Poo Guide
The less glamourous side of owning calves, but being observant and understanding what different colours and consistencies are will help you identify a sick calf from a healthy one. Scours can be life threatening for calves as they loose more fluids than you can replace. If you notice your calf scouring always act immediately.
Fecal Score
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Dry to normal
Firm consistency; brown to light brown color; normal odor
Treatment
This type of poo may cause the calf to strain as they are slightly constipated. Provide midday electrolyte feeds until this no longer occurs.
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Normal
Soft to loose consistency still holds slight form; yellow, brown, or green color; mucus; slight odor
No treatment required
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Loose
Loose jelly like consistency; yellow or green color; mucus; sometimes strong odor.
Treatment
Monitor calf and offer midday supplementary electrolyte feed.
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Scours
Watery/paste like consistency; yellow, green, or clear color; mucus; slight blood; strong odor. Calves usually present with a dirty bottom.
Treatment
Contact your vet and ensure calves receive treatment within 48 hours as it will worsen without intervention. Supplement calves with a midday electrolyte feed. If they refuse tube feed them as they will quickly become dehydrated.
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Moderate to Severe Scours
Watery consistency; yellow or green, mucus; bloody.
Treatment
Contact vet immediately for advice & appropriate antidiarrhetics like scourban. Strong focus on fluid therapy and ensuring calf is well hydrated with electrolytes. If calves refuse tube feed them as they will quickly become dehydrated. If left untreated this is life threatening.
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Severe Scours
Watery Consistency: Pure blood
Treatment
Contact vet immediately for advice & appropriate antidiarrhetics like scourban. Strong focus on fluid therapy and ensuring calf is well hydrated with electrolytes. If calves refuse tube feed them as they will quickly become dehydrated. If left untreated this is life threatening.