According to AHDB, every case of pneumonia is estimated to cost farmers in the region of £30 to £80. A startling figure that rises to £500 in fatal cases. In total, pneumonia in calves costs the UK cattle industry more than 50 million pounds every year. And the warmer and wet winters we’re now experiencing is only increasing its prevalence.
Pneumonia in calves is created by a range of organisms including viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas causing an inflammation in the lungs. It’s the most common impactor on DLWG and cause of death in yearling cattle. That said, the signs are not always immediately obvious, and often go unnoticed. Only a third of the animals in a group actually display signs of respiratory disease. But the impact on DLWG, FCE and long term respiratory health cannot go unnoticed.
Pneumonia In Calves: The Risk Factors
Pneumonia in calves is most prevalent when temperatures are low and humidity is high – something we have no real control over. There is, however, an array of environmental and management factors that can impact on their immune response, and therefore, the spread of the disease:
- Poor ventilation
- Direct draughts
- Stress from weaning, transportation, housing, and/or regrouping
- Competition for insufficient feed
- Overcrowding
- Seasonality of calving
- Colostrum quality at birth
Pneumonia In Calves: Look Out For The Signs
As already mentioned, the signs of pneumonia are not always immediately obvious. The first sign is a raise in temperature (>39.5°C). Then it can develop into clinical signs, including:
- Coughing
- Weeping eyes
- Runny noses
- Loss of appetite
- Isolation from group
- Lying down
- Heavy breathing
- Tucked-up appearance
Pneumonia In Calves: A Proactive Approach
Sometimes, the environmental and management factors listed above can be difficult or costly to change or influence. But what if we could simply introduce a feed lick bucket as a natural aid to help maintain a healthy respiratory system:
The Crystalyx Easy Breather feed lick tub is designed to support calves and sheep when housed over the winter.
- Helps to keep airways clear and reduces stress through offering clearing menthol and relaxing eucalyptus
- Helps youngstock (and sheep) regain appetite after a stress or challenge through its palatability and energy
- Helps stimulate an improved immune response through the inclusion of a unique MOS (mannan oligosaccharides)
- Helps rumen metabolism through offering vitamins and trace elements such as vitamin C and E as antioxidants and vitamin B12
Independent research at Krakow University in Poland confirmed a 6.6% increase in starter feed intakes and an 8% improvement in growth rates as a result of improved feed conversion efficiency. Similarly a second trial in Russia confirmed a 7% improvement in DLWG with healthy calves and a 11.3% improvement in DLWG for stressed calves.
Got Any Questions?
Crystalyx is here to help. Our team of livestock experts can answer any questions you may have and create an effective solution for your individual livestock supplement needs.
