Calf Talk

October, 2008

Volume 14, No. 10

IMPROPER ELECTROLYTE USE KILLS CALVES

By Russ Schnepper, D.V.M.

We have had to deal with too many dead calves, this past couple of months. The problem I would like to address is the use of electrolytes. Our Quantum Leap-Calf Lyte Plus is an excellent electrolyte. One problem is that it is so palatable that the calf raisers are putting the electrolyte in the calf’s drinking water and the calf will consume whatever you put in front of him. But the calf does not have access to any plain fresh water. With some thought that “if a little helps, more would be better” the calves are getting more electrolytes than their bodies can handle. We even see some go into convulsions. These calves have salt poisoning. The answer is simple - give plenty of fresh, non-medicated water. Many veal raisers use water as medicine. I believe they should have water in front of all of them. However, skilled calf feeders are able to use water for a calf that does not eat, or has that “look about him.” I equate not watering calves to the calf feeder eating a large bag of salty popcorn in the evening and then not being able to drink any fluids until the next morning. After the first bag of popcorn, I bet he would not eat much next time.

Calves housed in a cold environment have more trouble watering, as it freezes. In that case I would come back right after feeding milk and give one to three quarts of plain water. The calves will drink it before it freezes. I do not have a problem with adding an ounce or so of Calf-Lyte to two quarts of water to stimulate water consumption. But I do believe the calves should be offered plain, fresh water at least once a day. The calf that has adequate water can get rid of any extra nutrients in his body by using the extra water.

But one on restricted water is vulnerable to salt poisoning.

Never mix the electrolytes with the milk. There are two reasons. 1. The real need is for extra water, not electrolytes. 2. The other is that milk itself is 12 1/2% solids and when electrolytes are added, it effects the osmality of the solution so it is not absorbed as desired. If too much electrolyte is fed in comparison to the amount of water, then it works like giving the calf epsom salts and sucks water out of the body into the gut, exacerbating the scours.

Remember, no matter why the calf is scouring, if you put water into the front end of the calf faster than it comes out the back, you win. I am very aware there are electrolytes that claim they can be put in the milk. This gives an entirely wrong message - in most cases the calf needs the water much worse than the electrolytes.

I do not like the use of gelling electrolytes. The calf is scouring because he is trying to get rid of the toxic substances in his gut. Stopping the scour with a gelling electrolyte forces the calf to absorb the toxins, putting a big stress on his other organs to get rid of the toxins.

Please use our Quantum Leap Calf-Lyte Plus, with FOS correctly and it will save many calves. Available in 10 & 25 pound buckets (115 doses). Use Electrolytes between feedings, but continue the regular milk feedings.

Contact information for ordering information and questions about our products:

Schnepper International, Inc.

3210 County B, Platteville, WI 53818

608-348-6141, Fax: 608-348-6146