Coccidiosis
From the day they are born young calves are at risk to coccidiosis. This condition is caused by a parasite, emieria, which burrows into the wall of the intestine.
Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, the existence of the parasite can effect the digestive system at this crucial stage of early development and can have a life long effect on the calf’s growth.
Sub clinical coccidia levels occur in most calf herds where parasite spores are passed from calf to calf in faeces. If left untreated a chronic infection may develop leading to bloody scouring and possibly death.
The best way to ensure your calves achieve good growth and are in prime condition is to treat calves with an anti coccidial in their milk and meal.
In the New Zealand animal feeds market there are many calf milk replacers and meals of varying price and quality. It is important to note that not all contain an anti-coccidial.
NRM New Zealand, offers a range of quality calf milk powders and meals that contain anti-coccidials. The use of such products will halt the development and spread of the coccidiosis parsite, and ensure optimum growth rates and overall animal health.
It is important to remember that calves are vulnerable to coccidiosis up to 140 days of age, and preventative treatment is always more cost effective than treating the condition once it has become established in the herd.
