Influence of rearing conditions and birth season on calf welfare in the first month of life

Ljiljana Samolovac,Branislav Stanković,Renata Relić,Slavča Hristov,Radojka Maletić

doi:10.3906/vet-1710-80

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of farm conditions and season of birth on body mass, respiratory system diseases and diarrhea occurrence, and mortality during the first month of calves? life. The study was conducted on two tie-stall-system farms with intensive milk production and similar nutrition of dairy cows, but with differences in rearing conditions of calves in the first week of life. The calves were tied on lying area with straw as bedding material (farm A) or free in individual boxes with straw bedding (farm B). In the first consumption, they take 1-2 L of colostrum produced by their mother or by another cow (farm A), or 2.5-3 L of colostrum produced by their mother or by another cow or frozen colostrum (farm B). According to the results, average body mass of calves was significantly higher on farm B than of those on farm A at all ages (on birth, at 8 days, and 30 days). Mortality rate and diarrhea occurrence in calves were higher on farm B, while respiratory system diseases incidence was higher on farm A. All observed welfare indicators were very significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by farm conditions and birth season.

Highlights

During the first month of life, calves are very vulnerable and demand quality care, since they are threatened by numerous risks factors influencing their welfare, growth, body mass gain and condition
The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the established practices on farms for the well-being of calves, such as the influence of birth season and farm conditions on body mass, respiratory system diseases and diarrhea occurrence, and the mortality of calves, as major animal
It could be noted that average body mass of calves on farms A and B were similar to [13,14] or lower than [15] the values that are characteristic for the Holstein Friesian breed as it was indicated in the literature

Summary

Introduction

During the first month of life, calves are very vulnerable and demand quality care, since they are threatened by numerous risks factors influencing their welfare, growth, body mass gain and condition All these issues matter or are very important for in production efficacy and consumers’ attitude, which makes research in this field highly interesting and financed in Europe in the last few decades [1,2,3]. If rearing conditions are not good, welfare problems may arise, such as negative emotions (pain, fear, frustration, etc.), behavior disorders, health problems of skin, digestive, respiratory and locomotor systems diseases, injuries, and mortality Besides these farm influences, the birth season may have significance through climate and microclimate conditions [9,10]. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the established practices on farms for the well-being of calves, such as the influence of birth season and farm conditions on body mass, respiratory system diseases and diarrhea occurrence, and the mortality of calves, as major animal-

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion