The Midland Journal

Overfeeding Is Cause of Scours in Young Calves

Overfeeding young calves during the first two weeks is likely to cause scours, something that is very difficult to control, says Dr. W. L. Boyd, professor of veterinary medicine, University farm, St. Paul. When young animals are overfed, the milk does not entirely digest, and often forms hard leather-like bunches which lie in the fourth compartment of the stomach, causing irritation that results in diarrhea or scours. When a calf begins to scour, its feed should be cut in half, and if this fails to help, all milk should be withheld for 24 to 48 hours. In place of milk, barley gruel, made by boiling barley kernels until they split open, may be used. A tablespoonful of common baking soda, dissolved in a little milk or water, given once or twice a day, usually helps calves with scours. This should be given slowly through the mouth, so as not to choke the calf. White scours are caused by germs rather than by overfeeding. In case of any outbreaks of this nature, the local veterinarian would be the best authority.