FieldDxWeak calf syndromeClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in cattle.
Overview
A newborn calf too weak to stand and nurse normally, from any of several possible underlying causes. Multifactorial: commonly inadequate dam nutrition in late gestation, dystocia-related oxygen deprivation, prematurity, or intrauterine infection.
Clinical signs
- Clinical signs include profound weakness and depression in neonatal calves, with a high susceptibility to environmental pathogens.
Predisposing factors
- Failure of transfer of colostral immunoglobulins and inadequate caloric intake are identified as underlying determinants of the problem.
Treatment
- Total intravenous feeding (parenteral nutrition) may be indicated if the calves cannot or will not eat.
- High concentrations of glucose, protein hydrolysates, lipid emulsions, and electrolytes are given by continuous slow intravenous infusion over a period of several days.
Prevention
1. Proper management of the pregnant cow's nutrition during late pregnancy (Period 4, the critical 50 days before calving when 75% of fetal growth occurs) is critical. 2. Cow condition at calving is essential to calf vigor and subsequent rebreeding.
Source
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER (Page 34, Page xv); A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER (Page 2172).
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER — Weak-Calf Syndrome
MSD Veterinary Manual — Perinatal Mortality in Calves (accessed 2026-08-11)
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