316 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



the navel cord of the young calf immediately after it is born, and 

 applying some good disinfectant to the exposed parts. 



The common scours, or indigestion, may usually be traced 

 to faulty methods in feeding the young calf. The principal 

 causes are as follows : overfeeding, feeding cold milk, irregular 

 feeding, feeding alfalfa or other highly nitrogenous hay to the 

 young calf, using dirty pails, and dirty stables. 



The first sign of indigestion or scours among calves is usu- 

 ally the characteristic foul-smelling dung. When a calf shows 

 the first signs of scours the milk should be reduced one-half or 

 more, and then gradually increased again as the calf improves. 

 This method of treatment is usually sufficient to check a mild 

 case. There have been many remedies suggested for treatment 

 of the scours, and all are used with more or less success. The 

 feeding of dried blood to calves has proved very effective. This 

 may be fed by adding about a teaspoon ful of soluble dried blood 

 to the milk and stirring it in well. Dried blood not only acts as 

 a tonic, but often is fed along with milk at each feed on account 

 of its feeding value as well as its value as preventive treatment 

 against the scours. A fresh egg given to the calf when the scours 

 is first noticed often checks the attack. Castor oil is also used with 

 good results. Two tablespoon fuls is sufficient for a dose. This 

 may be given as a drench mixed with milk. 



