Nine management strategies to help reduce the impact of liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy cattle
Proper nutrition, careful transitions can significantly reduce liver abscesses, improving calf performance and overall herd success.
Liver abscesses not only impact cattle health and well-being but can also cause significant financial losses for producers and beef packers. Implementing sound management and nutritional strategies from day one can help reduce their prevalence and mitigate negative effects on performance and profitability.
Understanding liver abscessesThe primary bacterium associated with liver abscesses is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Research by T.G. Nagaraja, DVM, at Kansas State University confirms that this bacterium is present in nearly all liver abscess cases, even alongside other pathogens. While F. necrophorum is part of the normal gut microbiota, its colonization depends on management practices.
In dairy operations, feeding large volumes of colostrum via esophageal tube feeders can leave residual colostrum in the forestomaches, creating an environment where F. necrophorum thrives.
This may lead to subclinical rumenitis, which often goes unnoticed. Poor calf starter feed management can further increase gut permeability and predispose calves to liver abscesses.
Management strategies to reduce riskProper husbandry and feeding practices are essential to minimizing liver abscesses in beef-on-dairy calves. Consider the following steps in collaboration with your herd nutritionist and veterinarian:
Feed smaller volumes of high-quality colostrum: Ensure newborn calves receive colostrum with IgG ≥75 g/L in appropriate volumes to support passive immunity and reduce inflammation when using esophageal tube feeders.
Provide adequate milk intake: Feeding at least 2 gallons of milk replacer or pasteurized milk per day helps prevent excessive hunger, supports proper rumen maturation and allows for a gradual transition to starter feed.
Maintain a consistent feeding schedule: Feed calves at least twice daily, 12 hours apart. Long gaps between meals can increase gut health issues.
Introduce starter feed gradually: Introduce a properly balanced starter ration with limited fines, sufficient fiber, starch and protein to support muscle and gut tissue growth while ensuring smooth rumen development.
Incorporate direct-fed microbials (probiotics): Consider feeding probiotics shown to benefit calf gut health, helping to support a stable and beneficial microbial population.
Ensure access to fresh, clean water: Provide free-choice, clean water at all times. Avoid softened water, as high sodium levels can increase the risk of sodium toxicosis. Test water quality at least twice per year.
Extend milk feeding duration: Feed milk replacer or pasteurized milk for a minimum of 8 weeks, ideally 10 weeks, before weaning. This allows for full rumen development and a successful transition to dry feed.
Implement a gradual weaning process: A two-week weaning period helps calves transition smoothly from a liquid diet to dry feed, reducing gut inflammation, permeability issues and the risk of liver abscesses.
Minimize stress during group housing: When transitioning calves into group pens, provide additional feed and water access to ease acclimation and reduce stress.
Sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.
