AgSource Cooperative Services - DHI-Service Offered: Testing, Laboratory Services, Processing

Calves can become dehydrated easily when shipped, stressed or challenged with bacterial enteritis. Years ago, calves were typically taken off milk or milk replacer when they had diarrhea and placed on multiple doses of electrolytes. This approach reduced fecal output, which was deemed successful. Additionally, it was recognized that lactose in the milk or milk replacer could worsen diarrhea because the lactose osmotically pulled water from the body tissue into the intestinal tract to be excreted. Critical Care^TM was developed as a lactose-free product as an answer to this problem. It is also fat-free because fat can reduce nutrient absorption in the intestines.

Critical Care^TM is a research proven product for treating dehydrated, scouring calves and transported calves. This lactose-free, fat-free product is an excellent source for milk protein and electrolytes. It is also nonmedicated.

Research with Scouring Calves

A group of calves that scoured with watery diarrhea from bacterial enteritis during the first 7 days were given either 3 doses of electrolytes in addition to their milk replacer or 3 doses of Critical Care^TM in place of milk replacer along with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian.

Calves treated with Critical Care^TM required fewer antibiotic treatments than calves treated with electrolytes. Calves treated with Critical Care^TM required no repeat does with Critical Care^TM, where half the calves treated with electrolytes still had watery scours a second day and required more doses of electrolytes. Fourteen weight gains were greater for calves fed Critical Care^TM versus calves fed the electrolytes (+0.196 versus -0.083 lb per day).

Feeding Recommendations

For Scouring Calves: Dose 0.5 lb diluted in 2 quarts of water 3 times per day to scouring calves in place of milk or milk replacer for at least one day and until scouring stops

For Transported Calves: Dose 0.5 lb diluted in 2 quarts water on time, on arrival in place of milk or milk replacer.

For more information to order, contact your DHI Field Technician or AgSource Representative or call (800) 236-0097.