Keep Calves Healthy And Growing By Reducing Pathogen Exposure

One of the best ways to keep calves healthy and growing is to limit their exposure to harmful bacteria. Even when calves who are exposed to disease pathogens do not become ill, they still exert valuable energy to fight off the disease. 

 

"When calves are exposed to fewer environmental challenges, they have more energy to utilize toward feed conversion and weight gain," explains Christie Underwood, Ph.D., calf and heifer specialist with Purina Animal Nutrition. "By reducing their exposure, we can help keep calves healthy, but also keep their energy focused on growth." 

 

While most facilities have sanitation protocols in place, ensuring they are implemented and effective is key to maintaining a healthy calf environment focused on growth. Underwood recommends reviewing facilities on a regular basis, preferably at least once a month. 

 

 

1) Cleaning and sanitizing steps. Are employees spraying and wiping down items in one step? This might leave the item looking clean. However, harmful bacteria can still be lurking on the surface. Items must be cleaned of all organic matter (dirt, feces, etc.) before a cleaning solution can reach the bacteria and successfully sanitize the surface. To effectively reduce pathogen loads, be sure employees use two separate steps to clean and sanitize. 

 

2) Equipment that needs attention. When evaluating cleaning and sanitization steps, it's also important to review all of the necessary equipment. Key items to review are the wagon or cart that transports calves from maternity pens to hutches, bottles, buckets, nipples and esophageal feeders. Don't forget to routinely sanitize cleaning tools as well. 

 

3) Calf morbidity and mortality rates. High incidences could point to lurking bacteria and also be an indicator that cleaning protocols aren't being implemented correctly, or the protocols in place aren't effective and need to be revised. Identifying the source(s) of contamination is crucial to stopping disease spread, and reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Industry benchmarks suggest mortality should be less than 5% and morbidity should be less than 25% under 60 days of age.