Fit Calf vs Sick Calf | Visual Checks
By Lauren Throup
How can you spot a sick calf? How can you tell the difference between a sick calf and a healthy one?
In our recent posts, we’ve covered how smart-monitoring with WellCalf’s smart ear tags can help you spot and tackle issues in your youngstock, even before visual signs that something is wrong.
That said, your stockmen and on-farm team are still the frontline when it comes to keeping a close eye on your animals.
Knowing exactly what to look for when checking on calves is one of the most valuable skills for any on-farm team.
The checks below are a quick list your team should know to refer to when working with animals day-to-day.
Signs of a Well Calf
- Clean legs and tail
- Well-rounded stomach and tummy area
- Flat, straight back
- Ribs not clearly visible
- Clean, shiny coat without bare or thin patches
- Perky ears
- Alert and active
- Clean, clear eyes and nose
- Healthy, weight-bearing hooves
- Knees clean and covered with hair
- Regular, unlaboured breathing (i.e. not panting)
- Firm, soft manure
Signs of a Sick Calf
- Dried and crusty manure on legs and tail
- Sore spots on hind legs (due to acidic contents of scours/manure)
- Thin, sunken belly
- Curved, rounded back
- Visible Ribs
- Bald Spots Or Sores
- Droopy ears, cold to the touch
- Sunken, dull eyes
- Snotty nose, possibly with pus
- Dirty and mucky
- Very fast or very slow breathing (panting or rasping)
- Diarrhoea/Scours - Liquid, greenish manure
Visual checks are a vital part of calf care, but they only catch what your eyes can see.
WellCalf’s smart ear tags monitor temperature and activity around the clock, alerting you to changes that can signal illness before visible symptoms appear.
