Stocking density is another key issue - calves need a minimum of six cubic meters air space per animal up to twelve weeks of age. Dusty feeds are often a predisposing factor, adding molasses to the feed to decrease airborne dust can improve matters. Disease control involves use of veterinary medicines, either for treatment, e.g. antibiotics, or prevention, e.g. vaccines. Incorrect use of medicines on farm can result in a poor response - costing both time and money, and having welfare implications. A further area of concern is that of residues in meat or milk.
Advice is always available.
Choice of medicine. Ensure the drug you are using is the one that will best treat or prevent the condition. If the wrong drug is used, there is the cost of replacement with a better choice, as well as for example, lost revenue from milk kept out of tank, or the animal failing to reach its target weight gains. Be sure the condition you are treating needs drugs. For example, a lame cow won't necessarily improve on antibiotics.