Investigating Perinatal Calf Mortality in Beef Herds

Abstract

This article summarizes the information presented in this issue to identify the reasons for a perinatal calf mortality (PCM) problem through a risk-factor-evaluation approach. The benefits of necropsies in PCM investigations are discussed, and the gross lesions of the major causes of PCM are described. The use of 2 x 2 tables to calculate odds ratios and the Chi-square method to test the validity of the odds ratios are presented as methods to determine suspected risk factors. The article concludes with a discussion of the management plan used to solve a PCM problem.