Umbilical health might seem routine, but what happens at the navel in the first few days of life can shape a calf’s future health and productivity. The umbilicus isn’t just an anatomical leftover from fetal life; it’s a critical gateway for infection and a window into broader calf health and welfare.
After birth, the umbilical cord should naturally dry and detach. However, until proper drying has occurred, it acts as an open pathway for pathogen entry. When bacteria colonize that space, it results in omphalitis, or infection of the umbilical area, which could manifest as naval ill, urachal infection or full-thickness abscesses. Left unchecked, infection can spread into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of more severe illness.
Despite being often overlooked, naval infections are the third most common cause of disease. The reported prevalence of umbilical infection ranges widely from ~1% in older research to ~30% in more recent studies. These variations underscore how inconsistent case definitions and diagnostic criteria are and how much space for improvement there is.
Most naval infections happen within the first two weeks of life, with seven to 14 days of age being where you see the peak occurrence.
Signs of a healthy umbilical cord
- Dry, shriveled and inflexible
- No swelling, heat, pain, discharge or foul odor
- By one week of age, it should be about the size of your thumb
Signs of an unhealthy umbilical cord
- Swollen, especially if larger than 1.5 cm in diameter
- Hot to the touch
- Painful when touched; the calf might flinch or kick
- Discharge, pus or a foul smell
- Moist or wet
Umbilical Health Risk Factors
The conditions surrounding calving have the greatest influence on umbilical health. A clean, dry environment minimizes bacterial exposure to the severed cord, while damp or dirty bedding creates ideal conditions for infection. Calves born in unsanitary or overcrowded maternity areas are at a higher risk of infection.
Difficult or assisted births compound this risk. Prolonged delivery increases umbilical trauma and delays cord closure, creating a route for pathogen invasion. Heavier calves often experience greater strain and tissue damage around the umbilicus due to more difficult births.
Male calves tend to be at a higher risk of umbilical infection due to the location of the male urinary tract meatus contributing to wetness of the umbilical area.
Prevention and Management of Umbilical Infection
When asked how producers could address umbilical health, Dr. Dave Renaud of the Ontario Veterinary College offered the following on “The Healthy Calf” podcast:
“If you look at umbilical infections, they do have really serious repercussions. Calves with an umbilical infection have an increased risk of mortality,” he says. “They have reduced daily gain. They have reduced survival to first lactation … Going out and getting an understanding of how common it is on your farm is really the first step towards knowing if you need to put different prevention methods in place.”
- Disinfect immediately: After birth, disinfect the stump with a navel dip with 2% chlorhexidine or 7% iodine, as soon as the calf is breathing well.
- Provide clean housing: Keep the maternity and calf housing areas clean and dry to minimize exposure to pathogens.
- Monitor daily: Check the navel at least once daily for the first week for any signs of infection.
- Consult a veterinarian: If you suspect an infection, consult your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan, especially for more severe cases involving hernias or systemic infections.
- Avoid transport: Do not transport calves with a “wet” navel as they are vulnerable to infection. Wait until the umbilical cord has fallen off and there is no evidence of infection.
