Article Courtesy of KeyAg

Calf Scours

Diarrhea is the most common problem in calves less than 30 days of age, and metabolic acidosis is the leading acid-base cause of death in calves with diarrhea. Diarrhea can progress very rapidly from a very mild case of looseness to very severe dehydration in less than a day’s time.

A  scouring calf is not only losing significant body water but also essential minerals (electrolytes) as well. Sodium is the major electrolyte lost which if not replaced, rapidly leads to depression, metabolic acidosis, and death.

Choose the Right Electrolyte for the Situation

The KeyAg Electrolyte program consists of products formulated and balanced with the correct electrolytes (minerals), carbohydrates (sugars), amino acids and alkalizing agents for the specific needs of calves under stress and in various stages of dehydration.

KeyAg electrolyte products are formulated to rapidly replace water and minerals that are lost during periods of scours. In simple terms, the rate of rehydration and effectiveness of the electrolyte is dependent on the balance and osmolality formula, i.e. electrolyte concentration, energy source and components to help increase the rate of adsorption.

KeyAg Custom Oral Electrolyte Program

• OSMO 400– Formulated to provide the ideal balance and levels of mineral electrolytes, glycine, dextrose and alkalizing agents for optimum rehydration and replacement therapy.

• Custom Electrolyte – Formulated for:

- maintaining electrolyte balance and hydration in stressed calves 

- help rehydrate calves in the early stages of scours

The Relationship of Scours, Dehydration and Metabolic Acidosis

Calves can lose 5% to 10% of their body weight in water within 1 day of scouring making it extremely important to monitor animals daily and treat them quickly when signs of scours start. Scouring calves can have a significantly higher serum concentration of D-lactic acid as compared with normal calves. Clinically, the result of metabolic acidosis is progressive CNS depression, decreased suckle reflex, weakness, ataxia, recumbency, coma, and death.

KeyAg Electrolytes Program Suggestions:

• Treat calves promptly at the first sign of scours and dehydration

• Ideally feed 2-3 hours after milk feeding and free choice at night

• Treat aggressively to correct dehydration and metabolic acidosis

• Use the KeyAg Electrolyte program formulated and balanced to provide the important elements the calf needs for recovery.

For more information please visit our website at www.keyagdistributors.com