Observations on the Use of Vital Force Formulas on
Dairy Calves with Scours

Research was conducted by Dr. Merle Kuennen, DMV in the winter of 2002-2003

Purpose

To find effective methods for the treatment of scours in dairy herds that are antibiotic resistant. These producers have a need for effective treatment protocols for which traditional antibiotics and other conventional methods of treatment cannot be used.

Goals

The overall goal of the test was to determine whether adding Vital Force formulas to the conventional treatment protocol for scours in calves could help increase the survival rate of young calves.

Methods

One traditional dairy producer in Iowa with an antibiotic resistant herd interested in increasing the survival rate of his calves from scours was selected. The test was conducted under winter field conditions. A pre-selected group of Vital Force formulas were to be used. The protocol was to add the Vital Force formulas to the standard protocol for treatment of scours. The calves received their standard treatments and were “drenched” with the Vital Force formulas 3 times a day. Three calves were selected that had severe to very severe scours; one of the calves was evaluated as being critical (defined by Dr. Kuennen as having a very low probability of survival).

Conclusions

The conclusion was that the three calves treated with the Vital Force formulas demonstrated a dramatic increase in speed of recovery. It should be noted that no adverse reactions were observed. Dr. Kuennen made two notable observations. The first was the speed of recovery made by the calves; they bounced back faster than he had typically seen in any herd. The second was that the most severely affected calf, (the one he was sure would not recover) also made a speedy, full recovery. He feels that it is worth investigating the impact Vital Force formulas could have not only on helping to deal with scours but also as a preventive tool for use with newborn calves to help prevent scours. Dr. Kuennen wants to develop a preventive protocol that could be researched. The benefit to the dairy business in helping increase the survival rate of newborn calves is obvious. With the push to reduce antibiotic use in commercial livestock, these formulas could play a role in assisting the industry to find non-toxic solutions.