Prophylactic veterinary measures in newborn calves

With the onset of spring calving, we must remember an imminent problem of newborn calves: neonatal diarrhea. Due to the multitude of factors that can trigger this disease in the calves, farmers have to prepare properly to prevent the occurrence of numerous cases of neonatal diarrhea in their herds.

An effective means of prevention is to vaccinate with the product “Rotavec Corona” the pregnant cattle 12 to 3 weeks before calving. This vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies against rotaviruses, coronaviruses and E-coli, these being 3 major agents responsible for producing neonatal diarrhea in calves.

At the time of feeding the newborn calves with colostrum, they will receive antibodies and thus be protected for 7 days against rotavirus and at least 14 days against coronavirus in the case of natural feeding. When calves are artificially fed with colostrum (at the teat), they are protected until colostrum feeding ceases.

We must keep in mind the following: for a healthy herd of calves, with a reduced number of diarrhea cases and to decrease the clinical manifestations in newborn calves, it is essential to vaccinate the pregnant cattle with Rotavec Corona 12 to 3 weeks before calving. Also, we must ensure the feeding of calves with colostrum, which contains antibodies, in the first 6 hours after birth and then the first 2 weeks of life. Also, let us not forget that proper feeding of the mothers and hygiene conditions of the shelters ensure the farmers a spring free of unpleasant events.