Cattle - Raising Small Animals - page 441

Johne's disease: Johne's disease is a costly disease caused by Mycobacterium paratubercu-
losis . Most frequently, young adult cattle show clinical signs of Johne's disease, though many
cattle in affected herds have subclinical disease. M. paratuberculosis causes a condition called
granulomatous disease of the ileum, cecum, and related lymph nodes. This change in the in-
testine causes a malabsorption of protein (losing enteropathy) and diarrhea. The transmission
of M. paratuberculosis is through the fecal-oral route, but it also can be transmitted intrauter-
ine and through the milk. Signs of Johne's disease can mimic other diarrheal or weight-loss
diseases. These signs can include diarrhea, muscle wasting (due to protein loss), weight loss,
anorexia, dehydration, and eventually death. There is no treatment at this time for Johne's dis-
ease.
CASE STUDY: DAIRY CATTLE ON THE SIDE
Duane Spielman
Dr. Carmen Odegaard
Evansville, Minnesota
Duane Spielman and Carmen Odegaard moved to their small farm about 12 years ago after
attending college in St. Paul, Minnesota. Spielman took a job at a large dairy farm that milks
300 to 400 cows, while Odegaard works as a veterinarian at local veterinary clinics. They
decided they wanted a little extra income, so Spielman purchased some Holstein bull calves
from his employer. This started a long-term side business of raising dairy beef.
Spielman and Odegaard are very diligent about maintaining the health of their calves. The
calves are brought to their farm when they are 1 to 2 days old. Spielman makes certain the
calves get at least 1 gallon of colostrum within the first 24 hours of life. This is the most im-
portant factor in having a healthy calf. Another important factor in raising healthy calves is
cleanliness of anything the calf might touch with its mouth. This includes bottles, nipples,
pails, and pens.
They prefer to keep their calves in calf huts made of molded plastic. These huts are easy to
move and can be bleached between calf litters. Each calf has its own hut, which cuts down
on disease transmission. When the calves are weaned, they are moved into a group of eight
to ten calves in a well-ventilated pen with access to the outside. Dry air, light, and dry straw
are a must in the pens.
They do not recommend purchasing baby calves from a sales barn; rather, try to find a local
producer and buy calves directly from the farm. They also recommend talking with a local
veterinarian to find out what reputable farms sell dairy calves. Plus, it is good to establish a