Proper navel care is one of the first and most important steps in raising healthy calves. The navel stump includes the remnants of the structures that connected the calf to the dam during pregnancy. These structures are the urachus (linking the bladder to the placenta), an umbilical vein, and two arteries. After birth, these structures lose their function but remain temporarily connected to the calf’s liver and circulatory system.
The navel stump begins to dry and shrink within days, while the body wall gradually closes over weeks. However, until this process is complete, the navel can be a port of entry for pathogens, potentially leading to liver abscesses, joint infections, hernias, and other health issues.
While dairy producers estimate navel disease prevalence at 1% to 2%, research suggests that it is significantly higher, ranging from 20% to 40%. This discrepancy reveals the challenges of detecting navel disorders on dairy operations, which often requires hands-on examination rather than relying on visual cues.
Preventing navel disease remains the priority. Several factors that influence navel health are discussed in this article.
Clean and dry
Wet or contaminated bedding in maternity and newborn calf pens has been linked to navel disorders. Keeping bedding dry and clean is vital to reduce pathogen exposure. Regularly remove manure and wet spots from the maternity area and newborn calf pens, and frequently replace bedding with clean material to lower pathogen loads. If applying new bedding is too expensive, take advantage of sunlight to dry bedding. Rotate bedding from drier areas to wetter ones where animals tend to bunch.
Additionally, consider expanding pen sizes or adding new pens to reduce overcrowding. But remember that even if the provided square footage meets guidelines, cows often bunch in specific areas, leading to localized overcrowding and dirty bedding. Similarly, ensure newborn calf pens are not overcrowded. Pens where animals are waiting to be picked up to go to the calf ranch can be temporarily overcrowded and present a greater risk for disease.
Equipment used with calves must also be clean. Ensure that carts used to transport calves are cleaned between uses to prevent cross-contamination and exposure to manure. After cleaning, drain all the water and dry it out, preferably in the sun, before using again.
If scissors are used to cut the umbilical cord, they will come into direct contact with blood in the navel and must be sanitized. Be sure to use clean, stainless steel scissors, and provide easy access to cleaning products such as alcohol wipes or disinfectant for cleaning scissors before and after use. Replace rusty or damaged scissors to avoid introducing pathogens.
Industry recommendations suggest leaving an umbilical cord length of at least 2 inches after cutting. Navels shorter than 1.25 inches are at greater risk of navel disorders. Some producers prefer taking advantage of natural rupture, which typically results in longer cords. The main concern with not cutting the navel is overstepping in the long cord while the calf moves. Regardless of the navel protocol chosen, timely disinfection of the navel cord is essential.
Best disinfection practices
Disinfecting the navel is a cornerstone of newborn calf care. As soon as we are handling the newborn calf, we should be ready to apply the navel disinfectant immediately after cutting the cord. It is recommended to repeat a second application within 12 to 24 hours if the calf is being transported, either before leaving the farm or upon arrival at the calf ranch. Dipping for long periods of time, such as daily application for several days, is not recommended as some disinfectants delay the drying-out process of the cord.
Common choices for disinfectants include iodine tincture (7%), chlorhexidine (2% or 4%), or specialized products containing isopropyl alcohol, acids, and surfactants. Research suggests that all disinfectants tested are effective if used properly. Dipping provides better coverage than spraying when properly applied, but it can lead to cross-contamination if the same cup is reused without cleaning. Spraying reduces cross-contamination risks, but it requires careful application to ensure complete coverage.
Disposable cups are recommended for dipping to prevent cross-contamination. If reusable cups are used, clean them thoroughly before refilling. Organic matter will reduce disinfectant efficacy, and the dirty cup can become a source of bacteria. Dirty navel dipping cups are a common finding that has an easy solution.
Follow label instructions for storage of disinfectant products. For some disinfectants, storage is recommended at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) and with no exposure to light. Thus, it is important to find a place where chemicals can be properly stored until they are needed to maintain their potency. The stability of the chemicals in the dipping cup at the maternity area might be affected by heat and sunlight in summer or freezing temperatures in winter. Furthermore, these solutions are exposed to organic matter; the combination of those challenges may significantly affect the disinfectant efficacy. Always replace products regularly to maintain efficacy and clean cups before refilling. Avoid using expired disinfectants or products exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time.
Two more factors
Colostrum is the sole source of immunity for newborn calves and helps protect against infections and minimize the severity of infections. Review your colostrum feeding protocols to ensure proper handling.
First, feed an adequate volume. If needed, use esophageal feeding to ensure adequate intake. Be sure to use high-quality colostrum with low E. coli counts and high IgG levels. Provide the first feeding as soon as possible, followed by a second feeding within six to 12 hours. Feed colostrum at 102°F to 104°F. Ensure it is not too hot (to avoid burns) or too cold (which can reduce gut motility).
Another crucial factor for calf health and navel disorders is effective communication between the maternity and calf-raising teams. For example, calf raisers might observe improper navel dipping practices in the maternity area, such as disinfectant being applied to the belly rather than the navel. This would then need to be communicated to management to implement proper measurements in maternity. Likewise, maternity workers can inform calf raisers about animals that are at a higher risk of infection due to difficult calving, delays in colostrum intake, or navel dipping application.
By following these best practices, you can significantly improve navel health and calf well-being on your dairy.
