Follow label directions for proper mixing to ensure correct meat withdrawal

SulfasAlbon, Di-Methox

Sulfadimethoxine BRD treatment, foot rot, calf diphtheria

Mannheimia Daily 7 days Can be used in lactating dairy animals

Penicillins

Pen-Aqueous Penicillin BRD treatment Pasteurella Daily 10 days; Follow withdrawals per label directions

Prolonged meat withdrawals will result if using more than label specifies

Polyflex Ampicillin BRD treatment Pasteurella Daily 6 days Can be used in lactating dairy animals

Cephalosporins

Naxcel Ceftiofur BRD treatment, foot rot


Daily 4 days Store in refrigerator for up to 7 days once reconstituted

Excenel Ceftiofur BRD treatment, foot rot, metritis


Daily 4 days Can be used in lactating dairy animals

Excede Ceftiofur BRD treatment & control, foot rot, metritis


Once 7 days 13 days Can be used in lactating dairy animals

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With so many colostrum replacers on the market today, trying to decide on which colostrum replacer is best for your farm can be overwhelming. To help with the confusion, here is some general information so you can make a more informed decision.

When calves are born, their immune system is barely functional. In order to be protected from bacteria and viruses in the environment calves need to acquire antibodies, or immunoglobulins (IgG), from their mothers. Colostrum contains a very high level of antibodies.

• Calves can ONLY get IgGs from colostrum• IgGs are absorbed by a calf straight through the gut into their bloodstream• IgG provides almost immediate protection from pathogens• Failure of passive transfer (FPT) is when a calf does not receive or absorb enough IgG from colostrum -These calves are much more likely to get sick and die, thus increasing treatment costs

Preventing FPT by providing adequate colostrum is significantly less expensive than treating sick calves or losing valuable replacements. All calves should receive 1 gallon of high quality colostrum within 1 hour of birth.

Why is Colostrum Important?

Natural maternal colostrum is still considered the best option as long as you are willing to spend the extra time ensuring its quality. Colostrum should be collected as hygienically as possible less than one hour after calving. This ensures that the colostrum is clean and not diluted out by milk, as milk contains minimal IgG.

Check the colostrum using a Colostrometer or Brix RefractometerBoth of these instruments provide a value that correlates with the amount of IgG in the colostrum. If using a colostrometer, it is very important that the colostrum

be at room temperature for an accurate reading.

Colostrometer with color indicators Digital Refractometer

Quality Percentage Recommended ActionHigh Green or Greater than 22% Feed mother’s colostrum to newborns

Medium Yellow or 18% to 22% Give colostrum replacer to newborns and use mother’s colostrum as second or third feeding

Low Red or Below 18% Give colostrum replacer to newborns and discard mother’s colostrum or feed to calf 2 days of age or older

Colostrum should be heat-treated for 1 hour at 140°F to reduce the bacterial count and destroy harmful microorganisms. The colostrum from one cow should go to one calf. Multiple cows’ colostrum should never be combined and then fed to multiple calves due to the risk of infecting every calf from one cow shedding harmful bacteria.

Do I Need A Colostrum Replacer?


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Ease of use: • Readily available from many different companies • Shelf life of at least 6 months when unopened • No need to train employees on proper colostrum collection and management • Ensures that every calf receives the same quality and amount of colostrum

without having to test it yourself• Colostrum replacer may be the best option if you want to stop the Johne’s cycle

Why Would I Use a Colostrum Replacer?Recent research

has shown that too many calves will have FPT if only

given 100 g IgG. If using a colostrum replacer, each calf

should receive 150-200 g of IgG within one hour after birth in order to prevent

FPT.

A replacer, a supplement, or a

combination of both should always equal

at least

150 g IgG

contains at least 100 g IgG per package

Replacer Supplementcontains 50-55 g IgG per packageVS.

Colostrum-derived is dried cow colostrum• Same IgG, growth factors, and nutrients as maternal colostrumSerum-derived is dried cow serum (a part of the blood)• IgG comes from dried serum globulin proteins• Need to add additional fat, carbohydrates, and nutrients

Calves absorb considerably less IgG from serum-derived products than from colostrum-derived products. Therefore, you would have to feed MORE of a serum-derived product than a colostrum-derived product, even if both packages had the same level of IgG.

What is “Colostrum-Derived” and “Serum-Derived”?

Licensed companies are regulated by the USDA• Samples are sent to private lab for testing quality and purity• Manufacturing plant is inspected• Required to do feeding trials• Can claim that colostrum replacers “aid in prevention or treatment of failure of passive transfer”Non-licensed companies aren’t regulated by the USDA• Not required to do additional testing, but most companies do conduct studies• Most companies also conduct feeding trials• Can claim that colostrum replacer is “formulated to replace maternal colostrum”• Companies still manufacture high-quality product

What’s the Importance of a Licensed Colostrum Company?

IgG1 and IgG2 are sub-types of IgG. Some manufacturers like to state that their products contain more of one sub-type than another. Calves absorb both types from colostrum. Some differences include:• IgG1 is secreted back into the gut, lung, and nose to help with local surface protection • IgG1 is the major type found in colostrum• IgG2 remains in the bloodstream• Serum-based replacers have equal amounts of both types of IgG

There is no definitive research defining which is better for a calf and both types are beneficial.

What’s the Difference Between IgG1 and IgG2?

If colostrum replacer is necessary or desired,

always consult your veterinarian

to decide the best

protection from failure of passive transfer for your

operation.


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Product Manufacturer SourceFat

SourceUSDA

LicensedIgG

Amount, gSupplement/

Replacer Additional NotesCalf’s Choice Total (CCT) Colostrum Gold Saskatoon Colostrum Colostrum Colostral • 60 Supplement/

ReplacerNeed 3 bags for replacer (total 180 g IgG)

Calf's Choice Total (CCT) Colostrum HiCal Saskatoon Colostrum Colostrum Colostral • 100 Replacer Has higher fat content for cold

weather

CalviKick™ Van Beek Colostrum, Whey

Animal, Vegetable 180 Replacer

Colostrum Plus La Belle Colostrum, Whey Colostral • 100 Replacer Has specific antibodies to E. coli

Colostrum Supplement Manna Pro Colostrum, Whey Animal 25 Supplement Multi-species supplement; has

probiotics

Colostrx® CR AgriLabs/La Belle Colostrum Colostral • 100 Replacer Has added milk protein and specific antibodies to E. coli

Colostrx® CS AgriLabs/La Belle Colostrum Colostral • 50 Supplement Has added milk protein and specific antibodies to E. coli

First Colostrum La Belle Colostrum, Milk Colostral • 50 Supplement Has specific antibodies to E. coli

Genesis® 150 Provimi Whey Animal 150 Replacer

Kid Colostrum Supplement Manna Pro Whey Animal 15 Supplement For goat kids

Lifeline® Nourish APC Serum, Whey


Lifeline® Protect APC Serum, Whey

Animal, Vegetable 50 Supplement

Lifeline® Rescue APC Serum, Whey


Please note: This information was gathered from the manufacturers’ product labels. If you have further questions, please contact us.

As you select a colostrum product for your calves, consider the following:• Calves need 150-200 gm IgG for protection from failure of passive transfer (FPT).• Colostrum-based products provide the best protection from failure of passive transfer (FPT).• Calves do not absorb as much IgG from serum-based products, so you would need to use considerably more.

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Colostrum ChartProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

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Product Manufacturer SourceFat

SourceUSDA

LicensedIgG

Amount, gSupplement/

Replacer Additional Notes

Newborn Calf CR AgriLabs Colostrum, Whey Dairy 160 Replacer

Newborn Calf CS AgriLabs Colostrum, Whey Dairy 50 Supplement

Nursemate® 100 Sterling Technology Colostrum Colostral 100 Replacer Contains immu-PRIME

Nursemate® 50 Sterling Technology Colostrum Colostral 50 Supplement Contains immu-PRIME

Nursemate® PLUS 150 Sterling Technology Colostrum Colostral 150 Replacer Contains immu-PRIME

PureStart™ Colostrum Saskatoon Colostrum Colostrum Colostral • 100 Replacer Certified organic

Rite Start™ Complete Manna Pro Colostrum Dairy 100 Replacer Made from milk

Ultra Start® 150 Calf Solutions Colostrum, Whey Animal 150 Replacer

Ultra Start® 150 Plus Calf Solutions Colostrum, Whey Animal 150 Replacer Has First Defense® Technology

Please note: This information was gathered from the manufacturers’ product labels. If you have further questions, please contact us.

For use in organic production: Verify with your certifier prior to use.

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Colostrum ChartProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

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Prevention of calf scours can be difficult. The absorption of antibodies from good quality colostrum is the first line of defense and the foundation which other factors depend upon. Sanitation is the other means to prevent scours. Ideally, the use of both strategies will optimize calf health.

The only way to administer antibodies against these diseases is through the mouth and into the gut, where absorption takes place.

There are two ways to do this: 1. Vaccinate the cow against these pathogens so her colostrum is full of

specific antibodies, or 2. Use products containing these specific antibodies and administer directly

to the calf.

Both methods are time dependent; the sooner they are administered, the more complete the absorption. You should always consult your veterinarian before changing any vaccination protocols.

Vaccines for Pregnant CowsThere are several vaccines available for pregnant cows:• Guardian™• ScourGuard 4 K/C™• Scour Bos™

There are differences in the vaccination schedule and pathogen combinations as well as differences in their slaughter withdrawal. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule to ensure that antibodies in colostrum are maximized.

There are many colostrum replacer choices if an operation decides not to use the cow’s colostrum. A good quality replacer will have IgG levels over 150 grams. It is vital that sufficient amounts be administered in the first twelve hours of life when the calf’s ability to absorb the antibodies is at its highest. Calves should be fed one gallon of high quality maternal colostrum or colostrum replacer within one hour after birth to provide good immune protection. Maternal colostrum should be tested for quality and bacterial count.

Guardian™ Scourguard 4(K)/C™ Scour Bos™ 4 & 9

Salmonella can be difficult to prevent due to the many different strains, but vaccination with Endovac™, SRP™ or Entervene-D™ has been beneficial on certain farms.


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Calf Vaccines & Scouring AidsThere are several products available that supply antibodies directly to the calf that fight against bacteria, viruses and toxins.• First Defense™ offers protection against E. coli and coronavirus.• Calf Guard™, a modified live vaccine given orally to newborns, helps control scours caused by

Rota and Corona viruses.• Bovine Ecolizer + C20™ contains an antitoxin against Clostridium perfringens and an

antiserum against E. coli that aids in the prevention of scours caused by those agents.• BoviCare™ contains Crytosporidium parvum egg derived proteins that are designed to meet

enteric health needs and promote increased feed efficiency and weight gains.

The timing of administration for all products is critical. These products need to be given at least an hour prior to the first feeding to allow for adequate absorption. Once the first colostrum enters the digestive tract, it hinders the absorption of these products.

All calves should be fed from youngest to oldest, and sick calves should always be fed and treated last to decrease spread to healthy calves.

Key Areas to Inspect for CleanlinessGood sanitation is key in preventing calf scours. Remember, a calf explores its environment with its tongue and the causative agents of scours are contracted orally. A calf should be removed from the cow as soon as possible after birth to prevent it from sucking on manure on the cow’s legs and belly. A calf’s gut is wide open at birth allowing the absorption of any bacteria it comes into contact within for the first 24 hours. It is important to keep areas clean to reduce the calf’s exposure to scour-causing pathogens.

Six critical areas/items to investigate:Cleaning removes what you can see while sanitizing removes what you can’t.

Calves are the future of the business. Everything possible should be done to keep them healthy.

2. Colostrum milking buckets/hoses

• Sanitize thoroughly after every milking.

• Change hoses regularly.• For best quality colostrum, cows

should be milked within one hour of calving.

3. Esophageal feeders

• Sanitize thoroughly after every use.

1. Calving pen (most critical)

• Clean and bed this area as frequently as possible.

• Anything that comes in contact with a newborn calf should be sanitized thoroughly after every

4. Bottles and nipples

• Sanitize thoroughly after every use.

• Use brushes specially designed to clean nipples.

5. Feeding buckets

• Wash after every use.

6. Hutches and pens

• Thoroughly wash and sanitize in between calves.


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Calf scours or diarrhea can be a devastating disease; it can infect numerous animals, create large treatment costs and have a prolonged impact on animal health and performance. Scours is the primary cause of calf death before weaning. Preventative measures during this critical period are important to reduce incidence of sickness and mortality.

Calves develop scours when they are exposed to particular pathogens in the environment that then grow in their intestines. There are four main causes of diarrhea: bacterial, viral, protozoal and nutritional. Bacteria cause diarrhea by producing toxins that cause the lining of the intestines to release fluid into the gut. Both viruses and protozoa directly damage villi, which are tiny projections in the lining of the small intestine that are responsible for nutrient absorption. Thus, the gut can’t absorb nutrients or electrolytes into the bloodstream. Nutritional diarrhea develops when calves are on a poorly digestible milk replacer that allows nutrients to reach the large intestines, permitting harmful bacteria to grow. There is no research to show that feeding healthy calves excess milk will cause diarrhea.

Scouring calves will lose 5-10% of their body weight per day from water loss. Regardless of the cause, all calves require continued fluid replacement for as long as the scours continues or calves will die from dehydration alone.

Contributing factors to the development of scours include:• Inadequate amounts of colostrum• Poor quality colostrum• Difficult calving• Dirty environment• Weather extremes

Clinical signs include:• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus• Dehydration• Rough hair coat• Weight loss• Weakness • Sometimes fever• Death

Dehydration Symptoms Treatment0-5% Mild depression, standing, strong suckle Oral electrolytes6-8% Depression, weakness, sunken eyes, dry

mouth/nose, skin tents, some suckleOral electrolytes

8-10% Marked depression, down, very sunken eyes, prolonged skin tent, no suckle

IV fluids

10-12% Comatose, down, cold IV fluids12-14% Death NA

**Preventing diarrhea with good hygiene and colostrum management are the best management practices. Please note that these are general recommendations only and are not all-inclusive, as there are additional causes of scours. If you have further questions, please contact your veterinarian.


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Calf Scours FAQs:Q: My calf has scours, how can I tell what is causing it?A: The best way to determine the cause is to have your vet necropsy a dead calf and send tissue samples to the lab for testing. In the meantime, look for the following distinguishing features that can help pinpoint the pathogens, especially the time at which calves break with diarrhea.

Q: How do I treat calf scours?A: Regardless of the cause, all calves require fluid replacement therapy via either oral electrolytes or intravenous (IV) fluids while the scours continue.

• Fluids: If a calf is down and unable to stand, then IV fluids are required until the calf can suckle on its own. If a calf is bright, alert, still drinking, doesn’t have a fever or blood in the manure, then fluid therapy alone can be used without having to resort to antibiotic treatment. Oral electrolytes should be given at least twice a day while the scours continue, and should be offered between regular milk feedings. Calves should not be kept off milk for more than 24 hours as they need the energy in milk to grow and heal.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics will not directly help if the cause of the diarrhea is viral, protozoal or nutritional. In general, if a calf is not eating, is dehydrated, feverish, depressed, or has blood or mucous in its stool, then antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment is advised. You should consult your veterinarian to determine which antibiotic is recommended for your farm.

• Additional Treatment Options: Probiotics are commonly recommended for scouring calves. Intestinal protectants such as kaopectate and bismuth may help coat the lining of the gut and decrease scours. Activated charcoal helps absorb toxins in the gut and can be beneficial for bacterial causes of scours. Calves with coccidia need to be treated with oral Corid or sulfas.

Cause of Scours

Specific Agent Age of Onset Distinguishing features

Bacterial

E. coli Less than 5 days Septicemia (blood poisoning), severe diarrhea, sudden death

Salmonella Any time Blood/mucous in feces, high fever, pneumonia

Viral Rotavirus 5 days - 2 weeks Often paired with another causeCoronavirus 5 days - 3 weeks Sneezing, coughing, runny nose

Protozoal (Parasites)

Cryptosporidium 1 - 4 weeks Long lasting diarrhea(over 2 weeks)

Coccidia 1 - 6 months Blood/mucous in feces, overcrowded, thin, unthrifty

Nutritional Poor quality milk replacer Any time Otherwise healthy

**Please note: Humans can also become sick from E. coli, Salmonella, and Crypto. Anyone handling sick calves should thoroughly wash their hands or wear gloves. Children and the elderly should be kept away from scouring calves as they are more prone to becoming ill. If you suspect that you or a family member is infected, you should consult a doctor.

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What is a Nutraceutical?The term nutraceutical comes from combining the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” and can be defined as “a food or part of a food that provides medical or health benefits.” Although the term is relatively new, the concept behind it is not.

Vitamins play an important role in metabolism and enzyme systems. Rumen bacteria provide some nutrients, while other vitamins can be incorporated into diets to provide health benefits. • B Vitamins, which are produced by the rumen, are

important in enzyme function, nerve function and metabolism

• Vitamin A can assist with reproductive function and help to maintain mucous membranes

• Vitamin D is important for calcium metabolism; it aids in the treatment and prevention of milk fever

Minerals are important for immunity, reproduction and growth. • Selenium (Se): Widely used; shown to improve immune function and uterine health, and to increase

pregnancy rates• Copper (Cu): Incorporated into most milk replacers to aid in prevention of decreased immune

function, diarrhea, reduced weight gain and discolored hair coat

Fats are becoming more commonplace in nutraceutical products because some have shown benefits in reproduction, production and relief of heat stress.• Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Can increase dry matter intake postpartum, increase milk

production, decrease milk fat content and improve reproductive performance• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Can reduce inflammation, metabolic disease and infectious disease

in the postpartum period when fed to periparturient cows

Antioxidants help prevent or stop cell damage caused by oxidants. Oxidants are free radicals that can be found in the environment, but they are also produced when the body is fighting off viruses and microbes. Vitamins C and E are the most widely recognized antioxidants.• Vitamin C:

• Stimulates recovery from acute mammary inflammation which reduces somatic cell counts• Improves calf health by decreasing navel infections, pneumonia and scours• Adequate colostrum intake can increase short-term stores of this vitamin because colostrum contains high levels

• Vitamin E:• Aids in immune function and mastitis prevention• Rations around freshening are fortified with higher amounts of Vitamin E to maximize this effect

Types of Nutraceuticals

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The use of prebiotics and probiotics in animals has been shown to aid in digestion and immune function. Think of the rumen as a fermentation vat. Without the right population and balance of microbes, the fermentation process goes awry. The same is true of the cow rumen. If the microbes in the rumen are not balanced, the health of the animal can falter.

Probiotics or Direct-Fed Microbials (DFMs) are living organisms, like bacteria and yeast. They are commonly used in the following circumstances: • After antibiotic treatment to help re-establish the gut microflora, because the antibiotics kill both

good and bad bacteria• To help with a fresh cow’s transition period• To establish a calf’s good microflora and potentially outcompete infectious bacteria • To assist in reducing disease incidence in pre-weaned calves• To increase growth rates

Prebiotics are nondigestible sugars that can act as a nutrient source for the good bacteria/probiotics or help protect against bad bacteria. This allows the probiotics to grow in a more favorable environment, which can reduce the chance of harmful bacteria growing there.• Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) are the most common prebiotics. MOS do not feed the probiotics.

Instead the bad bacteria are attracted to them, which helps the body to pass them, thus preventing them from colonizing the GI tract and causing disease.

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Prebiotics & Probiotics

VFD FREE Effective January 2017, the FDA changed the guidelines regarding antibiotics in feed or water. Antibiotics labeled to go into the water require a prescription, while antibiotics that go into the feed now require a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD).

Due to the ruling, many producers are looking for alternatives to VFD products. Because nutraceuticals can help boost a calf’s immune system, they can be a good option for producers who are looking for ways to prevent disease in their herd.

We offer a variety of immunity-boosting products including vitamin and mineral supplements, nutraceuticals, prebiotics and probiotics. These products are available in many formulations including powder, liquid, gel, paste, capsule or bolus. Some can be used to promote the health of calves, cattle and other animal species; while others target specific conditions such as scours. Read labels carefully.

Note: Although Nutraceuticals help provide a safer food supply by allowing for decreased antibiotic use at the farm level, always be sure to do some research and consult your veterinarian before incorporating new products into your protocols.

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NutraceuticalsProfessional Veterinary Services Technical Bulletin

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Calf ElectrolytesProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

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Why are electrolytes important?When a calf has diarrhea, also known as scours, they can lose 5-10% of their body weight in one day.% Dehydration Symptoms Treatment

0-5% Mild depression, standing, strong suckle Oral electrolytes6-8% Depression, weakness, sunken eyes, dry mouth/nose, skin tents,

some suckleOral electrolytes

8-10% Marked depression, down, very sunken eyes, prolonged skin tent, no suckle

IV fluids

10-12% Comatose, down, cold IV fluids12-14% Death N/A

Scours is caused by multiple things, but fluid replacement via electrolytes is a requirement for all scours treatment. By simply reversing the dehydration, the calf can be saved without antibiotics. IV fluids are the fastest way to correct dehydration, but can be challenging to administer; making oral electrolytes the easiest alternative.

What should you look for in an oral electrolyte product?WATER, SODIUM AND SUGAR.• Water is required to reverse dehydration. Electrolytes should be mixed with water according

to the manufacturer’s directions and should NEVER be mixed with milk - it will be too concentrated, which will make the scours worse and further dehydrate the calf.

• Sodium and sugar (glucose) are the most important components of an electrolyte besides water. Calves need both sodium and glucose in order to absorb water and other electrolytes. They should range between 90-145 mmol/L. Glucose should not be higher than 200 mmol/L unless free-choice water is offered at the same time.

• Dextrose is the most common sugar in electrolyte replacers; others include fructose, maltodextrin, lactose, amylose and sucrose. Sucrose should never be given to calves as they cannot digest it and it will worsen the diarrhea.

Using a buffer:A buffer, also known as an alkalinizing agent, is equally important. Virtually every calf with diarrhea has a certain degree of acidosis, which is evident by a cold mouth, lack of suckle, or an inability to stand. A buffer will help bring the acid level down and restore a normal blood pH. An electrolyte product should contain between 50-80 mmol/L of a buffer. All buffers increase the absorption of other electrolytes, making the product more effective.• Common buffers include acetate, bicarbonate (baking soda) and citrate. Both bicarbonate and

citrate decrease milk clotting, thus making the milk less digestible. This can promote bacterial growth in the intestine which may worsen the diarrhea.

• If a product contains either bicarbonate or citrate, you should offer electrolytes 4 hours after milk was fed.

• To not interfere with milk clotting, acetate is considered the best buffer and is the easiest to metabolize.


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Calf ElectrolytesProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

Potassium and ChlorideIn general, potassium should range between 10-30 mmol/L and chloride should range between 40-100 mmol/L. Both are necessary for heart and muscle function and are lost when the calf is scouring, although there has been little research done on the required levels in an electrolyte product.

GlycineGlycine is an amino acid that is commonly added to electrolyte replacers. Research has shown that glycine increases absorption of glucose and may aid in the healing of the intestinal lining. To calculate the recommended level of glycine, add the amount of sodium and glycine together; the total should not be greater than 145 mmol/L. This total should also be about equal to the level of glucose. For example: If a product contains 80 mmol/L of sodium, 45 mmol/L of glycine and 129 mmol/L of dextrose, the total would be 125 mmol/L - (80 + 45). This is similar to the amount of dextrose, 129 mmol/L, in the product.

Other AdditivesProtein, fat, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, charcoal, kaopectate and fecal bulking agents may be added to electrolyte replacers. They are not required but may lead to a faster recovery. Protein and fat will help boost energy content, while vitamins and minerals provide essential nutrients. Little research has been done on the effectiveness of probiotics but they may help restore beneficial bacteria. Charcoal helps bind released toxins and kaopectate may coat the intestines. Fecal bulking agents such as psyllium help solidify the stools.

Other ConsiderationsMost electrolyte replacers only provide 15-25% of the calf’s daily energy requirement; thus calves need to be fed milk in addition to electrolytes in order for them to grow and fight off infections. Electrolytes should be offered at least twice a day in addition to the normal milk feedings. If a calf is alert and able to drink, milk should always be offered first followed by electrolytes. If a calf is down, IV fluids are usually required to rehydrate the calf and reverse the acidosis. Once a calf can suckle again, milk should be offered as soon as possible and further dehydration can be corrected with oral electrolytes. A calf should never be kept off milk for more than 24 hours. Oral electrolytes can safely be given by stomach or esophageal tube to any age calf. Milk should not be tubed to a calf over 7 days old as the milk will sit and ferment in the rumen, making acidosis worse.

SummaryThe most important things to look for in an electrolyte replacer are sodium, sugar and a buffer. Acetate is the best buffer for milk-fed calves. Electrolytes should always be mixed with water and given orally either via nipple, bucket or tube. Please note that oral electrolyte solutions should NEVER be given IV. These are all products we currently carry, but is not a complete list of all the electrolytes available on the market. If you have additional questions, please contact your veterinarian for further advice.

Calves are the future of the business. Everything possible should be done to keep them healthy.

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© 2018 Midwest Supply & Distributing

Product Company Nammol/L

Kmmol/L

Clmmol/L

Bicarb mmol/L

Acetate mmol/L

Citratemmol/L

Dextrose mmol/L

Fructosemmol/L

Maltodextrin mmol/L

Lactosemmol/L

Sucrose mmol/L

Amylose mmol/L

Glycine mmol/L Additional contents

Advance Arrest MSC 46 7 * * * 97 Protein, minerals

Anitime Calf Aide Animix 65 43 13 * * * * Probiotics, vitamins, minerals

Blue Ribbon Merrick's 156 20 * * 200 * * Probiotics

Bluelite C TechMix 48 34 57 * * * * * * * *

Bounce Back Manna Pro 150 9 122 37 167

Calf Restart One TechMix 261 153 * * * * * * * Probiotics, vitamins, minerals, protein, whey

CHEERS Nouriche 90 30 50 * * 40 40

Deliver AgriLabs 77 14 16 37 4 82 Fecal bulking agents

Diaque BI 87 12 54 * * * 156 7 Probiotics, fecal bulking agents, protein

Entrolyte HE Zoetis 100 23 45 78 * 29

Epic Calf Scour Formula Bioniche * * * * * Protein, probiotics, charcoal

Epic Electrolyte Bioniche 99 20 86 57 * * * Immunoglobulins, protein

Formula 911 Advantech 132 19 * * * * * Probiotics, vitamins, minerals

HydraFeed A&L Labs 115 11 62 86 14 96 32 Protein

Hydralyte Lloyd Inc. 85 30 45 60 10 368 16 Note: Need to provide free-choice water

Lifeline Intervene APC 44 6 52 * * * Protein, vitamins

Nutri-Calf Gel Production Plus * * * * * * Protein, vitamins, probiotics

Resorb Zoetis 80 26 80 2 129 45

Replenish TechMix 128 28 80 68 * * 20 Liquid, no mixing needed

Revitilyte Biomac 110 20 50 80 * 174 * 25

Sav-A-Caf Electrolytes Plus Milk Products 148 7 185 * * 236 28 Probiotics

Sav-A-Caf Theracaf Milk Products 108 22 71 45 4 134 35

Sky-High Energy Skylabs 45 53 16 * * * Fecal bulking agents, vitamins

SuperCalf Quench Animix 100 103 25 * * * 6 Vitamins

Travel-Lyte Nouriche * * * * * Not suitable for scouring calves

TheraCaf PLUS Calf Solutions 128 27 70 * * * * 30 Protein, yeast

For pricing or product inquiry, please call us at 800.3976972 or visit www.mws-d.com




Electrolyte Replacer ProductsProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

How to Properly Tube a CalfProfessional Services Veterinarian Department Technical Bulletin

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Note: Not all calf feeder devices have tubes or clamps as shown with the first Calf Feeder device. In this case, the first device has a crimp that you can use to stop flow of fluids.

1. Fill the calf feeder bag or bottle with fluid (colostrum, milk, electrolytes, etc.).

2. If using a calf feeder bottle, attach the probe to the bottle. (If using a calf feeder bag, the probe or tube will already be attached.)

3. Make sure the tube is clamped off directly underneath the bag or bottle so there is no liquid in the probe.

4. Restrain the calf by backing it into a corner and place its head between your legs. You should be facing the same direction as the calf.

5. Moisten the tip of the probe with the fluid so it will slide easier.

6. Insert finger into the corner of the calf’s mouth to open it gently.

7. Gently insert the tip of the probe into the calf’s mouth and over the tongue.

8. Continue to slowly slide the probe to the far left of the calf’s mouth. Keep the bottle or bag below the calf’s head to ensure that no fluid comes out.

9. The calf will likely struggle a little while you are inserting the probe. If the calf coughs or struggles fiercely, then pull out the probe and try again.

10. Feel for the trachea or wind pipe. It will be a slightly firm tube on the bottom of the calf’s neck. This is where you DO NOT WANT the tube! The calf’s esophagus will be directly above the trachea and towards the calf’s left side.

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11. Feel for the probe moving in the calf’s neck. If you have the probe correctly placed in the esophagus, then you will feel two “tubes”; one is the trachea, the other is the probe in the esophagus. Move the probe in and out to make sure you can feel it moving outside of the trachea.

If you only feel one tube or you can’t feel the probe moving back and forth, you are in the trachea. You MUST slowly pull the probe out and try again! If you give fluids in the trachea, the fluids will go directly into the lungs and kill the calf.

12. Once you are sure you have the probe in the calf’s esophagus, elevate the calf’s head and the bag or bottle.

13. Un-clamp the tube and allow the liquid to drain in. DO NOT squeeze the bag or bottle!

14. Make sure the calf is still breathing while you are giving the fluids.

15. Once the bag or bottle is empty, re-clamp the tube.

16. Slowly pull the tube and probe out.

Electrolytes can be safely tubed to calves at any age; however, milk replacer should only be tubed if the calf is less than 7 days old.


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