White Scour is one of the most common health problems in young calves. Farmers know it as calf diarrhea, which makes newborn animals weak and vulnerable to dehydration. It mostly affects calves under one month old, but it can strike at any time during the early weeks of life.
This disease spreads fast in herds, especially if hygiene is poor. It not only affects calf health but also reduces farm profit because sick calves grow slowly. Understanding White Scours is important for both small and large farms that want healthy and strong animals.
- White Scour is also called calf diarrhea.
- It spreads quickly among newborn calves.
- Farmers lose money if calves grow slowly or die.
What is White Scour?
White Scour is a condition where young calves pass loose, watery, and pale-colored stool. The stool may look white or gray, which gives the disease its name. It can last for days if not treated properly, leading to severe weakness.
This disease is not caused by one single factor. Instead, it comes from germs, poor feeding, or stress. Calves with White Scours often lose water quickly, which makes dehydration the most dangerous part of the illness.
- Loose, watery, pale stools are the main sign.
- Germs, feeding mistakes, and stress can trigger it.
- Dehydration is the most serious danger.
Causes of White Scour
There are many reasons why calves suffer from White Scour. Germs like bacteria, viruses, and parasites often attack the weak digestive system of newborns. If the calf did not get enough colostrum, its body is more open to infections.
Feeding practices also play a role. Too much milk, dirty bottles, or sudden changes in diet can upset digestion. Stress from cold weather, poor housing, or overcrowding also makes calves more likely to get sick.
- Germs like E. coli, rotavirus, or parasites.
- Lack of colostrum in the first hours of life.
- Feeding errors and poor housing.
Signs and Symptoms of White Scour
The first sign of White Scour is watery stool that looks white or gray. Calves may look tired, stop drinking milk, and lose weight. They often show sunken eyes, dry noses, and weakness due to water loss.
If White Scours continues, calves may refuse to stand. Their ears feel cold, and they can even collapse. These are signs that the calf is in danger and needs urgent care.
- Loose, pale-colored stool.
- Sunken eyes and a weak body.
- Cold ears and refusal to stand.
Treatment Options for White Scour
The main goal in treating White Scour is to replace the water and salts lost in diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions are the best way to keep calves alive. If the calf is very weak, fluids can be given through the veins by a vet.
Along with fluids, calves need good care. Keep them warm, clean, and well-fed. In some cases, antibiotics may be given if bacteria are involved, but only under a vet’s advice.
- Oral rehydration is the key treatment.
- Vets may use IV fluids for weak calves.
- Antibiotics are only prescribed.
Normal Respiratory Rate of Dogs
Preventing White Scour in Calves
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to White Scour. Giving colostrum within the first few hours of life builds strong immunity. Clean bottles, fresh bedding, and proper housing reduce the spread of germs.
Feeding must be balanced and regular. Avoid sudden diet changes and make sure milk is not too hot or too cold. Farmers should also reduce stress by keeping calves warm and dry.
- Colostrum within the first 6 hours.
- Clean housing and good hygiene.
- Balanced feeding and less stress.
Long-Term Impact of White Scour
Calves that survive White Scour may still grow slower than healthy ones. Poor weight gain in the early months affects lifetime milk production and farm profit. Some calves may remain weak and prone to other diseases.
This shows that prevention is not only about saving lives but also about securing the future of the herd. Healthy calves grow into healthy cows that produce more milk and stay stronger.
- Sick calves may grow slowly.
- Future milk production is reduced.
- Prevention saves money long-term.
Role of Farmers in Control of White Scour
Farmers play the biggest role in controlling White Scour. Their daily practices decide if calves stay healthy or fall sick. Simple actions like cleaning pens, providing fresh water, and checking calves daily make a big difference.
Training farm workers is also important. Everyone who handles calves must know the signs of White Scours and act quickly when they appear. Teamwork in care ensures healthier calves and better farm results.
- Daily cleaning and care by farmers.
- Fresh water and regular checks.
- Training workers for quick response.
White Scour and Animal Welfare
White Scour is not just a farm problem but also an animal welfare issue. Calves in pain and dehydration suffer greatly. Caring for them well shows respect for animal life and supports ethical farming.
When farmers manage White Scours, they improve both animal welfare and farm output. Healthy calves are happier, more active, and grow into productive adults.
- Sick calves suffer if not treated.
- Ethical farming cares for animal health.
- Healthy calves grow better and live longer.
FAQs on White Scour
The biggest danger is dehydration, which can kill calves quickly.
Yes, it spreads fast through dirty bedding, bottles, or direct contact.
Look for watery white stool, weakness, and sunken eyes.
Mild cases can be managed with oral fluids, but severe ones need a vet.
Keep pens clean, feed properly, and give colostrum early.