In recent years, the incidence of diarrhea in calves has been steadily increasing, becoming a major challenge for cattle farmers worldwide. Among the various causes, parasitic illnesses such as Cryptosporidiosis are less well-known. Cryptosporidiosis in calves is mainly caused by a protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum, which affects the gastrointestinal tract and leads to diarrhea in calves. Transmission occurs via the faecal-oral route, through the ingestion of cryptosporidium oocysts present in contaminated water or food, or by direct contact with infected animals. It makes farm hygiene a critical control point. The economic losses associated with cryptosporidiosis in calves include the cost of treatment and management, reduced feed conversion and production efficiency, and losses due to mortality. Thus, effective cryptosporidium management in livestock has become necessary. Calf disease prevention using good biosecurity measures, like sanitary practices and managing exposure risks, are important for preventing this infection.

Pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium spp.: (Image)

Key Strategies for Maintaining Strict Hygiene and Sanitation in Livestock:

Cleaning and Disinfection

·      Work under the assumption of the “all-in/all-out” principle in managing calves, so thorough cleaning and preferably drying for several weeks must occur between batches of calves.

·      Control pests such as rats, mice, and flies. Rodents and pets should not be allowed to enter areas where calf feed or milk are stored.

·      Maintain clean, dry housing with raised feed and water troughs to minimize contamination from the environment.

·      Use steam cleaning between batches of animals. Steam cleaning is recommended because oocysts are inactivated at temperatures above 60°C. Also, C. parvum oocysts can survive at -20°C, especially in the presence of a cryoprotectant.

Pasture Management

·      Give special attention to grazing lands because they help reduce the environmental parasite load.

·      Realize that the largest portion of the parasite life cycle occurs outside the animal.

·      Choose pasture techniques that reduce parasite levels and chemical dewormers.

·      Keep the grass in a vegetative stage so that it maintains height and good nutrition for calves, thereby accustoming them to the strength to fight infections.

Water and Feed Management

·      Provide clean and fresh water from an uncontaminated source.

·      Avoid stagnant water sources.

·      Sanitised or cleaned feed and water troughs should be used to minimise the possibility of contamination.

Since the disease has no highly efficient calf diarrhea drug treatment yet, hygienic and sanitary conditions undergo the major prophylaxis methods against cryptosporidiosis. Along with this, natural calf health solutions, such as plant extracts, can offer complementary preventive measures in improving animals’ gut health. Effective prevention supports the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome, limiting the colonization and impact of potential pathogens and protozoa. This will contribute to the overall health and productivity of the herd.

CRYPTORID

Cryptorid is specially formulated for the management of calf diarrhea. It is a non-antibiotic, plant-based solution designed to prevent bacterial scours and disrupt the lifecycle of Cryptosporidium, which reduces the risk of cryptosporidiosis in calves. It contains a blend of plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, isoflavones, and phenolic acids, which work synergistically to enhance calf performance, support gut health, and effectively control diarrhea.

BENEFITS

1. Disrupts the lifecycle of Cryptosporidium
2. Reduces oocyst shedding
3. Boosts immunity in juveniles
4. Strengthens and protects the villous lining of the intestinal epithelium
5. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties to strengthen the defense system

“Crypto-Free Calves – Naturally”