Dr.iCow’s Diary
Date: 12.02.2020
Dear Dr.iCow
My dairy cow’s faeces contain mucous with blood stains but has a good appetite. What’s the problem and what am I supposed to do?
From: Mutua, County: Makueni, Kenya.
Discussion:
The cow looks heathy but there are blood stains and mucus in her dung. There are no sudden changes in the environment or changing of feeds. Mycotoxins from pasture forages or cut fodder are suspect in this case.
Dear Mr. Mutua,
The presence of mucus and blood in the cow’s faeces may be caused by infections like coccidiosis, an infection that can be in a herd of cattle without them showing signs and which then can show when a cow is stressed like when there is sudden change of feeds, change of environment and location. Other infections with dirrhoea, blood and mucus are salmonellosis, mycotoxins occasionally found in some fodder, concentrates and grains and in cases of Bovine viral disease –BVD. Please call a vet doctor to examine and give treatment to the cow.
Thank you
From your friend and advisor,
Dr.iCow