Coccidia infections can damage the villi or limit their growth. That animal is then less able to absorb nutrients and efficiently convert feed over its entire lifetime, whether it is headed for the milking parlor or the feedlot.

Protecting calves from coccidiosis requires offense strategies on multiple fronts. These efforts fall into two overall categories: management and medication

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.