Clinical cold stress in calves

Identification, environmental considerations, treatment and prevention.

Authors

  • John F. Anderson Field Services, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
  • Donald W. Bates Extension Agricultural Engineer, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108; Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1984no19p22-25

Keywords:

calf diseases, calves, cold zones, Diagnosis, Disease prevention, Hypothermia, nutrition, Reviews, Young animal diseases

Abstract

Severe weather related stress in young dairy calves is often unrecognized. If the calf is born in a cold, wet environment and is not dried immediately following birth, susceptibility to hypothermia is markedly increased. A negative energy balance (hypothermia) develops as a result of the calf's thin haircoat, heat loss due to evaporation, the small amount of subcutaneous fat and incomplete development of body temperature control mechanisms. Physiological deterioration occurs rapidly under these conditions.

Cover image of the 19th Volume of the Bovine Practitioner: a vintage photo of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines

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Published

1984-11-01

How to Cite

Anderson, J. F., & Bates, D. W. (1984). Clinical cold stress in calves: Identification, environmental considerations, treatment and prevention. The Bovine Practitioner, 1984(19), 22–25. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1984no19p22-25

Issue

No. 19 (1984 November)

Section

Articles