The use of antibiotics in rearing preweaned calves has changed considerably in recent decades. Many operations are relying less on antibiotics today to keep their calves healthy. Some of that reduction has been due to regulation, and some by intentional management strategy.

Even skipping a couple of sanitation steps for a few days, or failing to properly wash one piece of equipment, can lead to an outbreak of sick, scouring calves that may take weeks to reverse.