Calf Rearing
Calves
Calf Scours (Diarrhea) — Feeding Management
Updated 08 Jul 2026 • By Falah Nutrition Desk, Animal Nutrition Advisor
Scours (diarrhea) in young calves is one of the most common causes of calf illness and loss in the first weeks of life. While the underlying cause is often infectious and needs veterinary attention, feeding management plays a major supportive role in recovery and prevention.
Common Signs
- Loose, watery dung, often yellow, white or blood-tinged in severe cases
- Dehydration — sunken eyes, dry mouth, reduced skin elasticity
- Weakness, reduced nursing or feeding interest
- Depression and reluctance to stand in advanced cases
Possible Causes
- Inadequate or delayed colostrum intake at birth, leaving the calf with poor disease resistance
- Infectious causes (bacterial, viral or parasitic) — needs veterinary diagnosis
- Unhygienic feeding equipment or environment
- Overfeeding milk or milk replacer, or inconsistent feeding times/quantities
- Sudden changes in milk or milk replacer type or concentration
What the Farmer Should Check
- Did the calf receive adequate colostrum in the first hours of life?
- Are feeding equipment and the calf's environment clean?
- Is the calf severely dehydrated — sunken eyes, skin that stays tented when pinched? This needs urgent attention
- Is milk/milk replacer being fed consistently at the same times and concentration each day?
Feed Guidance
A scouring calf needs fluids and electrolytes as the immediate priority — severe dehydration is what actually kills calves with scours, more than the infection itself, so oral electrolyte solution (as advised by your veterinarian) between milk feeds is often critical. Do not stop milk feeding entirely unless specifically advised — continued nutrition supports recovery. Keep feeding equipment scrupulously clean to avoid reinfection or spreading illness between calves. Once recovered, continue offering small amounts of GOKA Calf Starter to support rumen development and catch-up growth. Any calf showing significant dehydration, blood in the stool, or persistent scours beyond a day or two needs veterinary assessment — this guidance supports recovery but does not replace diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.
Relevant GOKA Products
Calves (Cow & Buffalo)
Rapid growth - up to 200 kg by 5 months
When to Contact a Veterinary Doctor
For serious symptoms, consult a qualified veterinary doctor. Feed support can help overall nutrition and recovery but should not replace veterinary treatment.
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