Merck veterinarian: Milk-feeding problems can contribute to pneumonia in calves

In advice published by Dairy Herd Management, Schefers recommends extending examinations beyond the lungs. The mouth, throat, soft palate and oesophagus should also be checked when investigating recurring pneumonia.

Bucket feeding and automated milk systems can create difficulties with swallowing. Schefers identifies both the equipment and its placement as factors to examine during a review of how calves receive milk.

A calf’s posture during drinking can contribute to pneumonia, as can an excessively large opening in a feeding teat. These are among the feeding-related problems described in the article.

Difficulty swallowing during a feed can allow milk to pass into the respiratory tract. Feeding problems can also contribute to infections of the middle ear.