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Stevie Hay
WINTER 2010 ISSUE
C A S E S T U D Y
A L AN WA L K E R
Coccidiosis has now been identified as a problem
on over 50% of the dairy farms we attend. We are
also seeing problems in suckling beef calves.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Affected calves often have a dry hair
coat and are failing to thrive. Although
still eating these calves have a reduced
appetite. They often produce grey
diarrhoea and have soiled rear quarters.
Those more severely affected will pass
blood in their faeces and will strain when
they do so. Occasionally calves will have
such badly damaged guts, that they may
fail to recover.
Although only a few calves in the group
may look as though they are affected it is
best to treat the entire group. Calves with a
sub-clinical Coccidiosis infection will have
reduced feed intakes and will have poorer
feed conversion rates. Growth rates in the
entire group will be reduced. Periods of
stress such as weaning, or calves changing
groups can often lead to clinical signs due
to reduced immunity at this time.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and
finding Coccidia oocysts in faeces,
although not all species will cause
clinical disease.
TREATMENT
Calves can be treated in one of two ways.
Clinically affected calves can be treated by
using an anti-coccidial drench. Where the
level of challenge is high some calves may
require a second drench three weeks later.
Clinically affected calves often require intense
nursing with the provision of oral electrolyte
fluid if diarrhoea is causing dehydration.
The second option for treatment is to add
decoquinate to the feed. This should be
thought of as a preventative measure and
should be fed to calves throughout the risk
period. The feed can be arranged through
your feed company. Your feed merchant
requires a licence to mix medicated feed
stuffs and a prescription is required from
your vet, as decoquinate is a prescription
only medicine.
IMMUNITY
After exposure to Coccidiosis, immunity
will develop in the calves. The use of
decoquinate in feed allows immunity to
develop during the treatment period.
Prevention is about trying to reduce the
level of challenge. In housed calves
keeping areas dry and well bedded is
essential. When groups of calves are
moved, an all-in, all-out policy should
be adopted with steam cleaning and
disinfection with a suitable product,
being carried out between groups.
Areas around water troughs and feed
troughs should be kept as dry
as possible. Outdoor troughs should be
moved regularly to prevent conditions
becoming too dirty.
COCCIDIOSIS
PREVENTION
ADV I CE
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All calves should be kept as dry and
clean as possible.
l
Minimise stress at all times by
avoiding mixing especially around
weaning.
l
Avoid overstocking.
l
Early diagnosis and treatment
is essential.
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Once diagnosed in-feed prevention
will allow immunity to develop without
allowing the calves to become
clinically affected.
CONC L U S I ON
From the excellent attendance at the
meeting it is clear that Coccidiosis is
a major concern for all cattle farmers,
especially those rearing their own dairy
replacements. Some of the farmers who
had previously experienced problems
commented that the calves that had been
affected failed to catch up and were
often three or more months older by
the time they had reached bulling
weight. With the cost of rearing dairy
replacements already increasing, this
delay of three months before they reach
the parlour can be ill-afforded. Others
at the meeting had also commented
that some of the worst affected calves
never recovered and eventually had to
be culled.
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
18