Home Remedy for Scours

Calf scours is a term used to describe diarrhea in young calves. The cause is different infectious agents and bacteria (according to Utah State University's Clell V. Bagley). It is a serious problem; according to beefmagazine.com, calf scours can kill a young calf, which in the aggregate results in the loss of tens of millions of dollars in the cattle industry each year. Providing your calves with electrolytes might help scours and prevent the calf from becoming afflicted by this condition.

  1. Home Remedy for Calf Scours

    • Serious conditions should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Calf scours is a serious condition that can result in the death of your calves. With that said, it is understandable that a veterinarian visit is not always necessary. If the condition is mild, or if you are trying to prevent the condition from breaking out, try these home remedies.

      Beefmagazine.com suggests the following course of treatment: Provide your calves with "electrolytes, dextrose or glycine, probiotics and an alkalizing agent along with antibiotics" (see Reference 2). This is described as "supportive therapy." Some of these items, such as the electrolytes, can be made at home; the antibiotics, on the other hand, will need to be acquired from a veterinarian.

      According to the California Cattleman magazine, one of the reasons why scours affects calves so severely is that the calves become thirsty but are too sick to drink. This is where the electrolytes come in. You can treat your calves suffering from scours by feeding them oral electrolytes. Electrolytes are, essentially, salty fluids, designed to rehydrate the calf and restore energy to the calf so that the calf can fight off the disease. You can make your own recipe by mixing one gallon of water with 86 grams of sugar, 14 grams of baking soda, 13 grams of salt and 3 grams of potassium chloride (see Resource 2).

      An alternative recipe is as follows: 1 can beef consume soup, 1 package of jelly pectin (Sure Gel), 2 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. baking soda, and warm water to make a 2-quart total (see Resource 1).

      These electrolytes should be given to the calves every five to six hours, according to beefmagazine.com.

      In addition to providing your calves with electrolytes, beefmagazine.com suggests increasing the intake of vitamins for the calves, particularly vitamin A. Vitamin A aids in the calves' digestive system. Also, keep the calves in a warm, dry environment to reduce their stress levels and allow them to fight off the disease.