Digestive system problems in calves and cows

Digestive system problems in calves and cows are very common, but the causes and clinical manifestations differ between a young calf and an adult cow. I will arrange them according to age and type of problem.

Calves – Common Digestive Problems

1. Calf Diarrhea

The most common problem

   •   Infectious agents:

     •   E. coli

     •  Rotavirus / Coronavirus

     •  Cryptosporidium

      •  Salmonella

•   Nutritional factors:

      •   Poor quality/insufficient quantity of colostrum

      •   Suddenly changing formula

      •   Overfeeding

Signs:

   •   Watery/yellow/white stools

   •   Dehydration

   •   Decreased sucking

   •  Weakness, sunken eyes

2. Bloat

   •   Swallowing milk into the wrong stomach

   •   Rapid feeding

   •   Problem with the esophageal reflex

Extremely dangerous – emergency

3. Constipation

   •  Lack of fluids

   •  Unbalanced feeding

   •  Systemic diseases

4. Enteritis

   •   Sometimes part of an infectious disease

   •   Can develop into sepsis in young calves

Mature Cows – Digestive System Problems

1. Rumen Acidosis

Common in Dairy Cows

   •   Excess Concentrated Feed

   •   Lack of Fiber

Signs:

   •  Decreased Eating

   •  Diarrhea with an Acidic Smell

   •  Decreased Milk Yield

   •  Secondary Laminitis

2. Bloat

   •   Young green food (asparagus)

   •   Blockage in the passage of gases

   •   Flame in the stomach

3. Displaced Abomasum

   •  Common after calving

   •  Decreased eating

   •  Low milk production

   •  “Ping” when listening

4. Diarrhea in cows

   •   Dietary change

   •   Parasites

   •   Salmonella

   •   Food toxins

5. Constipation / decreased bowel movements

   •   Lack of water

   •   Obstruction

   •  General illness

Common factors

   •   A sudden change in food

   •   Unclean water

   •   Bacterial load

   •   Stress (transport, littering, heat)

Prevention

   •  High-quality colostrum for calves (within the first 6 hours)

   •  Gradual food changes

   •  Additional fiber to cows

   •   Cleanliness and hygiene

   •  Deworming and vaccinations according to plan

When to call a vet urgently?

    •   Bloody diarrhea

   •   Significant abdominal swelling

   •   A calf that does not get up / does not suckle

   •  A sharp decrease in milk production

   •  Severe signs of dehydration

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.