Why Calf Diarrhoea is Common on the Farm

A calf at Margaret Riungu's dairy farm in Meru. [Olivia Murithi, Standard]

Dear Daktari, I am a retired civil servant who is now a full-time dairy farmer here in Webuye town. Last month, I lost a very good calf, and the only thing I observed before its death was diarrhoea. I did not think this could easily kill my cow until a veterinary doctor confirmed that my calf most probably died from diarrhoea. I know many other fellow farmers out there may not know that diarrhea can indeed be fatal in a calf. The veterinary doctor was very supportive in helping me prevent such incidences through a number of husbandry practices. I just thought this was something worth sharing.