diahrea

[smallrancher]

Seeing as I'm new at this I have a question, all of my cattle have real bad diahrea. They have not had this before, they look healthy otherwise and have had no change in diet. Could this be due to our 90 plus degree heat???

 

[MikeC]

Seeing as I'm new at this I have a question, all of my cattle have real bad diahrea. They have not had this before, they look healthy otherwise and have had no change in diet. Could this be due to our 90 plus degree heat???

Not likely caused by heat alone. What are they eating?

 

[smallrancher]

grass on pasture, although not much grass because we are so dry. So they are getting some grass hay and a little corn every now and then, maybe 2lbs per every few days.

 

[MikeC]

If nothing has changed in their diet, it doesn't make sense for them to have loose manure all of a sudden.

A high protein content could make them loose but it doesn't sound like that's the problem.

Could anything from a bug in the water supply or worms to Johnes or BVD.

Can't say.

 

[mnmtranching]

Sounds like a bug, what color is the manure? are they going or trying to go often. Might be time to call a vet.
Sounds like their not getting enough nutrients, Try a lick tub.
Instead of giving them corn every so often, give them the same amount daily, starting with a small amount then working up.
If you don't do the lick tub, instead of corn feed them a mixed ration for calves. It will have protein, vit and min added, make sure they have salt.

mnmt

 

[3MR]

I know you said feeds the same, but what else might have changed between the time they were good and the outbreak.

Have you had any new herd additions?

Animals that left the heard then came back?

Done any vacinations?

etc, etc, etc

I think mnmt had the right idea when he asked for a description of the manure.

 

[smallrancher]

Manure is normal color, a light brown. I do have some mineral blocks out for them, although they don't hit them very often. I have had new additions a cow in January and a heifer in April. Thanks for the help.

 

[3MR]

Maybe one of the new additions is a carrier. Do the new additions have the same symptoms?

 

[Bez?]

Have a close look at the stool and confirm there is no blood in it.

If there is - and i would be surprised due to your location, there is an easy fix. Otherwise these animals have picked up a bug.

Any newbies in the field? Anyone from outside the farm been there lately.

You been to a sale barn lately?

If not - then I am out of this game -waiting for others to respond. Hold off on the corn for a few days.

Bez?