As soon as diarrhea is noticed, put the calf in a warm, dry place. A heated building or a heat lamp is indicated. Keep the calf dry and comfortable throughout the treatment period. If the calf refuses to suckle or develops cold legs or sunken eyes, it should have more intensive veterinary treatment immediately. Prevention Good husbandry can prevent many losses of new born calves to diarrhea.
Prevention begins with proper feeding of the cow during pregnancy.
Her diet influences the physiological maturity of her calf at birth as well as the composition of her colostrum. The importance of colostrum for a calf immediately after birth cannot be over-emphasized. A calf rapidly produces enzymes that digest colostral antibodies. The intestine, at the same time, loses its ability to absorb anti- bodies whole. Ideally, a calf should consume colostrum within fifteen minutes after birth.