This Is How To Eliminate Scours In Your New Born Calves

Start the new season off with the most success you can by keeping scours away for good!  Plus we pack this one with news updates from Capitol Hill, export updates and forecasts for 2024.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC', and our crew as we bring you the latest in markets, news, and Western entertainment on this all-new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.
EPISODE 162 DETAILS
Scours attacks on day 1 of a calf’s life.  The best remedy is to be proactive versus reactive, and we have the solution for you.  It is Farmatan from Imogene Ingredients!  But here is the kicker.  It is not an overnight magic cure all.  We need to get this into the cows diet 60 to 90 days prior to calving to get maximum results.  It is simple and easy.  Just ask your feed supplier for Farmatan.  You can feed in a lick tub form, as a liquid, in a TMR ration, and/or free choice.  We go through the details and success stories with Paul Mitchell with Imogene Ingredients, who brings us Farmatan.  Bec shares news from Capitol Hill, beef import information from Paraguay, and the WASDE Report for the 2024 forecast.  But that’s not all.  We have market updates, sale barn reports and lots more, even some Christmas gift ideas from the crew from Medora Boot and Western Wear.  And our Top Hand this week goes to Cracker Johnson.  Hear his story!  We have it all for you in this jam-packed episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show!  As always Tigger & BEC and the Ranch It Up crew dive into the latest agriculture news, rodeo action not to miss, and cover the cattle markets.
WHAT CAUSES SCOURS IN BEEF CATTLE/CALVES
Clostridia-Enterotoxemia
The most common form of Clostridium in cattle is caused by Clostridium perfringens. The gram-positive bacteria are a challenge due to its ability to form spores and lay dormant for long-periods of time. The bacteria reproduce by releasing spores into its environment (soil, feed, manure). The spores can even lay dormant in the animal’s intestine until opportunity presents itself. Infection takes place either through ingestion of spores or through an open wound. The most severe cases happen within the first month of a calf’s life, and can result in sudden death.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Bloody, Mucus Present, Bubbly
• Dehydrated
• Bloat
• Blindness
Prevention/Treatment: Prevention can be difficult due to the Clostridia spores being extremely durable and present almost everywhere. Complete cleanout and disinfection between calves is helpful, but not always effective. A good vaccination program will reduce clinical disease. The best method is to develop good gut health and the immune system of the calf. Farmatan has been shown to strengthen the intestinal wall, helping to prevent infection from taking hold.
Coccidiosis
Cattle are host to numerous species of Coccidia, a single-celled protozoal parasite. Infection and clinical symptoms can happen any time during a calf’s life, with the most severe reaction usually occurring between 3-6 weeks of age. The life-cycle of coccidia requires time to infect the intestine causing destruction of the mucosal and epithelial lining. The oocytes mature outside the host in warm, moist environments before being consumed, causing infection of a new host.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Watery, Bloody
• Depression
• Weight Loss
Prevention/Treatment: Prevention of Coccidiosis is possible by keeping young calves separate from older animals, providing clean water and feed, and dry conditions. Isolation of infected animals is key to preventing transmission. Keeping the pen dry is the most important step a farmer/rancher can take in preventing Coccidiosis. Treatment can have a good impact on reducing secondary disease, and speeding up recovery time. Farmatan has been shown to disrupt the reproductive cycle of Coccidia; and may help strengthen the intestinal wall to prevent infection, in both the cow and calf.
Coronavirus
Bovine Coronavirus is a ubiquitous, envelope-viral disease, causing respiratory and enteric infection. There are many serotypes for this virus, making it difficult to test for, and create a vaccine. Coronavirus can present as either diarrhea and/or respiratory illness; transmitted through nasal discharge and/or feces. Animal reservoirs continue to spread the disease, and make eradication almost impossible. Clinical disease will likely occur between days 10-14, and present for up to 4 days.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Watery
• Nasal Discharge
• Coughing
Prevention/Treatment: Prevention is difficult due to wild animals transmitting the disease. Keeping wild animals out of animal enclosures is essential. Isolation of infected animals is critical to preventing the spread of Coronavirus. Adequate colostrum intake, along with a good vaccination program will help prevent clinical disease. Learn more about the positive effects of Farmtan’s active ingredient on Coronavirus HERE.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium Parvum is a single-celled parasite responsible for causing infection in young calves. The infection takes place within the first four weeks of a calves’ life, afterwards immunity has developed within the calf. The parasite is either passed from the cow or spread through infected water sources.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Watery, Bloody, Mucus present
• Colic
• Depression
Prevention/Treatment: Good sanitary conditions, especially clean water is essential in preventing transmission of cryptosporidium. Isolation of sick calves will help reduce the effect on the overall herd. There is some good effect of calves given adequate colostrum, however this is likely helping by reducing other pathogenic loads rather than a direct effect on Cryptosporidium, itself. Farmatan fed prior to calving has been shown to disrupt the life-cycle and reduce transmission from the cow. The direct action of Farmatan on the parasite makes it an excellent choice for treating calves. Learn more about the positive effect of Farmatan’s active ingredient HERE.
E. Coli
Escherichia Coli is a bacterial infection that affects calves within the first week of their life. The bacteria colonize in the lower intestine and produce a toxin. The toxin causes excessive secretion of fluids. The zoonotic disease has special importance in food safety and human health. Colostrum and natural immunity are often not sufficient in preventing infection in cases of high bacterial concentrations.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Creamy, Yellow
• Abdominal Pains
• Fever
• Vomiting
Prevention/Treatment: The best prevention methods for E. Coli include: clean water, dry bedding/environment, isolation of infected animals, and vaccination. Treatment with antibiotics and oral fluids have great benefits in reducing clinical symptoms of the disease. Farmatan has been shown to reduce bacterial load and help prevent infection. Learn more about the positive effects of Farmatan’s active ingredient HERE.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus in calves is caused by a virus belonging to the Reoviridae family, as a non-enveloped RNA virus. Rotavirus is thought to be the most common cause of neonatal diarrhea in calves. The virus tends to affect calves between the age of 1-day-old up to a month, with most cases presenting within the first week of life. Shedding and reinfection can happen in older calves and cows. Clinical symptoms are rarely present after the first month of life; older animals tend to either be carriers or asymptomatic. The majority of herds have some level present, with transmission likely happening during or shortly after birth.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Pale Yellow, Bloody
• Dehydrated
• Dull calves
• Reluctant to drink
Prevention/Treatment: The ideal scenario is to prevent infection through, sanitary facilities (calving barn), outdoor calf housing, and a good vaccination program. Colostrum will provide much needed antibodies, protecting the calf before their immune system is fully developed to combat the disease. Farmatan fed prior to calving can help reduce the pathogen load of the cow, reducing the likelihood of transmission. Farmatan supplemented in the milk has been shown to decrease the virus’ ability to cause infection and clinical disease. The best treatment for calves already presenting clinical disease is to administer oral fluids/electrolytes to rehydrate the calf. Learn more about the positive effect of Farmatan’s active ingredient HERE.
Salmonella
Salmonella infection of cattle is caused by a variety of species within the family. While the disease is uncommon in cattle with little effect on calf health, it has massive implications for human health and food safety. The bacteria spreads through direct contact or contaminated feed & water. This disease is highly regulated by the USDA. The most severe cases of salmonella affect calves between the ages of 7-10 days old.
Clinical Signs
• Diarrhea - Bloody (flakes of slough tissue), Watery, Mucus present
• Lethargic
• Fever
Prevention/Treatment: Prevention is always the best option: provide clean water, feed, and bedding. Isolate infected animals, ensure adequate colostrum intake, and develop a vaccination program with your veterinarian. Treatment with antibiotics and fluids (oral or intravenous) greatly increases the survival rate of calves infected with Salmonella. Farmatan has been shown to help reduce the likelihood of infection by protecting the gut, and reduce recovery time of infected animals. 
COW COUNTRY NEWS

Meat industry takes aim at UN’s anti-meat claims at COP28


House Coalition Opposes Plan To Accept Importation Of Paraguay Beef


WASDE Livestock Report For 2023


 
SALE BARN REPORTS

Stockmens Livestock Exchange, Dickinson, ND


 
TOP HAND

Chad “Cracker” Johnson


 
FEATURING
Paul Mitchell
Imogene Ingredients
https://www.imogeneingredients.com/farmatanusa
@farmatanusa
 
Austin Henderson
Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange
Dickinson, ND
http://www.gostockmens.com/
https://www.cattleusa.com
@gostockmens
 
Shaye Koester
Casual Cattle Conversation
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
@cattleconvos
 
Chad “Cracker” Johnson
https://crackerauctionservice.com/
 
Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial
https://www.stonex.com/  
@StoneXGroupInc   
 
Mark Van Zee 
Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time
https://www.auctiontime.com/
https://www.livestockmarket.com/
https://www.equinemarket.com/
@LivestockMkt
@EquineMkt
@AuctionTime
Questions & Concerns From The Field?
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Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com
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Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner.
Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com
https://tiggerandbec.com/
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References
https://www.stonex.com/
https://www.livestockmarket.com/
https://www.equinemarket.com/
https://www.auctiontime.com/
https://gelbvieh.org/
https://www.imogeneingredients.com/
https://alliedgeneticresources.com/
https://westwayfeed.com/
https://medoraboot.com/
https://www.bek.news/dakotacowboy
http://www.gostockmens.com/
https://www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde
https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/112513
https://hpj.com/2023/12/05/house-coalition-opposes-plans-to-accept-importation-of-paraguay-beef/
https://hpj.com/2023/12/01/wasde-livestock-report-showed-lower-production-in-2023/
https://crackerauctionservice.com/