Managing dehydration

Calf dehydration, mainly as a result of diarrhoea, is a major drain on dairy farm performance and is the biggest single cause of calf losses. The benefits of reducing the impact of dehydration can be considerable as it has a range of short-term and long-term consequences which affect profitability.

Calves are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to their body size, their increased metabolic rate and their body composition. The majority of the calf's fluid is stored outside celss (extracellular) therefore it will lose fluid quickly if it is affected by diarrhoea.

The importance of early intervention

Dehydration disturbs many of the key pathways in the animal, reducing blood sugar, causing malnutrition and increasing the risk of hypothermia. It can also affect the absorptive capacity of the intestines, leading to poorer use of feed, reduced growth rates and poor feed conversion.

Also calves with diarrhoea are losing much more sodium in their faeces. This is important as the bigger the loss of sodium, the harder it is to maintain an electrolyte balance and consequently the more challenging it is to reduce the extent and duration of dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I intervene with electrolytes?

Electrolytes should be given at the first signs of dehydration, such as reduced milk intake, slower drinking, dullness, or mild sunken eyes. They can also be used proactively during periods of increased stress or risk of dehydration, including heat stress, dehorning, transport, weaning, or following digestive upset. If a calf is unable to stand, refuses to suck, or is severely dehydrated, veterinary attention is advised.

What are the early signs of dehydration?

The early signs of dehydration can be subtle, so it's important to pay close attention to calf behaviour, as this is often the first indication that something is wrong. Calves with scours are at particular risk of dehydration, but dehydration can also occur during periods of heat stress or other illness. Reduced milk intake, slower drinking speeds, or refusing to drink are key early warning signs. As dehydration progresses, calves may develop droopy ears, sunken eyes, and become less active, appearing dull or lethargic.

Can I mix electrolytes into milk for calves that are sick with diarrhoea?

No - Milk absorbs too much of the elevated levels of salt and sugar contained in electrolyte solutions, increasing the risk of diarrhoea. If you choose to use an electrolyte solution like OsmoFit, check the advised dosing rate before mixing into water, and provide it inbetween milk feedings.

Should I continue feeding milk with electrolytes?

Yes keep milk feeds going - electrolytes support hydration but are not a replacement for milk.

Dehydration resulting from diarrhoea is the cause of 55% of all calf deaths in their first stage of life.

Spotting the early signs

Diarrhoea is often associated with severe intestinal villus damage which reduces the nutrient absorptive capacity of the calf and means that they are unable to absorb all of the nutrients present in the milk.

This results in poorer use of feed and feed conversion, and reduced growth rates. So don't wait until a calf is seen scouring before you intervene as it will already be too late.

Keep a careful watch on calf behaviour for early signs such as reduced milk intakes, slower drinking speeds or not drinking at all are early indicators. Other signs to look out for include droopy ears, sunken eyes and an overall reduction in activity which indicate dehydration is becoming a problem.

Take Action to Rehydrate

As soon as you see the early signs of dehydration immediately start treatment with a hypotonic (low osmolality) oral rehydration solution such as OsmoFit.

OsmoFit is a dietetic water-soluble calf rehydration product. It is able to stabilise the water and electrolyte balance of the extracellular fluid pool in cases of diarrhoea by providing the required salts and sugars in the right amounts and in the correct ratio.

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