Make sure that your electrolyte solution has what diarrhea-drained calves actually need.
by Geof Smith, D.V.M.
CALF diarrhea or “scours” continues to be a major health problem. In fact, according to the last National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) dairy study, more than 60 percent of all death loss in calves less than 2 months of age is a direct result of scours.
Diarrhea has several profound metabolic effects on the calf. They include dehydration, a drop in the pH of its blood (referred to as an “acidosis”), and a loss of energy. Most calves with diarrhea are in a state of negative energy balance.
Electrolyte solutions are recommended for any scouring calf that has, at least, a partially functional gastrointestinal tract. If you give oral electrolytes to a calf with no intestinal motility, the fluid will just pool in the stomach resulting in bloat and rumen acidosis. In general, it is safe to give oral fluids to a calf with any sort of suckle reflex or that demonstrates any “chewing” action.
The quality of commercial oral electrolyte solutions varies greatly.
An oral electrolyte solution must satisfy the following four requirements: supply enough sodium to correct dehydration, provide agents (either glucose, acetate, propionate, or glycine) that facilitate absorption of sodium and water from the intestine, provide an alkalinizing agent (acetate, propionate, or bicarbonate) to correct acidosis, and provide energy.
Bovi-Mate Elyte
DRENCH-MATE’s high quality oral electrolyte solution for your calves.
Let us be part of your scours treatment today!