Calf diarrhoea remains one of the most common health challenges during the first weeks of life. According to calf rearing specialist Erwin Hunneman, preventing diarrhoea starts with understanding the balance between immunity and infection pressure.
“Whether a calf develops diarrhoea largely depends on the balance between its resistance and the level of pathogen exposure,” explains Hunneman. “By strengthening immunity and reducing infection pressure, farmers can significantly lower the risk of disease.”
Effective prevention therefore focuses on both improving calf resilience and minimising exposure to infectious agents.
Prevention begins before the calf is even born. Good hygiene in the calving area is essential to reduce the risk of early exposure to disease-causing pathogens.
Ensure the cow is clean before calving and provide a well-bedded, hygienic environment, such as a deep straw bed or a dedicated calving mattress. Even very small amounts of manure can contain enough pathogens to infect a newborn calf and trigger infectious diarrhoea.
Attention to detail is crucial. Clean footwear, protective clothing and equipment all play an important role in preventing the spread of disease.
High-quality colostrum is one of the most effective tools for protecting young calves against disease.
Newborn calves should receive an adequate volume of colostrum as soon as possible after birth. In general, four litres of high-quality colostrum with a Brix value of at least 23% is recommended within the first hours of life. This provides the antibodies needed to support the calf’s immune system during its most vulnerable period.
Consistent colostrum management protocols help maximise passive immunity transfer and contribute to healthier, stronger calves.
Hygiene remains important throughout the rearing period. Individual calf pens and feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned between calves.
An effective cleaning routine includes removing organic matter, washing, disinfecting and allowing housing to dry completely before reuse. Where possible, exposure to sunlight can further support hygiene by reducing pathogen survival.
Feeding equipment such as teat buckets should also be cleaned regularly and maintained in good condition to minimise disease transmission.
In addition to excellent colostrum management and hygiene, nutritional strategies can help support calf health during the critical first weeks of life.
Specialised milk replacers containing targeted antibodies may provide additional intestinal support against common enteric pathogens such as Rotavirus, Coronavirus and E. coli. These products can contribute to maintaining gut health during periods of increased disease pressure.
Another option is vaccinating dry cows against specific pathogens, including Rotavirus, Coronavirus, E. coli or Cryptosporidium. This can increase antibody levels in colostrum, providing additional protection to newborn calves. However, the effectiveness of this strategy still depends on successful colostrum management and timely feeding after birth.
Successfully reducing calf diarrhoea requires a combination of strong colostrum management, excellent hygiene, appropriate nutrition and effective herd health management.
By focusing on both immunity and infection pressure, producers can improve calf health, reduce treatment requirements and support long-term performance throughout the rearing period.
For farm-specific guidance, consult with a calf rearing specialist or herd health adviser to develop a prevention strategy tailored to your operation.
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