Calf Management Research Articles

INTERRELATION OF NATURAL STABILITY TO RESISTANCE TO DISEASE AND STRESS WITH ECONOMICALLY USEFUL FEATURES IN DAIRY CATTLE

There have a survey of the connection between natural resistance and stress resistance among Holstein heifer showing domestic-usable features.
 Arecord-keepingofdisease incidence was conducted.
 There was a study of calves-live-weight and of their spontaneous resistance.
 Serum bactericidal and lysozyme activity were determined.
 For impartial assessment of phagocytosis, activity and intensity of phagocytosis were taken into account.
 There was an analysis of lactation milk production of calved cows, after giving birth of calves under review.
 There was a study of production traits of test animals after termination of first lactation.
 There have been established high criteria of age succession of live-weight-features in all age periods (r = +0.8 – +0.9), which affirms the consistency in calf management.
 Average month live-weight-increase in the test group was 25.3 ± 118 kg.
 There was revealed a positive correlation between an average month live-weight-increase and serum bactericidal activity(r = +0.28 ± 0.13).
 Otherwise an invert correlation between lysozyme activity and average month live-weight-increase was determined.
 At the age of 7 months the invert correlation in these criteria amounts r = -0.585 ± 0.22**, Р < 0.01.
 The efficiency-influence of calved cows on the live-weight of 6-month-calves was probable and amounted ηх2 = 29.6% (Р > 0.001).
 The efficiency-influence of calved cows on the stress resistance of calves turned out statistically significant and amounted ηх2 = 39.5%.
 A statistically significant influence of the age of the first service (ηх2 = 12.3%) and that of incidence of illness (ηх2 = 7%) in early age on the milk production was not identified.
 The animals, showing normal-stress-status, had probably, higher level of milk production in 305 day of the first lactation, (+1843 кг, Р < 0.05), than stress-sensitive animals.
 Apart from this, the stress-resistant calves showed, probably, higher live-weight.
 In summary, the inconstancy between live-weight and the criteria of natural resistance should be considered during cattle-breeding aiming disease-resistance.

A cross-sectional study of associations between herd-level calf mortality rates, compliance with legislation on calf welfare, and milk feeding management in Norwegian dairy herds

Our aim was to investigate the associations between management factors, compliance with current legislation, and herd-level calf mortality. In a national calf welfare audit, veterinary inspectors from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority assessed compliance with current legislation on calf welfare (n = 912 herds). Nine criteria were assessed and rated as satisfactory (1) or not satisfactory (0): housing, natural behavior, single pens, colostrum feeding, feeding, water, surveillance, illness/injuries, and <5% mortality rate. In addition, a short questionnaire on milk feeding management for 3-wk-old calves was distributed to all national calf welfare audit herds, and data on mortality and disease recordings were obtained from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System (NDHRS). A herd welfare compliance score (WCS) for each farm was constructed, summarizing the results for the individual criteria. Most herds had a high WCS (median 9.0, range 2-9). Fifty-six percent of the national calf welfare audit herds (508/912) responded to the questionnaire. We performed a cross-sectional study using a data set from 431 herds with available data on recorded disease and mortality events from the NDHRS, recordings from the national calf welfare audit, and the questionnaire. A mixed-effects negative binomial model with Norwegian Food Safety Authority district as the random effect was fitted to the data. Of the 416 herds with available data on calf mortality, 108 (25.9%) reported no mortality in 2016, and the median 6-mo mortality rate was 0.064 (interquartile range 0-0.11) dead calves per 6 calf-months at risk, based on NDHRS recordings. Calf mortality rates were higher in herds whose calves did not have free access to water (incidence rate ratio 1.29; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.64) and higher in herds that had reported calf disease events (incidence rate ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.54). Neither the WCS nor any of the calf milk feeding management factors were associated with mortality, but more than half of producers (59.6%) fed less milk than currently recommended for 3-wk-old calves (8 L/d first 3 to 4 wk). These results indicate that a lack of access to water was associated with higher calf mortality rates. Herds with registered calf disease events had a higher incidence rate ratio of mortality. This finding may be linked to suboptimal calf management, leading to more calf diseases and mortality; or it may be that veterinary consultancy occurs too late or only for the worst cases. There is room for improvement in Norwegian dairy calf management, and water should be provided to young calves.

THE IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON CALVES PERFORMANCE

Records of 3691 growing Holstein Friesian calves, from birth up to weaning (born in a period from 2013 to 2019), belonging to commercial farm named El-Baiomy dairy farm located in Gamasa-Dakahlia Province- Egypt were used in this study. Data collected included management factors such as dam effect (dry period, parity, calving interval and previous milk production) and calves management (Housing system, suckling system, season and gender) and their effects on calves' performance (birth weight (kg), weaning weight (kg), weaning age (day) and daily gain (kg/day)). There were no significant effects in dry period length, parity, calving interval and previous milk production of dam on calf's performance. The lowest birth weight found to be in first parity cows (31.63 kg), while the heaviest one was found to be in third parity cows (33.00 kg). The lowest calves birth weight (30.40kg) was produced by high yielder cows (>11 ton). While it was been 31.71kg for calves belonging to cows with low (< 9 ton) milk production. There was significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of housing system, suckling system and seasons of calving on weaning age and daily gain of calves. The lowest birth weight was been in winter (31.34 kg) however the heaviest one was been in winter (93.88 kg). The heaviest birth weight was been in male (32.93 kg) but female was 31.63 kg only. On the other hand weaning age found to be 81.31 and 79.14 days in female and male respectively. In addition, a supplementary study has been made to explain management systems of calves raised in some Egyptian villages using field survey. Data of 267 questionnaires (3458 Animals) have been recorded and analyzed to study calf's management systems in different farms located in Nile delta.

THE IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON CALVES PERFORMANCE

Records of 3691 growing Holstein Friesian calves, from birth up to weaning (born in a period from 2013 to 2019), belonging to commercial farm named El-Baiomy dairy farm located in Gamasa-Dakahlia Province- Egypt were used in this study. Data collected included management factors such as dam effect (dry period, parity, calving interval and previous milk production) and calves management (Housing system, suckling system, season and gender) and their effects on calves' performance (birth weight (kg), weaning weight (kg), weaning age (day) and daily gain (kg/day)). There were no significant effects in dry period length, parity, calving interval and previous milk production of dam on calf's performance. The lowest birth weight found to be in first parity cows (31.63 kg), while the heaviest one was found to be in third parity cows (33.00 kg). The lowest calves birth weight (30.40kg) was produced by high yielder cows (>11 ton). While it was been 31.71kg for calves belonging to cows with low (< 9 ton) milk production. There was significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) of housing system, suckling system and seasons of calving on weaning age and daily gain of calves. The lowest birth weight was been in winter (31.34 kg) however the heaviest one was been in winter (93.88 kg). The heaviest birth weight was been in male (32.93 kg) but female was 31.63 kg only. On the other hand weaning age found to be 81.31 and 79.14 days in female and male respectively. In addition, a supplementary study has been made to explain management systems of calves raised in some Egyptian villages using field survey. Data of 267 questionnaires (3458 Animals) have been recorded and analyzed to study calf's management systems in different farms located in Nile delta.

Short communication: Odd-chain and branched-chain fatty acid concentrations in bovine colostrum and transition milk and their stability under heating and freezing treatments

Although odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are found in bovine milk and have some positive influences on human and animal health, their concentrations in bovine colostrum and transition milk have not been reported. In this study, we reported the OCFA and BCFA concentrations in colostrum and transition milk and their stability after heating or freezing treatments (or both), which are processes commonly applied in dairy calf management. Milk samples were collected from 12 Holstein dairy cows (6 primiparous and 6 multiparous) at the first milking (colostrum), fifth milking (transition milk), and ninth milking (mature milk) after calving, respectively, and were used for fatty acid analysis using gas chromatography. The sum concentration of OCFA and BCFA (termed OBCFA) was 134 mg/100 g of milk in the colostrum, which was 24% and 35% lower than that in the transition milk and mature milk, respectively. Among these fatty acids detected, C15:0 and C17:0 were the top 2 abundant fatty acids in all milk types, accounting for 20 to 25% and 21 to 24% of the total concentration of OBCFA, respectively. Additionally, anteiso-C17:0 was the most abundant BCFA, followed by iso-C17:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C18:0, and iso-C14:0 in 3 types of milk. Significant interactions between milk type and cow parity were observed for all OCFA and BCFA concentrations. The milk samples were also treated with heating (at 65°C for 60 min), freezing (at -20°C for 30 d), and heating and freezing (at 65°C for 60 min and then at -20°C for 30 d), and milk OCFA and BCFA concentrations were similar between these treatments. In conclusion, the OBCFA concentration was lower in colostrum, compared with transition and mature milks, and it remained stable after heating and freezing treatments.

Adoption gap of scientific management practices among the commercial dairy farmers of Punjab

Result revealed that although of the respondents fell under low and medium adoption gap categories for most of the scientific management practices but still major adoption gap percentage was found in health care (47.4%), feeding management (42.9%) and calf management (31%). The health care practices which were not followed included screening of herd for mastitis and tuberculosis. Medium gap in feeding practices was observed in silage making, processing of feed and UMMB feeding. Practice of calf scour management was sometimes followed by majority of the respondents. Other practices which were never followed by majority of the respondents include practice of availability of foot dips at entrance, feeding milk replacer to calves, milking animals in milk barn and insurance of animals. State animal husbandry department, dairy cooperatives and farmers organisation working in those areas should disseminate knowledge about fodder preservation, health care and hygiene of animals as well as clean milk production which in return would prevent them from incurring economic losses due to disease outbreak and fetching them high price for the clean milk produced.

A novel risk assessment tool for bovine respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves

Due to the increased morbidity and mortality of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in dairy calves, as well as an increasing urgency for the judicious use of antimicrobials in farm animals, a comprehensive risk assessment tool for BRD in preweaned dairy calves has been designed based on a longitudinal and a cross-sectional study. As a multifactorial disease complex in which immune function stressors increase susceptibility to respiratory pathology, risk management programs for environmental and husbandry practices may be an effective approach for BRD control. Practices of known or suspected effect on BRD in preweaned calves have been explored in 2 large studies correlating management factors to BRD prevalence (BRD 100 study) and incidence (BRD 10K study) and forming the scores presented here. Priority was given to results from multivariable over univariable model estimates. However, when used, univariable model estimates were adjusted for confounders or stratified by effect modifiers if necessary. Regression coefficients were translated into scores, which are presented in a field-ready tool consisting of (1) a risk assessment questionnaire, which identifies the herd-specific risk factors and the risk scores associated with each; (2) the California BRD scoring system to estimate the BRD prevalence at the time of risk assessment for future comparison with the prevalence after interventions; and (3) the BRD control and prevention herd management plan, which can be used to plan and track the interventions identified. Scores for 100 dairies across California were used to benchmark a dairy's risk on a spectrum. With the help of the risk assessment tool, dairy producers, calf managers, and veterinarians may be able to adjust management factors that affect BRD risk on a farm and objectively monitor BRD prevalence before and after management interventions. As a result, the BRD risk assessment tool described here is the first comprehensive effort for herd-specific BRD control and prevention.

Adoption Status of Improved Animal Husbandry Practices and its Relationship with the Profile of Dairy Farmers in Kheda District of Gujarat

This study was conducted to ascertain the extent of adoption of improved dairy husbandry practices and its relationship with the profile of the dairy farmers in the Kheda district of Gujarat. The study was undertaken in four randomly selected talukas of the district, from which 100 dairy farmers were selected randomly. The study revealed that the overall extent of adoption of improved animal husbandry practices in the study area was found to be about 62.78%. The overall highest adoption rate was for reproductive and healthcare management (81.40 and 81.33%) followed by feeding and calf management (77.00 and 62.00%), while the adoption of scientific milking and general management (37.60 and 37.30%) was the lowest. Education, landholding, annual income, and herd size of the dairy farmers had a highly significant (p less than 0.01) positive relationship. In comparison, social participation and mass media of the dairy farmers had significant (p less than 0.05) positive relationship with adoption of improved animal husbandry practices. However, family size, experience, and attitude towards dairy farming had a significant negative correlation with the improved animal husbandry practices. The independent variables considered in the present study explained about 38.20% variation (r2 = 0.38) in adoption of the improved dairy husbandry practices.

Venous blood gas parameters in healthy Mediterranean buffalo calves in the first 72 hours of life

In the first hours after calving the neonate radically modifies its anatomy and physiology to adapt to extrauterine life. These modifications, however, make the calf prone to respiratory and metabolic dysfunction. Thus, stillbirth, defined as the death of the neonate within 48 h after birth, represents a relevant issue for buffalo farming. Of the clinical procedures, the blood gas analysis of venous samples provides useful information regarding the acid-base status of the neonate, allowing the optimal management of potential illness calves. However, the blood gas parameters have never been studied in the buffalo calf in the first 72 h of life. Thus, this study aimed to report blood gas parameters at calving and 1, 12, 24, and 72 h after birth in healthy buffalo neonates born after normal parturition. The study involved 20 healthy buffalo calves, born from normal pregnancy and parturition. The parturition and the first hours after were monitored by closed-circuit television cameras, and within 1 min after calving the buffalo neonate received a clinical evaluation (APGAR, temperature), venous blood sampling for blood gas (pH, partial pressure carbon dioxide - pCO2, partial pressure oxygen - pO2, base excess, bicarbonate concentration, oxygen saturation, total carbon dioxide - tCO2, and lactate), and glycemia analysis. The same evaluations were performed after 1, 12, 24, and 72 h. The present study showed a moderate mixed acidosis at calving, similar to that reported in the bovine neonate, likely due to the high venous blood pCO2 and lactate. This acidemia resolved spontaneously within 12 h as a reduction of pCO2 (P ≤ 0.05). Lactate reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) only at 72 h, similarly to the trend reported previously for the bovine calf. Blood lactate concentration was correlated with glycemia at calving and 1 h (r = 0.677, P = 0.014), and with stage 2 duration (r = 0.647, P = 0.006). These findings support a possible mechanism of glucose generation induced by catecholamines coupled to anaerobic metabolism soon after calving. After calving, all the blood gas parameters changed rapidly reaching values comparable with those reported in the literature for older buffalo calves from 72 h after calving. No correlations were found between APGAR score and venous blood gas parameters, likely due to the inclusion criteria that selected only health buffalo calves born after normal parturition. The findings suggested that the venous blood gas analysis could be considered supportive rather than an alternative to the clinical evaluation of the buffalo calf.

Calf rearing profile in agrarian reform settlements in santana of livramento, RS, Brazil

In agrarian reform settlements there are obstacles in the rearing of calves; however, the main aspects that cause this obstacle are not known. Thus, the aim of this study was to diagnose the main obstacles in the management of these dairy heifers to target extension actions. For this, semi-structured guided questionnaires were applied to 40 families from 20 settlements. The questionnaire contained questions about the characteristics of the family, property and general management, feeding and sanitation of calves. The data were tabulated in Excel, transformed into variables and studied by means of multivariate analysis of main components after the farms were grouped into clusters according to similarity. The variables that most affected the heifer rearing system in dairy farms in the agrarian reform settlements of Santana do Livramento, RS, Brazil, were related to diet and occurrence of diarrhoea in calves. The 40 farms studied were grouped into six clusters, which differed especially in relation to who was responsible for the management of the heifers inside the property, regarding the infrastructure for the calves, time in milk production and concern regarding the care in the breeding of the calves. Based on these differences between the clusters being correctly identified, the technicians who work in these farms can establish strategies to work with settled families, emphasising the points where the obstacles are known to trigger the survival of heifers that will replace the dairy herds.

Symposium review: Precision technologies for dairy calves and management applications

There is an increasing interest in using precision dairy technologies (PDT) to monitor real-time animal behavior and physiology in livestock systems around the world. Although PDT in adult cattle is extensively reviewed, PDT use for the management of preweaned dairy calves has not been reviewed. We systematically reviewed research on the use and application of precision technologies in calves. Accelerometers have the potential to be used to monitor lying behavior, step activity, and rumination, which are useful to detect changes in behavior that may be indicative of disease, responses to painful procedures, or positive welfare behaviors such as play. Automated calf feeding systems can control delivery of nutritional plans to individualize feeding and weaning of calves; changes in feeding behaviors (such as milk intake, drinking speed, and unrewarded visits) may also be used to identify early onset of disease. The PDT devices also measure physiological and physical attributes in dairy calves. For instance, temperature monitoring devices such as infrared thermography, ruminal boluses, and implanted microchips have been assessed in calves, but no herd management-based commercial system is available. Many other PDT are in development with potential to be used in dairy calf management, such as image and acoustic-based monitoring, real-time location, and use of enrichment items for monitoring positive emotional states. We conclude that PDT have great potential for application in dairy calf management, enabling precise behavioral and physiological monitoring, targeted feeding programs, and identification of calves with poor health or behavioral impairments. We strongly encourage further development and validation of commercially available technologies for on-farm application of the monitoring of dairy calf welfare, performance, and health.

Epidemiological study on calf diarrhea and coccidiosis in dairy farms in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia

BackgroundA longitudinal prospective study was conducted from October 2017 to April 2018 on calf diarrhea and coccidiosis in dairy farms in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia with the objectives of determining the incidence of calf diarrhea and calf coccidiosis from diarrheic calves, assessing the major risk factors associated with calf diarrhea and coccidiosis and identifying the existing Eimeria species. A total of 237 calves, 86 calves from 52 smallholder dairy farms and 151 calves from 8 large dairy farms, were used for this study. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 86 diarrheic calves for identification of Eimeria species.ResultsOverall incidences of calf diarrhea and coccidiosis found in this study were 33.5 and 20.1%, respectively. In total, 19 potential risk factors were investigated for their association with calf diarrhea and coccidiosis from diarrheic calves using Cox regression. Age of calf (HR = 2.057, P = .002), body condition (HR = 1.802, P < .001), house condition (HR = 2.072, P = .004) and age at first colostrum feeding time (HR = 2.107, P = .002) were found significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the risk of diarrhea by multivariate Cox regression. Among the risk factors tested, age (HR = 13.36, P < .001) and sex of calves (HR = 3.500, P = .020) were found significantly (P < 0.05) associated with coccidiosis by multivariate Cox regression. A total of nine Eimeria species were identified. E. bovis (28.6%), E. zuernii (19.0%) and E. auburnensis (14.3%) were the most common Eimeria species encountered.ConclusionThe incidence of calf diarrhea and coccidiosis was high in the dairy herds in North West Ethiopia. Therefore, sound dairy calf management practices are needed to mitigate risk factors for calf diarrhea and coccidiosis with a view to reducing the incidence of calf diarrhea and coccidiosis in Ethiopian dairy farms.

Factors affecting milk yield and composition of Tunisian camels (Camelus dromedarius) over complete lactation.

This study aimed to investigate the milk production potential and the impact of nongenetic factors on milk yield and composition of Tunisian dromedary camels. Milk recording and sampling were carried out at monthly intervals over complete lactation for 3years from 95 camels reared in intensive and semi-intensive systems. The overall means of daily milk yield and fat, protein, total solids, and ash contents were 4.21 ± 1.98l/day, 2.45 ± 0.9%, 2.67 ± 0.74%, 10.75 ± 1.41%, and 0.85 ± 0.08%, respectively. The total milk yield was 1388.41 ± 575.46l/lactation for 11months of lactation. The daily milk yield increased regularly throughout lactation until it reached its peak in the 4th month postpartum and then decreased until the 17th month postpartum. The chemical components, except ash, followed an opposite trend to the milk yield. Their minimum contents were recorded during the 7th and 8th months postpartum, while the maximum levels were observed during the 17th month postpartum. Regarding seasonal variation, the highest daily milk yield was recorded during summer (June), whereas the lowest was found in winter (December). In contrast, the maximum and minimum contents of fat and protein were observed during winter (December) and summer (July), respectively. Similarly, total solids content was maximum in January and minimum in August. Parity had no effect on daily milk yield, while all chemical components were higher in milk from primiparous than multiparous camels. Calf sex and management system did not affect the milk yield and composition. These results are useful in order to develop feeding strategies and breeding programs for improving milk production.

Estimating the combined costs of clinical and subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.

Clinical ketosis (CK) and subclinical ketosis (SCK) are associated with lower milk production, lower reproductive performance, an increased culling of cows and an increased probability of other disorders. Quantifying the costs related to ketosis will enable veterinarians and farmers to make more informed decisions regarding the prevention and treatment of the disease. The overall aim of this study was to estimate the combined costs of CK and SCK using assumptions and input variables from a typical Dutch context. A herd level dynamic stochastic simulation model was developed, simulating 385 herds with 130 cows each. In the default scenario there was a CK probability of almost 1% and a SCK probability of 11%. The herds under the no risk scenario had no CK and SCK, while the herds under the high-risk scenario had a doubled probability of CK and SCK compared to the default scenario. The results from the simulation model were used to estimate the annual cash flows of the herds, including the costs related to milk production losses, treatment, displaced abomasum, mastitis, calf management, culling and feed, as well as the returns from sales of milk and calves. The difference between the annual net cash flows of farms in the no risk scenario and the default scenario provides the estimate of the herd level costs of ketosis. Average herd level costs of ketosis (CK and SCK combined) were €3,613 per year for a default farm and €7,371 per year for a high-risk farm. The costs for a single CK case were on average €709 (with 5 and 95 percentiles of €64 and €1,196, respectively), while the costs for a single SCK case were on average €150 (with 5 and 95 percentiles of €18 and €422, respectively) for the default farms. The differences in costs between cases occurred due to differences between cases (e.g., cow culled vs cow not culled, getting another disease vs not getting another disease).

Calf- and herd-level factors associated with dairy calf reactivity

A positive relationship between handlers and animals in farm systems is essential because the human-animal relationship has implications for welfare and productivity. For this reason, on-farm animal welfare assessment protocols often include the behavioral response of animals to humans to measure the quality of the human-animal relationship. The existing literature has described this relationship as being multifactorial in nature. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the potential influence of farm management and infrastructure characteristics, calf manager traits, and intrinsic features of dairy calves on the human-animal relationship. To this end, an escape test was conducted with 698 calves on 30 dairy farms in Chile. This test measured the calf's response to the active approach of an unfamiliar human (and was scored from 0 [fearful] to 4 [friendly]). The explanatory variables used to predict calves' response in the escape test were grouped according to the following categories: (1) farm management and infrastructure (e.g., calf-dam separation age, space allowance); (2) calf manager (e.g., attitudes, behavior, and background); and (3) calf (e.g., breed, sex, age). We concluded that calf managers with additional jobs on the farm, no training, low job satisfaction, a greater proportion of negative contacts, and more negative attitudes were predictive of fearfulness in the escape test. Holstein breed (compared with Holstein and Jersey crossbreeds) was associated with greater odds of fearful calves. Our study confirms the association between animals' fear and handlers' features, which can potentially be used to select employees on a farm. Understanding the factors that influence fear responses in calves may highlight ways to improve the relationship between animals and humans.

Assessment of Major Causes of Calf Mortality in Urban and Periurban Dairy Production System of Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional calf mortality study was conducted in urban and periurban dairy farms in Addis Ababa, special zones of Oromia and Amhara regions in July and August 2015. The objectives of the study were to estimate the annual mortality and to assess the major causes of calf mortality in the dairy farms. One-year retrospective data on calf mortality were collected from 330 farms by face-to-face interview using the pretested and structured questionnaire format and direct observation of farm practices. A logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify the predictor variables associated with early calf mortality. Data were analysed using Statistical Package, Stata SE for Windows, version 12.0. The annual mean calf mortality from birth-to-weaning was reported as 18.5% (95% CI: 12.6, 24.3%). The prenatal loss due to fetal death and stillbirth was 10.1% (95% CI: 6.7, 13.6%). The overall annual loss due to fetal death and calf preweaning mortality was 26.7% (95% CI: 21.2, 32.2%). Age-specific mortality declined with increased age, and the highest mortality was recorded during the first month of life extending up to the third month of age. Disease was the most important causes of calf mortality (73.2%). Among the diseases, diarrhea (63%) and respiratory disorders (17%) were the important causes of calf mortality. Malpractices in calf management were identified, including restricted colostrum and milk feeding, poor care and supplemental feeding, and poor health management. Interventions in dairy cattle health and farm husbandry are recommended to control calf mortality.

Calves Productivity with Applying Integrated Village Management System (IVMS) and Rice-Straw Based Feed

The objective of the study was to assess the productivity of PO calves with Integrated Village Management System (IVMS). The calf management generally follows cow pattern. The IVMS management applied to calves include weaning 5-6 months and optimizing local feed. Straw-based cow feed with supplementation using greenfeed and concentrate. Recording productivity of calf include: birth, weaning, body weight, calf death calf mobilization. Weighing weight was done at birth, weaning, and every month in the first year of study and every 2 months in the next research year. Implementation of IVMS management with rice straw-based feed produces good PO calf productivity when supported by addition of other feed sources, i. e. feed with high protein composition (concentrate, legume) to balancing the nutrient composition of feed.

The Comparison Between Norotate and Promax Rotations of Biplot Simulation in The Management of Bali Cattle’s Breeding Farms on Integrated Farming System

This study aims to determine the comparison between Norotate Rotation and Promax Rotation (90) of Biplot Simulation in the management of Bali Cattle Breeding Farms on Integrated Farming System (Simantri). It used to determine the difference of coordinates between the variables and also obtain the information about the difference in the proximity of the coordinates between livestock groups.The study conducted on Simantri who had livestock groups in Badung Regency, Bali in which the data collected were analyzed by factor analysis with Norotate Rotation and Promax Rotation (90). The variable of this study was a livestock management which included management of cows, calves, feed, cowshed, environmental,and the objects of the study were thelivestock groups. The Biplot simulation used to determine the coordinates of the livestock groups determined based on the Factor Scores Method Regression Analysis. The results with different rotations caused differences in the magnitude of the arrow angles and directions between management of cows, calves, feeds, cowshed and environmental which also followed by differences in the coordinate systems of the livestock groups. The angle between management of cows, calves, feeds, cowshed, and environmental do not show the magnitude of the correlation between them. It can be stated that the coordinates of Livestock groups on Promax Rotation (90) are more specific than Norotate Rotation, therefore it is easier to distinguish the different scores between the variables on the Livestock groups.

Pre-weaning management of calves on commercial dairy farms and its influence on calf welfare and mortality

Welfare and management of calves is of increasing interest and also influences performance of these animals in later life. The aim of this study was to assess management and environmental conditions under which pre-weaned dairy calves are reared on commercial Irish dairy farms. We included 47 spring-calving, pasture-based herds in this study. Herd and animal-specific data, such as mortality rate, age and breed, were gathered from all participants via the HerdPlus® database. Information pertaining to management practices was collected by conducting an interview with the principal calf rearer, while an assessment of calf housing facilities was conducted to identify conditions calves were reared in. The environmental assessment included measurements of space allowance per calf, as well as feeding equipment hygiene. To assess calf behaviour video observations were used, while accounting for the number of calves present in a group and the space available per calf. Faecal samples were also collected to determine the presence of enteric pathogens among calves. To compare calf space allowance, group size and presence of enteric pathogens early and late in the calving season each farm was visited twice. Calf mortality was not associated with either herd size, space allowance per calf or post-colostrum feeding practices. Higher calf mortality was identified among herds which reported experiencing an on-set of calf pneumonia during weeks 8 to 10 of the calving season. This study demonstrates that factors associated with calf welfare on commercial Irish dairy farms (e.g. space allowance, mortality rate) are independent of herd size. Some management practices however, such as methods used for treating health issues can affect rates of calf mortality experienced. Calf mortality, for example, was lower in herds which treated diarrhoea cases by administering electrolytes, while continuing to offer milk. Behavioural observations indicate that smaller group sizes could promote expression of positive behaviours, potentially resulting from an overall improvement in welfare. Space allowance per calf was not associated with observed behaviour frequencies. We also identified that similar rates of calf mortality are experienced across herds of different sizes.

Relationship between management practices and calf welfare in mid- country dairy farms in Sri Lanka

There is an emerging trend towards appreciating welfare of farm animals in Sri Lanka. A survey was conducted covering 182 farms in Mid-Country, Sri Lanka to identify management-related risk factors that may affect welfare of dairy calves. A total of 217 calves were monitored where majority were Jersey (54.4%) and Friesian (43.9%) crosses. The management-related risk factors identified include, not practicing naval disinfection for new-borns (100%), not using calving pens (100%), absence of calf pen (96.2%), dam-fed colostrum (99.5%), high mortality (28.0%), high prevalence of hock wounds (83.4%) and diseases (80.2%). Concrete/cement was the prominent flooring category (90.1%) which causes unfriendly footing as indicated by hoof damageable (45.6%), slippery (75.8%), and unclean (40.7%) floor conditions. The hoof damageable floors considerably increased hoof temperature (P 65 years). Welfare of male calves was satisfied with appropriate weaning age (3.8+1.4 months), concentrate supplement (0.55+0.25 kg), attending to health problems (96.5%) and selling after six months of age (89.6%). However, both female and male calves were under weight for their corresponding age. The findings emphasized that increasing the awareness on appropriate calf management practices is needed for achieving better results in raising calves into well-grown cattle.