Herd-based Testing for Young Stock

Abstract

Investigation of calf morbidity or mortality problems usually requires an accurate assessment of the colostrum-feeding program as well as documentation of the potential enteric and respiratory pathogens to which the pre-weaned calves have been exposed. The approach to herd-based problem solving and assessment is quite different than testing individual calves. Conclusions and recommendations are based, not just on recent history, impressions, written protocols, examination of affected animals and post-mortem results, but on farm data collection. Accurate conclusions require appropriate sample sizes, discriminating tests and an appropriate population of calves to test. The purpose of this paper is to describe the farm data collection and analysis that determines whether there is a herd problem of failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT), the level of calf exposure to potential fecal and respiratory pathogens and the determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of potential respiratory pathogens.