Rearing conditions and health status of calves on small rural farms

Nenad Stojiljkovic,Vladimir Zivkovic,Renata Relic,Jozica Jezek,Nenad Micic,Bogdan Cekic,Marija Gogic

doi:10.2298/bah1804419s

Nenad Stojiljkovic, Vladimir Zivkovic + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2298/bah1804419s

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Abstract

Good rearing conditions are the key factor for health and welfare of calves. Diarrhea, respiratory and navel infections are commonly referred to as the most common health problems in calves. The aim of this study was an observation of rearing conditions and the occurrence of the most common health problems in calves on small rural farms in Danube Region of Serbia. Data were colected from 30 farms by surveying the farmers. The questionary consisted of 75 questions pertaining to the following: general information on the farm, and on calving, nutrition, weaning, housing, hygiene of space for cows and calves, on calf diseases and diseases prevention measures. According to the answers, the average number of all categories of cattle at the fams is 18 heads. Calves are separated from their mothers immediately after birth at 67% farms. They receive colostrum up to two hours after birth at 47% of the farms and immediately after birth at 20% of the farms. Average age of calves at weaning is 13 weeks. Calves begin to use hay usually between the 1st and 2nd week of life, and a concentrated feed in 2nd week. They are held in different types of pens. Farmers specified diarrhea and respiratory diseases as the most common health problems in calves. Rearing conditions at the farms often do not meet the recommendations and the breeders do not implement all of the necessary preventive measures. Corrections in this regard could contribute to better health of calves.

Highlights

Cattle breeding in Serbia represent a very important branch of livestock production, which is predominantly based on small family farms
This paper presents data on specific calf management practices and the occurrence of the most common health problems in calves on small rural farms in the Danube Region of Serbia
As reasons for loss due to accidents, the breeders mentioned the unprofessional aiding during the difficult calving and some inadequate rearing conditions, which resulted in injuries to calves with a fatal outcome

Summary

Introduction

Cattle breeding in Serbia represent a very important branch of livestock production, which is predominantly based on small family farms. 2012 census, rural households have an average of 5.1 head of cattle of all categories. Milk production is carried out on farms with an average capacity of 2.8 heads. On these farms, other types of animals are usually grown in order to meet the needs of the household for milk, meat and eggs, which implies numerous possibilities for transmitting and spreading contagious diseases (Relić, 2014). The occurrence of disease in calves reflects on the growth and further development, and on the production traits in adulthood, if the individual does not die. Infections can occur in the first days of life, and the most common health problems of calves are diarrhea, respiratory infections and omphalitis. Calf mortality in the first months of life ranges between 5 and 10%, and the target in calf rearing should be mortality below 5% in the mentioned period (Miljković and Veselinović, 2005)

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