Newborn calf diseases are analysed in different categories. These diseases, which threaten animal health, also bring economic losses. The most common diseases are diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, septicemia and coccidiosis.
Diarrhoea is one of the most common newborn calf diseases. Diarrhoea caused by some bacteria also occurs after unsuitable feeding conditions. In other words, diarrhoea caused by damp, dirty and cold environments can manifest itself with weakness, watery stools and sudden death. Treatment includes special vaccinations and hygienic conditions. Respiratory diseases can also be caused by various infections and toxins in the environment, such as high levels of dust. Respiratory diseases are characterised by wheezing, fever and coughing. Special vaccinations are required and hygienic housing conditions must be observed.
Septicaemia, which is among the newborn calf diseases, is a disease characterised by blood poisoning observed in the first days after birth. This disease caused by dirty and cold environments and malnutrition is characterised by high fever, sudden death and rapid breathing. Septicaemia serum is applied in its treatment and regular veterinary control is important. Finally, Coccidiosis, which is frequently observed in young calves, also occurs in unhygienic conditions. Antibiotic treatment and regular vaccination are very important for this disease, which manifests itself with symptoms of weakening and diarrhoea.
How Does Newborn Calf Respiratory Distress Pass?
Newborn calf respiratory distress can be observed through two different infections. Some precautions should be taken for respiratory problems caused by bacterial and viral infections. Firstly, if we look at viral infections;
- Parainfluenza
- BRSV infection
- Rhinovirus infection
- Coronavirus
- BVD (bovine virus diarrhoea)
Viral infections, which are usually transmitted by water droplets in the air, are exacerbated during the epidemic depending on climatic conditions. In addition, if BRSV, one of the most important infections, occurs, very serious consequences can occur.
When bacterial infections are listed;
- Tuberculosis
- Salmonella infection
- Bronchopneumonia
- Pastorella infection.
It has been proven that vaccination measures are very important. In vaccination, which is applied in two different ways as active and passive immunisation, it is aimed to ensure the welfare of the newborn calf. On the other hand, diseases can be controlled with therapeutic applications, but it is not enough. The most important situation for newborn calves is to provide hygiene, care, stall climate and shelter conditions.
The immunisation process is applied in two different ways: active and passive. Passive immunisation can be done by intramuscular infection of the calf. But the most important thing is that there must be antibodies created by the parent animal. To enhance natural immunisation, which comes from a fast and high supply of colostrum, you need to provide some products. In addition, additional medication may be required in the early stages of the calf's life.
In the active immunisation process, attenuated vaccines, especially inactivated vaccines, can be used. When these vaccines are used, antibodies will be created by the animal itself. Vaccines that bring better results can also eliminate side effects such as loss of appetite and fever.
There are also measures that can be taken to relieve respiratory distress in the newborn calf. These are;
- Hygienic environment: The environment where the calf lives must always be hygienic. This minimises the risk of infection. This also keeps dust and ammonia levels low.
- Upside down restraint: This method can be applied to a wheezing calf. For up to 2 minutes, it is recommended to hold the calf's head down. This allows the fluids in the lungs to come out.
- Respiratory analeptics: This type of medication aims to open the airways.
- Expectorants: If the newborn calf wheezes, an expectorant can be used. Again, it has an important place in the removal of fluid in the lungs.
- Vaccination: Newborn calves must be vaccinated against infectious diseases. This process is important both before and after birth and is effective in preventing respiratory diseases.
Ensuring the hygienic conditions of the newborn calf during birth is actually the most important process. However, the navel should be disinfected quickly after birth. These methods we have listed can support the respiratory problems in newborn calves. In serious cases, veterinary support should be requested quickly.
Which vaccine is given to a newborn calf?
In order for the newborn calf to step into a healthy growth process, it should be subjected to a number of vaccination practices after birth. These vaccines and their intended use are listed as follows.
- Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination: It is done for 2-week-old calves. This vaccine, which is applied to calves born from unvaccinated mothers, should be done again after 1 month. It is necessary to be careful against complications that may develop after the foot-and-mouth vaccine administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
- Corona and Rota Vaccine: These vaccines for pregnant cows are administered 2 or 6 weeks before birth. Corona and Rota virus vaccines, which are preferred as mixed vaccines, ensure that antibodies are passed to the calf before birth. In this way, measures are taken against diarrhoea diseases.
- E. Coli Vaccine: This vaccine is also administered to pregnant cows 2-6 weeks before birth. Thanks to this vaccine, which provides antibodies, the newborn calf is protected from many diseases.
- Septicaemia Serum: The newborn calf is given septicaemia serum in the first few hours. This serum, which helps to strengthen the immune system, will protect the newborn calf against some diseases.
How Does Newborn Calf Diarrhoea Pass?
Diarrhoea, which is extremely risky for newborn calves, is an issue that needs attention. It can be said that this disease experienced in the early period is actually related to other health problems. Diarrhoea, which is more common in calves that have not yet been weaned, can lead to early mortality. When early diagnosis and treatment is not applied, it can bring serious costs.
If we look at the causes of newborn calf diarrhoea;
- Difficulties during the birth process
- Stressful living environment
- Occurrence after the 7th month of pregnancy
- The calf does not consume enough mouth milk
- Irregularity in nutrition
- Newborn calf living together with adult animals
- They are listed as staying in extreme heat, very cold, crowded, damp and dirty shelters.
The most important symptoms of newborn calf diarrhoea, which can bring negative consequences, are as follows;
- Observation of blood in the faeces
- Difficulty standing or standing up
- Experiencing symptoms of malaise
- Eyes appear sunken
- Loss of appetite
In order for diarrhoea to pass, first of all, the necessary hygiene conditions must be provided. In addition, the calf, which should be fed with appropriate breast milk, should be included in vaccination programmes under veterinary control. Rehydration, antibiotics and medication and immune supportive practices can be used as treatment methods.
- Medicines and antibiotics: Medications and antibiotics should be used for diarrhoea caused by bacterial infections. It should not be forgotten that antibiotics with antidiarrhoeal spectrum are also important in addition to these drugs recommended by the veterinarian.
- Rehydration: Fluid loss after diarrhoea can reach serious levels. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the fluid balance of the calf. Rehydration treatment can be initiated and diarrhoea can be controlled with special solutions.
- Supportive Applications: Measures can be taken against diarrhoea with some applications that support immunity. Serums, mineral and vitamin supplements are listed among these applications.
Why does a newborn calf die?
Newborn calf death develops due to multiple factors. The risk of developing diseases after the newborn calf, whose nutrition and care process is very important, is very high. In general, death occurs with bacterial infection and some diseases. For example, the mortality rate of newborn calves in an enterprise can reach up to 80% due to these reasons. Calves that do not lose their lives may lose their breeding characteristics.
Factors that cause calves to get sick frequently can be listed as the vaccination status of the mother, breed, nutrition and care. In addition, the climatic characteristics of the region and the general condition of the enterprises are also directly effective on the health of the newborn calf. Cows exposed to unbalanced nutrition experience a very difficult birth process. This results in the death of the newborn calf. In addition, feeding the animal with oat or corn stalks, rough alfalfa and sugar beet close to the birth may also cause the calf to be thrown.
In general, there are two answers to the question of why a newborn calf is sick. Necessary precautions should be taken for these situations listed as pathogens and predisposing factors. Pathogens refer to bacteria, viruses and parasites. Predisposing factors are inadequate nutrition, environmental conditions, colostrum deficiency and failure in the absorption of antibodies.
- Bacterial infections: Harmful bacterial infections such as E. coli can occur within a few days after birth. These infections can cause developmental delay and sudden death, and can also lead to serious blood poisoning.
- Health status of the mother: Among these factors that directly affect the health of the calf, the vaccination status, general health and nutrition of the mother are important. Because these conditions will determine the immunity of the calf immediately after birth.
- Birth problems: It may be common for the calf to lose its life during labour. Early rupture of the umbilical cord or separation of the baby membranes are among the causes of newborn calf death.
- Environmental factors: The death of newborn calves due to diseases is actually related to unhygienic environments. Damp and cold barns, poorly ventilated shelters constitute environmental factors.
- Genetic factors: The risk of death is higher in some breeds. The health of the calf may deteriorate due to genetic factors or difficult birth may occur.
How to Ventilate the Barn with Newborn Calf?
Some ventilation methods should be used in barns where newborn calves are kept. Using helicopter fan systems instead of natural ventilation systems is vital for all living things in the barn. These systems, which are really important for the health and productivity of the animals, prevent the accumulation of harmful gases in the shelter. In addition, mechanical ventilation systems that bring a cleaner air flow should be preferred.
Natural ventilation is a must-have element in a barn. Because curtain and window systems are used when designing the barns. In this way, the air flow is increased and the indoor air is constantly refreshed. However, it is obvious that natural ventilation is insufficient today. At this point, it is necessary to resort to helicopter fan ventilation applications, which are mechanical systems. These fans, which allow the dirty air to be thrown out, are important for the fresh air to enter in a healthy way.
In the barn environment, the air must be changed at least 6 or 8 times per hour. These figures are important to meet the amount of fresh air required by an animal. Naturally, it is necessary to resort to suitable options in the ventilation system. Fans, which provide a significant flow of air in the barn, remove moisture from the environment and increase air circulation. These applications, which also reduce heat stress, are nowadays preferred as standard, especially in cattle breeding.
Helicopter fans that should be used in barns bring many advantages. These applications, which provide advantages in effective air circulation, energy efficiency and floor drying, also reduce temperature stress. It also provides long-lasting use due to its production quality.
- Durability: Helicopter fans made of stainless and durable materials can be used for many years. This significantly reduces the cost and ensures efficient operation.
- Temperature Stress: During hot summer periods, the body temperature of animals rises. This negatively affects milk yield and feed consumption. Helicopter fans reduce stress and increase productivity at this point.
- Floor Drying: Fans allow the floor to dry quickly. This advantage is very important especially in terms of preventing diseases that may occur in humid environments.
- Efficiency: Helicopter fan systems operating with low energy reduce energy costs.
- Air Circulation: Thanks to its high rotation speed and wide blade structures, it moves the air significantly. In this way, a continuous flow of fresh air is provided in the environment. It supports the comfort of animals, especially in hot weather conditions.
