Calf Scours in Southern Beef Enterprises Phase 2

Summary

The first phase of this study determined that calf scours is a significant and time-consuming understand disease problem for many beef enterprises, and that producers and veterinarians poorly the predisposing factors, causative agents, and appropriate management of calf scours in a cow calf enterprises.

The aim of the current study was to put in place pathways that ensure consistent and scientific advice is provided to beef farmers, by all levels of extension, on the prevention, investigation, treatment and management of calf scours. The emphasis of the project was on calves aged 0 to 6 weeks in pasture based suckler beef enterprises. We also targeted standardisation of appropriate and affordable diagnostic investigation protocols on farms and laboratory testing in veterinary diagnostic laboratories.

This study includes a comprehensive literature review that outlines the latest research and opinions on all aspects of scours in neonatal beef calves and a series of best practice information modules targeted at veterinarians and farmers. It also details options for extension of this information and identifies areas for further research and product development to facilitate the prevention of calf scours in southern Australian suckler enterprises. Research is urgently required to elucidate the epidemiology of calf scours in these enterprises.