Symptoms and diagnosis of rickets in calves, treatment and prevention

Young cattle require care and attention from the moment they are born. Improper care or feeding causes metabolic disorders and often leads to rickets in calves. Problems can arise at different stages of the offspring's development. Studying the causes of the disease, identifying the disease at an early stage and timely prevention will protect farmers from serious consequences.

Causes of rickets in calves

The disease in calves is caused by a lack of vitamin D, which is involved in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium. A deficiency of beneficial microelements interferes with the proper formation of bone tissue. As a result, the offspring of cattle show signs of developmental delay.The main causes of rickets:

1. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Imbalance of acid-base environment.
3. Unbalanced diet leading to vitamin deficiency.
4. Lack of sunlight.

Rickets often occurs in calves while still in the womb. This is caused by a poor feeding ration, which causes metabolic failures in a pregnant cow. Most often, the disease manifests itself in calves during the first year of life. Cases of mass diseases are noted in winter, if the livestock is rarely allowed out for walks.

Symptoms and signs

Rickets is characterized by slow development. Over time, symptoms appear:

Stages of the disease	Signs
Early stage	The appearance of perverted appetite in calves
	Gastrointestinal dysfunction - bloating and diarrhea
	Convulsions
	Loss of shine and elasticity of the coat
	Lameness and weakness of the limbs
One month after illness	Lumps appear on the thoracic ribs
	Joints increase in size
	The shape of the skull changes
	Torso curvature
The height of the disease	Tachycardia
	Labored breathing
	Decreased hemoglobin levels
	General weakness

Sick calves begin to loosen their teeth and fall out. As a result, animals begin to lose the weight they have gained. When moving, a characteristic crunch of bones is heard. Fractures often occur.

Diagnostics

A veterinarian is invited to clarify the diagnosis. It is difficult to determine the nature of the disease on your own. The following diseases have symptoms similar to rickets:

1. Rheumatism.
2. Joint pathologies.
3. White muscle disease.
4. Ailments caused by copper deficiency.

The doctor studies the calf's feeding diet, examines the animal, and palpates painful areas of the body. To definitively confirm the presence of rickets, a biochemical blood test is performed. Specialists also prescribe x-rays or ultrasound examinations.

Treatment methods

Sick young animals are immediately separated from healthy livestock and placed in a dry and warm room. Conditions for keeping calves revising:

1. A straw bedding is placed on the floor of the pen.
2. As the layers become dirty, they are removed and replaced with fresh ones.
3. Check the ventilation system.
4. In winter, ultraviolet lamps are turned on indoors to compensate for the lack of sunlight.
5. Provide regular physical activity. In the summer, the calves are released to pasture, and in the winter they are walked in the barn building.

Animal feeding is also subject to reassessment. Young animals are given food rich in protein, vitamins and other beneficial substances.

The diet includes:

1. Fresh herbs and vegetables. Carrots are especially useful.
2. Alfalfa, dandelions or clover are added to the hay.
3. Yeast additives.

During illness, calves are fed whole milk for about 2 weeks.

The source of macro- and microelements necessary for the body is bone or shell meal, and feed chalk. Vitamin-mineral complexes replenish phosphorus and calcium reserves.

Intramuscular injections of Tetravit and the drug Ergocalciferol are very helpful in the treatment of rickets. Up to 10 drops of Trivitamin are given orally daily. The duration of the course is determined by the veterinarian. Sick calves are prescribed fish oil enriched with vitamins. The dose is calculated based on the weight of the animal - 0.5 grams of the drug per kilogram of weight.

Is it possible to avoid the problem?

To prevent rickets, a set of measures is organized on the farm.To prevent the occurrence of the disease, it is necessary:

1. Conduct regular veterinary examinations of animals.
2. Pregnant cows should be injected with vitamin-containing medications a month before giving birth.
3. Donate blood of newborn calves for testing.
4. Avoid keeping animals in cold, damp rooms.
5. Observe hygiene rules.
6. Ensure regular walking of the livestock.
7. Install UV lamps in the pen.

The diet of animals should be balanced not only during illness. Constant attention is paid to feeding, the freshness of products is monitored, useful supplements and recommended dosages are used.

Following advice on keeping and feeding calves will protect animals from many diseases. Rickets and other pathologies negatively affect the productivity of the herd. And this causes serious damage to the entire farming industry.