Identifying a sick calf early can make the difference between life and death. And with new penriders, it is important that they learn the early symptoms in order to pull cattle quickly.

The Most Important Job
Many feedyard managers believe the doctoring crew is the most important part of a feedyard. After all, a dead calf doesn’t eat much.

When treated early, most calves have an excellent chance at survival. But if a calf is sick for even a few days, treatment regimens are less likely to be effective, resulting in a chronically ill or even dead calf. Teaching pen riders the symptoms of early illness can make a big difference.

Explain to pen riders the importance of early pulls. “It is critical to recognize a sick calf, especially early on. All of the drugs in the world won't work if no one knows the calf is sick,” says Dr. John Lynch, a veterinary consultant.

If a pen rider with little feedyard experience joins the doctoring crew, experts suggest pairing the new employee with another pen rider. Have the pair ride pens together for a few days while the experienced employee explains the reasons for each pull.

Learn the Symptoms
Dr. Bob Bohlender, a veterinarian in North Platte, Nebraska, says there are several things to look for when identifying a sick calf. "Often a calf will hang back away from the others the day before he shows other symptoms," says Bohlender.

A sick calf is typically listless, droopy and non-responsive, according to Lynch. "He might lay down and not want to get up. Or if the pen has just been fed, he won't eat with other cattle." The calf might also stand near the water, but rarely drink.

“Notice his appearance,” says Lynch. “Watch for dull eyes and a droopy head. He may or may not cough or have a nasal or eye discharge.”

A calf may also hold his neck stretched out and appear dehydrated, says Dr. Blane Lowe, Senior Veterinarian with Pfizer Animal Health. “Look for the degree of fill,” he says. A calf that is not eating or drinking will be sunken in behind the ribs, especially on the left side.

“Some cattle will slobber,” says Bohlender, “while others will have some edema, or swelling, under the jaw. Edema is typical of a calf with BRSV.”

As the air temperature increases, so will the symptoms. “Heat adds an additional stress, even on healthy cattle,” says Lowe. “But a sick calf carrying a degree of lung disease will look even worse.” Due to the heat, sick cattle are usually easiest to find first thing in the morning. “Once they are jostled around, they are harder to detect.” When a new pen rider begins checking pens on his own, it may be necessary to double check the pens he rides. If other sick cattle are identified, explain why they were pulled and what symptoms were noted.
The key to recovery is early detection. Teaching new pen riders to know what to look for helps insure a sick calf will be identified when it first shows symptoms. ©