Health and growth of water-buffalo calves in Nueva Ecija, the Philippines

Abstract

This prospective observational study was undertaken in the province of Nueva Ecija in the Philippines to assess current levels of health and growth achieved by a defined cohort of water-buffalo calves raised by smallholder farmers and to identify factors associated with the performance of these animals during the first 6 months following birth. Seventy two animals were enrolled, including 16 Philippine native water-buffalo and 54 crossbred (F 1, F 2 or backcrosses) animals. Dullness (which was associated with manual assistance at birth and inadequate milk supply subsequently) and scouring were the main signs of morbidity in this cohort, and the crude morbidity and mortality rates during the first 6 months following birth were 2.9 cases and 0.31 deaths per 1000 calf-days at risk, respectively. Average daily gain was significantly influenced both by the breed of the calf and whether the calf developed dullness at any time during the period of observation. The results of this study suggest that the problem of dullness in water-buffalo calves deserves further research attention. Management procedures are likely to be important determinants of growth in these animals.