scours question

stifflej · #1 09/18/12, 08:00 AM

I bought a finished heifer, weighs about 1100 lbs, bought at cattle auction last Thursday, to be butchered next Tuesday (9/25). I noticed it had scours, all liquid poo. It is still very active and alert, eating and drinking well. I know if young calves this is very bad, and I assume I probably changed its diet, feeding all timothy hay now, i would imagine it was on a lot of grain before. I do have scours medicine on hand, just looking for suggestions here, can't afford to lose it. Checked on it an hour ago, and still looks good. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

springvalley · #2 09/18/12, 08:24 AM

You have to be carefull giving Meds. now if your going to butcher her. What color is the pooh ? If it`s green, she may have been on pasture, and thats not a big deal. Have any rolled oats you could give her ? Good luck. > Thanks Marc

stifflej · #3 09/18/12, 08:46 AM

Pooh was mostly clear with a little brown, don't have any rolled oats, just corn. I could probably get some today if you think it would help?

G. Seddon · #4 09/18/12, 10:22 AM

A week until slaughter? New environment, stress might be a factor. I'd try feeding some mixed grass hay, nothing rich, and see if that helps some. Ditto on what Marc said about medicating at this late date.

rancher1913 · #5 09/18/12, 10:27 PM

my cows have runny crap every now and again and its never been a problem for me, its only the young stuff that I have to worry about and even then I wait and watch for a day or so before intervening

stifflej · #6 09/19/12, 06:19 AM

as of last night, still up and eating well, but didn't get to see her poop. Will be checking on again shortly (as soon as I get my DD on the bus).

Madsaw · #7 09/19/12, 08:46 PM

Is the puddle covered in bubbles? How rank does it stink?

stifflej · #8 09/20/12, 08:02 AM

not sure about bubbles, haven't been able to catch her going the last 2 days. Smell has not been anything out of the ordinary. Still active, eating and drinking fine.

stifflej · #9 09/20/12, 08:03 AM

What would the bubbles mean? I did hear odd smell could mean shipping fever...

CCCC · #10 09/20/12, 08:21 AM

In agreement with G.Seddon.

Could be stress or high protein diet or both.

Grass hay and water and should be fine until you butcher.