Prevent airway infections 

Every dairy farmer is familiar with the symptoms in calves: coughing, fever, shortness of breath, listlessness, reduced appetite, dirty noses, rough coats, and wet, red eyes. These are all signs of respiratory problems. Major causes include bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), Pasteurella, BVD, lungworm, and Salmonella. According to Health Service statistics, respiratory issues cost the average dairy farm between 45 and 55 euros per calf annually. These costs are due to morbidity, high medication expenses, reduced growth rates, and lower milk production later in life. Additionally, calves with respiratory infections require significantly more care from the dairy farmer.

Respiratory health problems

Colostrum as the basis

Preventing respiratory infections begins with ensuring the intake of high-quality colostrum. Ensure your calves consume at least two to four liters of good-quality colostrum within the first hour after birth (about ten percent of the calf’s birth weight). Follow this with another two liters within eight hours and an additional two liters within 24 hours. This amounts to a total of seven to eight liters within the first 24 hours, using colostrum from the first milking only. This regimen provides your calf with essential nutrients to build immediate resistance and protect against infections.

“Major causes of bad respiratory health: absence of good colostrum and poor shed climate.”

Other tips for good airway health among calves:

  • Preventing diarrhea is crucial, as it often leads to respiratory infections. Effective colostrum management is essential. Additionally, maintain a clean calving shed and place newborn calves in dedicated calf pens.
  • Isolate newborn calves from older animals, as older animals, despite their resistance, can still spread pathogens.
  • Regulate the climate in the cattle shed. Low temperatures combined with high airspeed can significantly weaken the calves’ resistance.

Knowledge about airway infections  for you.

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