March 2014 Articles

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Diagnostic Plan for Weak and Still-born Calves

Diagnostic Plan for Weak and Stillborn Calves Dr. Christine Navarre
For the majority of Louisiana beef cattle producers, calving season is just around the corner. One problem that could be encountered is weak and stillborn calves. One or two weak or stillborn calves in a 50- to 100-cow herd would not be considered abnormal. But when those numbers increase, it is time to get concerned and get some answers. Weak or stillborn calves can have both infectious and noninfectious causes. The most common noninfectious cause is poor body condition in cows. When cows drop below a body condition score of 5 at calving, the chance of having calf health problems rises. And it makes both cows and calves more susceptible to infectious diseases. Other potential causes of weak and stillborn calves are brucellosis, anaplasmosis, neosporosis, BVD, IBR, Blue Tongue disease and nitrate toxicity. Cattle producers should have a diagnostic plan in case this occurs. While a diagnosis is not always reached, “negative” results can help rule out some problems. Sometimes it is necessary to collect samples from multiple animals to tell the whole story. The following is a suggested list of common tests needed to solve this issue. Producers should consult with their own veterinarian to see which tests are indicated. · Test for brucellosis
· Test for anaplasmosis
· Test for BVD
· Send any fetus/dead calf and fetal membranes to a diagnostic lab · Collect serum from any fetus/calf born dead · Collect pre-colostral serum on weak calves · Collect paired serum samples on cows that abort or deliver a premature, stillborn or weak calf · Test feedstuffs and water for nitrates · Rule out cyanide toxicity