dark scours

[cowkeeper]

What should I give a four-month calf, weaned ten days ago? She has a dark scour, very liquid. I am feeding fine second-cut hay and a calf ration. I wondered if it was too rich and cut back on the grain, altho I was told they should have the grain free choice. Could it be worms?

 

[Caustic Burno]

What should I give a four-month calf, weaned ten days ago? She has a dark scour, very liquid. I am feeding fine second-cut hay and a calf ration. I wondered if it was too rich and cut back on the grain, altho I was told they should have the grain free choice. Could it be worms?

Are you seeing any blood in the stool?

 

[milkmaid]

I am feeding fine second-cut hay and a calf ration. I wondered if it was too rich and cut back on the grain, altho I was told they should have the grain free choice.

...they should not ever go from no grain to free choice grain. You're supposed to transition them slowly.

 

[backhoeboogie]

I'd probably attribute the color to blood, then investigate. It doesn't sound good.

 

[cowkeeper]

Hi, She is perky, bossy with her pen-mate, and has a good appetite. Does not look bloody. She had been eating alongside her mom, a course chop of mostly barley, oats, corn, bit of molasses. I got this high-powered calf feed and high quality hay,to compensate for early weaning. I have given no grain today and she is eating lots of hay.

 

[Alice]

Maybe coccidiosis? You might try treating the calf with a Corid drench...and putting Corid in the drinking water.

A fecal sample to the vet would tell you more, I'd bet.

Alice