Abstract
Public concern on welfare of dairy calves remains low in Sri Lanka. Therefore, a survey was conducted to assess the welfare issues of dairy calf management practices in120 small scale dairy farms (herd size 7.85 ± 3.25: Mean ± SD) in Ratnapura district, Sri Lanka. Farmers were selected by using multistage random sampling technique and data collection was performed by the interview with the farmer using a questionnaire. Analysis was based on descriptive statistics. In 84% of farms, separate calving pen was absent. Cows were not provided bedding materials during calving in 22% of farms. In 16% of farms, disinfection of the new born’s navel was not practiced. All the farmers did not concern on colostrum quality, quantity and quickness of feeding. In 53% of farms, calf sheds were in poor condition (slippery floors- 13%, floor with obstacles- 53%, no side walls- 63%, poor condition of roof- 20%, no drainage facilities- 47%). However, 5% of farmers did not provide shelters for calves. Use of sick pen and provision of exercise yard were not in practiced in all the surveyed farms. In addition, in 44% of farms, calves were not provided grazing or any other exercises. Results indicated that 11% of the farmers did not treat calves for wounds or cuts. Furthermore, 9% of the farmers did not practice deworming and 92% of the farmers did not treat for external parasites. All the farmers did not concern about the quantity and quality of the feeding materials. Disbudding was practiced in 11% of farms without pain relief techniques. In overall, results reveal that there are issues in management practices that need intervention strategies to improve the welfare of dairy calves in the area. Key words: Dairy calf, small scale farms, welfare issues, management practices.  
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to the Fraser et al (1997) welfare of animals typically includes three questions: Is the animal functioning well (e.g., good health, productivity etc.)?
When rearing animals, animal welfare is one of the most vital aspects that need to be considered by the farmers.According to the Fraser et al (1997) welfare of animals typically includes three questions: Is the animal functioning well? Is the animal feeling well? and is the animal able to live according to its nature?Animal welfare assessment needs to cover all three areas of concerns
Calf management practices were surveyed on 120 small scale dairy farms that were distributed throughout Ratnapura district during the period of
Summary
According to the Fraser et al (1997) welfare of animals typically includes three questions: Is the animal functioning well (e.g., good health, productivity etc.)? Animal welfare assessment needs to cover all three areas of concerns. Other than those, paining procedures, pleasure and naturalness such as accessing to the pasture are included when concerning the calf welfare. Neglect of the welfare of the calves could lead young calves are vulnerable to disease, often fail to gain weight and experience high levels of mortality (Place et al, 1998). This may badly effect on the productivity and continuity of the herd
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
