Calf Mortality Research Articles

Calf mortality in Turkish dairy farms: Economic impact, regional disparities, and farm-level drivers

This study investigates the economic burden of calf mortality in Turkish dairy farms and its impact on the national economy. We gathered research data by directly surveying dairy farms in seven provinces, each representing a distinct region of Turkiye. By conducting these surveys, we captured data on various aspects of calf mortality, including losses among non-pregnant cows aged two and older, pregnant cows, and those experiencing complications during birth, as well as losses within the 0–6 month age bracket. These figures were then amalgamated to establish the overall calf loss rate. Using a fractional probit model, we examined the empirical relationship between total calf loss rates and the socio-demographic characteristics of farm operators and their establishments. Our findings revealed that approximately 82 % of farms experienced some degree of calf loss, with the calf loss rate among dairy cattle farming accounting for nearly 20 %. Notably, regional disparities emerged as a key observation, alongside the identification of certain socio-demographic farm characteristics that proved statistically significant. Specifically, factors such as the prevalence of local cattle breeds, the proportion of crossbred bulls, as well as the numbers of heifers and calves, stood out as influential. Further scrutiny, fortified by ANOVA tests and relationships between the number of cows and total calf loss rate, underscored pronounced geographical disparities in post-estimation calf loss rates. Meanwhile, correlation heatmaps illuminated noteworthy relationships between specific cattle traits and the extent of calf losses. These findings not only underscore the severity of the issue but also highlight the urgency of preventive measures. In light of these insights, we offer pertinent policy recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers aimed at mitigating this considerable economic burden effectively.

Association between calf circumference and mortality in people receiving home enteral nutrition: A retrospective cohort study.

Among the anthropometric measurements, calf circumference has been widely used as a simple and practical method to diagnose low muscle mass and sarcopenia. However, the association between this measurement and clinical outcomes in people receiving home enteral nutrition is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of calf circumference with mortality, discharge from home enteral nutrition, continuity in home enteral nutrition, and new hospitalizations in adult and older adult people. This retrospective cohort study used secondary data, including people aged ≥18 years receiving home enteral nutrition. The association between calf circumference and the outcomes of mortality, discharge from home enteral nutrition, and continuity in home enteral nutrition was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. The association between calf circumference and the occurrence of new hospitalizations was investigated using binary logistic regression. Among the 899 people included in the study, 470 were men (52.3%), the median age was 72 years (interquartile range, 56.5-82), and 850 had inadequate calf circumference (94.5%). As calf circumference increased, the odds of mortality decreased and the probability of discharge from home enteral nutrition and continuity in home enteral nutrition increased. Furthermore, in people with oncologic diagnoses, the odds of new hospitalizations were reduced by 71.9% for each additional centimeter in calf circumference. These findings underline the importance of using calf circumference as part of the nutrition assessment because it is a simple, easy, and cost-effective method that can also be used as a tool to predict clinical outcomes.

Enhancing dairy cow population through decreasing calf mortality and increasing calving rate in Indonesia: a system dynamics approach

Abstract The dairy industry in Indonesia is facing significant challenges due to the rates of calf mortality and low calving rates. Calf mortality and calving rate became critical factors that influence the sustainability of the dairy cow population. This study aimed to assess reproduction management by decreasing calf mortality and increasing calving rates to enhance the dairy cow population in Indonesia. This study employed secondary data in 2022 using technical parameter coefficients from previous research. A causal loop diagram and a simulation model using a system dynamics approach were developed to investigate the dynamics of the dairy cow population under different scenarios of calf mortality and calving rates from 2023 to 2030. The results showed that decreasing calf mortality by 2% may increase dairy cow population by 1,991 head/year (0.31%), heifer population by 417 head/year (0.63%), and adult female dairy cattle population by 389 head/year (0.09%). The finding of this study also showed that increasing calving rate by 5% may increase dairy cow population by 17,854 head/year (2.75%), heifer population by 3,698 head/year (5.56%), and adult female dairy cattle population by 2,137 head/year (0.51%). It is concluded that reducing calf mortality rates and improving calving rates should be prioritized to enhance the dairy cow population in Indonesia.

The effect of modern care methods on ‎the mortality rate of Dromedary ‎camels calves‏ ‏

The effect of modern care methods on ‎the mortality rate of Dromedary ‎camels calves‏ ‏

Developing a tool to assess the health-related quality of life in calves with respiratory disease: tool refinement and construct validity testing

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in calves and detection of the disease can be challenging. Diagnostic tools for BRD are typically based on the assessment of clinical signs. As experience of disease is associated with a poor quality of life and this poor emotional experience can be expressed in observable behaviour patterns, a quality-of-life approach might identify new indicators of disease. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) approaches are widely used in human medicine but are rarely used in livestock. This study aimed to refine and validate an HRQOL tool for calves with BRD that had been created in a previous study. The tool contained 13 items/indicators across two domains (clinical signs and behavioural expression). One hundred preweaned dairy-bred calves were scored daily using the HRQOL tool and also using the industry-recognised Wisconsin health score as a ‘gold standard’. The score assigned to each of the 13 items of the HRQOL tool was summed to give an accumulated HRQOL score for each calf/day. To refine the tool, the items within the tool were compared to each other to identify high levels of correlation or redundancy. This resulted in the retention of three items within the clinical signs domain (body and head posture, respiratory effort and ear carriage) and four within the behavioural expression domain (vigour, movement to feed, motivation at feed and volume of feed consumed). To determine whether the refined HRQOL tool could successfully differentiate sick from healthy animals, the Wisconsin score was used to create two matched groups of 28 ‘sick’ and 28 ‘healthy’ calves. There was a significant difference in the HRQOL scores between the two groups (H = 14.09, df = 1, P = 0.000) suggesting that the new tool could differentiate between ‘healthy’ and ‘sick’ calves. In terms of the two domains, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the ‘healthy’ and ‘sick’ calves for the overall HRQOL tool score for the clinical signs domain, but there was no significant difference (P = 0.154) between ‘healthy’ and ‘sick’ calves in the overall HRQOL score for the behavioural expression domain; however, the combined tool was the most accurate. Overall, this study has demonstrated that the new HRQOL tool can differentiate between sick and healthy calves. Some or all of the indicators could be used alongside existing disease-detection tools for preweaned calves. However, future work would be needed to validate this HRQOL tool in other production systems.

The influence of adjuvants ISA 61 and ISA 50 on the antigenic activity, the ability to form colostral immunity and the effectiveness of experimental samples of the vaccine &lt;i&gt;KOMBOVAC-A&lt;/i&gt;

The article provides a comparative assessment of two experimental samples of the seven-component vaccine KOMBOVAС-A, manufactured with adjuvants ISA 61 and ISA 50, in terms of: antigenic activity (in laboratory and naturally susceptible animals); influence on the formation of colostral immunity in calves when vaccinating pregnant cows, as well as effectiveness in livestock farming conditions unfavorable for the main respiratory and intestinal diseases of calves of viral etiology. It was found that the vaccine sample based on the ISA 61 adjuvant had a higher antigenic activity compared to a similar sample based on the ISA 50 adjuvant, inducing a higher level of synthesis of post-vaccination antibodies. The use of the vaccine in conditions of a dysfunctional livestock farm has reduced the morbidity and mortality of calves, while the vaccine sample made on the basis of ISA 61 oil proved to be more effective.

Colostrum Replacement and Serum IgG Concentrations in Beef Calves Delivered by Elective Cesarean Section.

Assistance during calving and cesarean section (C-section) are important risk factors for the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in beef calves, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in beef calves during the preweaning period. Colostrum replacement recommendations for beef calves, and especially for those delivered by C-section, are unavailable. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not colostrum replacement or supplementation with a commercially available product could increase serum IgG concentrations in beef calves delivered by elective C-section, compared to beef calves that nursed colostrum naturally. An elective C-section was performed in 32 pregnant beef cows and first-calf heifers. Immediately after delivery, newborn calves were randomly assigned to one of three different treatment groups. Group A calves (n = 7) were fed one packet of a commercial colostrum replacer (CR) product providing 60 g of IgG within 30 min of life. A second packet of the same CR was fed at 6 h of life. Group B calves (n = 13) were fed the same CR at the same frequency as group A; however, these calves were reunited with their dams after the second CR feeding to allow additional nursing of maternal colostrum. Group C calves (n = 12) were united with their dams immediately after surgery without colostrum intervention. Serum IgG levels at 48 h of life were greater in group C calves and in calves born to multiparous cows. Based on the results of this study, neither colostrum replacement nor supplementation result in higher serum IgG concentrations in beef calves delivered by elective C-section compared with natural nursing.

Spring black bear harvest and predation pressure on moose calves in a multi‐predator system

AbstractThe moose (Alces alces; mooz in Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwe language will follow scientific names) is a vital subsistence food source to Anishinabe people of the midwestern United States and has recently declined in Minnesota, USA, with poor calf survival as a contributing factor. Predation is the primary cause of moose calf mortality and we explored whether calf predation rates could be reduced through management of a single predator in a multi‐predator system. Thus, we examined predation rates and causes of calf mortality before (2013–2015) and during (2016–2018) implementation of a spring black bear (Ursus americanus; makwa) harvest season, using baits to attract black bears, on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, Minnesota, where black bears and gray wolves (Canis lupus; ma'iinganag) are the primary predators of moose calves. We validated our early study findings for the 5 years following the initial study with intermittent spring bear hunting seasons, from 2019–2023. The spring bear hunt was canceled because of a pandemic lockdown in 2020, resumed 2021, and was closed in 2022 and 2023. Black bear harvest prior to adding a spring bear hunting season was 0.038 bears harvested/km2 from 2012–2015, whereas after initiating a spring hunting season (2016–2018) it was 17% higher at 0.046 bears/km2. We observed significantly lower bear predation (by 68%) in association with spring bear management and no compensatory change in the level of wolf predation. The validation years strengthened our findings that spring bear hunting seasons reduce moose calf predation rates, with an overall 68% lower proportion of bear predation on moose calves in the years when spring bear hunts were held. Mean proportion of calf predation attributed to bears was 4.9 times higher (30% vs. 6%) in the years when a spring bear hunt was not held. Despite an increasing wolf density during the study period, we did not observe a compensatory increase in wolf predation during spring bear hunt years. The results of this work suggest that the addition of a spring bear hunt, during a time when moose calves are most vulnerable to bear predation, has the potential to increase moose calf survival even in the presence of wolves.

Retrospective cohort study investigating the relationship between diarrhea during the preweaning period and subsequent survival, health, and production in dairy cows

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between preweaning diarrhea and measures of survival, health, and production. The measures of interest included survival (mortality before first calving and time to removal from the herd), health (retained fetal membranes, metritis, mastitis, and SCC), and production (305-d mature-equivalent milk yield and time to first calving). A secondary objective was to investigate if these associations varied according to the age of the calf when the case of diarrhea occurred. Herd records from a farm located in Southern Australia were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study where subjects (calves) with diarrhea were enrolled at the time of their first case along with 2 subjects without diarrhea, matched for age (±3 d) and date of birth (±15 d), amounting to 9,833 calves in the dataset. Survival analysis was conducted to determine whether preweaning diarrhea was associated with death in the short term (first 20 d after enrollment), medium term (21-100 d after enrollment) and long term (101 d after enrollment to first calving). Crude incidence rate ratios, Kaplan-Meier curves, and hazard ratios (HR, Cox regression) were derived for each event-based outcome (e.g., death, calving, mastitis). Multivariable linear models were used for continuous outcomes. Calves with preweaning diarrhea had greater mortality rates in the short term (HR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.87-3.29) and medium term (HR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.41-2.55), but not in the long term (HR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.79-1.22). A small negative association between preweaning diarrhea and time to first calving was found, with calves with diarrhea calving 4 d later than calves without diarrhea (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-1.00). Rates of postcalving removal from the herd (death or culling) were higher in calves with a history of preweaning diarrhea (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.26), as were peak lactation log SCC (+0.08, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.14). Further research is needed to replicate these novel findings, as they are based on exploratory analyses and could be spurious findings. No substantial associations were observed for the other measures of interest. Our study findings support existing research demonstrating the importance of preweaning diarrhea as a substantial cause of calf mortality and raise new hypotheses about other potential impacts during lactation.

In Vitro Virucidal Activity of Different Essential Oils against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Used as Surrogate of Human Hepatitis C Virus.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major hepatotropic virus that affects humans with increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes abortion, calf mortality and poor reproductive performance in cattle. Due the difficulties of in vitro cultivation for HCV, BVDV has been used as surrogate for in vitro assessment of the efficacy of antivirals. Essential oils (EOs) display antiviral and virucidal activity on several viral pathogens. In this study, the virucidal activity of five EOs, Salvia officinalis L. EO (SEO), Melissa officinalis L. EO (MEO), Citrus lemon EO (LEO), Rosmarinus officinalis L. EO (REO) and Thymus vulgaris L. EO (TEO) against BVDV was evaluated in vitro at different concentrations for several time contacts. MEO and LEO were able to considerably inactivate BVDV with a time- and dose-dependent fashion. MEO and LEO at the highest concentrations decreased viral titer by 2.00 and 2.25 log10 TCID50/50 μL at 8 h contact time, respectively. SEO, REO and TEO displayed mild virucidal activity at the highest concentrations for 8 h contact times. In this study, the virucidal efficacies of MEO and LEO against BVDV were observed regardless of compound concentration and contact time. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential use of MEO and LEO as surface disinfectants.

A pilot survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of smallholder dairy owners towards the importance of colostrum feeding to newborn calf in Humbo District of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundColostrum is the secretion produced by the mammary gland of mammals and it is passively transferred immunity that protects neonates from infectious diseases.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 to assess the community’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of smallholder dairy owners towards the importance of colostrum feeding to newborn calves in Humbo districts. A structured questionnaire was provided for 400 randomly selected smallholder dairy owners for face-to-face interviews.ResultsThe results showed that females (21.6%), college and university levels (20.2%), farmers (15.4%), and single individuals (17.6%) had better knowledge compared to the respective status of respondents on colostrum feeding practices. Also, there was an association between sex, occupation, marital status, and knowledge of colostrum-feeding practices. Similarly, 32.5% of respondents with an elementary background practice the separation of calves from the dam soon after birth to prevent transmission of infection. There was an association between the educational background of the respondents and the perception of the respondents regarding colostrum feeding to newborn calves. Nearly, 30% of respondents had an elementary education background waiting for their calf to get up on its own and suckle from their dam. Likewise, 26.1%, 31.5%, and 23.8% of illiterate, elementary, college, and university graduate respondents, respectively, provide calves with 10 to 12% of their birth weight as colostrum within the first 8 h of calf’s life. Besides, the majority of the respondents (27.5%) believed that colostrum was the best food for calves’ growth, and the level of circulating antibodies in the calf's blood has a direct influence on its disease resistance.ConclusionThe study revealed that smallholder dairy owners have different perceptions concerning knowledge, practice, and attitude on the importance and time of feeding colostrum to neonates during the early life of postpartum. Thus, awareness creation and training programs should be provided for smallholder dairy farmers as well as the use of colostrum feeding, and its role in the prevention of neonatal and preweaning calf mortality and morbidity.

Genetic evaluation for stillbirth and preweaning mortality in Australian dairy cattle

The welfare of calves is important to both farmers and consumers. Practices that increase the proportion of calves born alive and enable them to thrive through to weaning contribute to improved sustainability. Stillbirths (SB) are calvings where the calf dies at birth or within 24 h after birth. Preweaning mortality (PWM) refers to calves that die after the first day of life but before weaning based on termination data. Both SB and PWM are binary traits characterized by low heritability. Data collection for these traits is incomplete, compared with traits such as milk yield in cows. Despite these challenges, genetic variation can be measured and used to produce breeding tools, such as EBVs, to reduce calf mortality over time. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of various linear models to predict SB and PWM traits in Holstein and Jersey cattle and evaluate their applicability for industry-wide use in the Australian dairy industry. Calving records from around 2.25 million Holstein and Jersey dams were obtained from DataGene's Central Data Repository from the year 2000 onward, to calculate genetic parameters. About 7% of calves were recorded as SB in the period from 2000 to 2021 (n = 1.48 million calvings). The prevalence of PWM was much lower than SB during the same period at 2% (n = 0.89 million calves). Genetic parameters were estimated for SB direct, SB maternal, and PWM using bivariate linear models with calving ease (CE) as the second trait in the model. The heritability of these calf traits was low and varied between 1% and 5% depending on the breed, trait, and model. In Holstein cattle, heritabilities were 2% for PWM and SB direct and 1% for SB maternal, whereas in Jersey cattle heritabilities were 5% for PWM, 2% for SB direct, and 1% for SB maternal. The genetic trends for both SB direct and SB maternal in Holstein cattle indicate improvement in both traits, whereas there was no apparent increase or decrease in PWM in the past 2 decades. The coefficient of genetic variation for SB direct and PWM was between 11.7% and 23.0% in Holstein and Jersey cattle, demonstrating considerable genetic variation in calf survival traits as a first step to using genetic selection to increase the proportion of calves born alive and calves weaned. A focus on improved calf and calving recording practices is expected to increase the reliability of genetic predictions.

Major Reproductive Disorders Causing Infertility of Dairy Herds in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Reproduction is a complex process in which individuals produce their offspring to perpetuate life. Breeding efficiency depends on the normal function of the reproductive system. Reproductive disorders are the most common problems affecting the reproductive efficiency and productivity of dairy cows. Although, major reproductive disorders are greatly responsible for high economic losses in dairy herds, there is a scarcity the research done and consistent information on the prevalence and relative importance of these problems causing infertility in dairy herds in the West Shoa Zone. Therefore, the current study was conducted in the West Shoa Zone of Oromia regional state to assess the major reproductive disorders of dairy cows in the areas. These districts, namely Adeaberga, Ambo, and Walmera were purposively selected based on their accessibility and potential for dairy production. A total of 180 dairy producers (60 households from each) were randomly selected for individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The major reproductive disorders found were 82.2% repeat breeding, 22.2% calf mortality, 27.2% retention of the fetal membrane, 23.3% abortion and 16.3% stillbirth. The prevalence of reproductive problems showed a significant difference within the woredas. The prevalence of repeat breeding, retained fetal membrane and calf mortality were severe in Walmera districts compared to the remaining two districts whereas the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth were severe in Adeaberga. Repeat breeding shows a higher prevalence whereas the stillbirth rates show a lower prevalence. The ultimate goal of dairy herd production is to increase milk yield and manipulate early first service and calving, lower the calving interval and days open and decrease the number of services per conception. However, repeat breeding, retained fetal membrane, abortion, calf mortality and stillbirth were the major causes of infertility in dairy cows in the study areas. Proper breeding strategies and keeping the health conditions of dairy cattle should be employed to ensure improvements in fertility traits.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in postweaning calves with different prevention strategies and the impact on performance and health status

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in bovine calves, especially around the weaning period, when the calves are usually moved from individual to group housing. BRD has negative perfor­mance and economic consequences that extend well beyond the actual event. Therefore, we aimed to compare BRD morbid­ity, mortality and growth in dairy and dairy beef cross-bred calves during the first commingle groups using 2 different BRD prevention strategies. We hypothesized that one or both pre­vention strategies would reduce BRD morbidity and mortality, resulting in better health status and performance in calves.

Genetic characterization and clinicopathological features of &lt;em&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/em&gt; in neonatal septicemic calves

Due to severe diarrhea associated with calf scour and septicemia, colibacillosis is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality in calves. This study investigated the clinical and hematological manifestations as well as the genetic composition of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains in septicemic neonatal calves. In this study, 47 fecal specimens were collected from diarrheic calves aged between one and three weeks on dairy farms that are unorganized around Basra, Iraq, while twenty age-matched calves were tested as controls. Of the 47 tested samples, 28 fecal samples were tentatively identified as STEC, with a prevalence of 60%. STEC-affected calves had variable rectal temperatures ranging from subnormal to fever, tachycardia, hyperpnea, diarrhea, partial or complete cessation of suckling, mucous membrane congestion, depression, incoordination and rough hair coat conditions. Significant changes were observed in the hemogram and the leukogram during the analysis of blood samples from calves with diarrhea. Molecular analysis of fecal samples demonstrated that local STEC isolates are more closely related to other strains obtained from both human and animal samples worldwide. Based on the results of the current study, we can conclude that the septicemic calves were likely infected by human or environmental resources and could play a major role in further spreading STEC infection.

A Retrospective Study on the Mortality Rate of Camel Calves, Leading Causes, and Associated Risk Factors in Borana Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Background: Camelus dromedarius (one-humped camel) is an important livestock species uniquely adapted to arid and hot environments. Purpose: This study aims to determine the mortality rate of camel calves and to investigate the potential risk factors associated with it. Methods: Retrospective data were collected through interviews with livestock owners using a semi-structured questionnaire from February 2020 to January 2021. During the study period, a total of 1,249 calves were born. This allowed for assessment of annual mortality rate and its main contributing factors. Results: The average annual mortality rate was 26% (1.29 ±1.77), while the overall mortality rate was 55% (1.30 ± 1.85). Malnutrition (5%), unexplained causes (6%), and diseases (24%) were the three leading causes of calf mortality. Diarrhea (57%), nonspecific diseases (45.4%), respiratory diseases (23%) were significant among the diseases. Mistakes in the management of young livestock included limiting access to colostrum and milk for human consumption, as well as poor care and health management. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the pastoral livestock production system used in Borena has a serious problem with calf mortality. The first month of life had the highest mortality rate of 26%. Diseases, starvation, and unexplained causes were the leading causes of calf mortality. In addition, calf mortality was associated with the timing of birth and colostrum feeding.

Variations in thyroid hormone levels in endangered St. Lawrence Estuary belugas: Potential linkage with stress and organohalogen contaminant exposure

The St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) population is highly exposed to an array of contaminants that were identified as one of the causes to the non-recovery of this endangered and declining population. In the last decade, an increasing number of parturition-associated complications and calf mortality has been reported in this population. It was suggested that elevated exposure to organohalogens (e.g., the halogenated flame retardants polybrominated diphenyl ethers [PBDEs]) and stress could play a role in this phenomenon by perturbing thyroid hormones. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of concentrations of organohalogen contaminants and stress (cortisol levels) on thyroid hormone variations in adult male and female SLE belugas. Because plasma could not be collected in SLE belugas for ethical reasons, skin biopsy (n = 40) was used as a less-invasive alternative matrix to determine organohalogens (PBDEs and other halogenated flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides), cortisol, and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4]), and their metabolites reverse T3 and 3,5-diiodothyronine [3,5-T2]). Cortisol and thyroid hormones were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-multiple reactions monitoring mass spectrometry (UPLC-MRM/MS). This method was compared using skin and plasma samples obtained from Arctic belugas. Comparisons of linear models showed that cortisol was a weak predictor for T4, rT3 and 3,5-T2. Specifically, there was a weak significant negative association between T4 and cortisol levels. Moreover, in male SLE belugas, a weak significant positive association was found between T3 and Σ34PBDE concentrations in skin. Our findings suggest that stress (i.e., elevated skin cortisol levels) along with organohalogen exposure (mainly PBDEs) may be associated with thyroid hormone level perturbations in skin of cetaceans.

Increasing The Ability And Adoption Of Goat Breeding Technology In Mitra Sepakat Farmer Group Kabupaten Sijunjung

Goat rearing in Kenagarian Palaluar Kecamatan Koto VII Kabupaten Sijunjung is carried out extensively with field grass feed. This causes the potency of goat kacang is not optimal. There are no practical and health-qualified livestock cages, forage cultivation gardens, feed preservation, handling of sick livestock, or untapped livestock waste to reduce pollution. If the potential of kacang goat farming can be optimized, it can improve the economy of farmers. The purpose of this activity is to improve the ability of goat farming Mitra Sepakat farmer group through the adoption of technology and goat farming management. This activity began in 2020 starting with: the selection and cultivation of forage animal feed, demonstration plots of effective goat cages and selection breed goats; in 2021, feed management, fermentation feed manufacturing, concentrate manufacturing, reproduction management, and business analysis; in 2022, this was continued by the activity of making fermented feed, managing goat livestock waste into manure and evaluating the application of goat breeding science and technology that had been given. Based on the evaluation of the implementation of service activities that have been carried out from two years ago have been: a) changes in goat breeding patterns from (15 people) 100% extensive to 8 people (53) % intensive and intensive breeding patterns have been able to implement 100% transfer of Science and technology provided. The results of the evaluation conducted still found some problems faced by farmers such as the calf mortality rate being quite high, which became the plan for the next service for the next service activities.

A retrospective study of thermal events on the mortality rate of hutch-reared dairy calves.

Heat stress in hutch-reared dairy calves (Bos taurus) is highly relevant due to its adverse effects on animal welfare, health, growth, and economic outcomes. This study aimed to provide arguments for protecting calves against heat stress. It was hypothesized that the thermal stress caused by high ambient temperature in summer months negatively affects the survival rate in preweaning calves. In a retrospective study, we investigated how calf mortality varied by calendar month and between thermoneutral and heat stress periods on a large-scale Hungarian dairy farm (data of 46,899 calves between 1991 and 2015). The daily mortality rate was higher in the summer (8.7-11.9 deaths per 10,000 calf days) and winter months (10.7-12.5 deaths per 10,000 calf-days) than in the spring (6.8-9.2 deaths per 10,000 calf-days) and autumn months (7.1-9.5 deaths per 10,000 calf-days). The distribution of calf deaths per calendar month differed between the 0-14-day and 15-60-day age groups. The mortality risk ratio was highest in July (6.92). The mortality risk in the 0-14-day age group was twice as high in periods with a daily mean temperature above 22°C than in periods with a daily mean of 5-18°C. Heat stress abatement is advised in outdoor calf rearing when the mean daily temperature reaches 22°C, which, due to global warming, will be a common characteristic of summer weather in a continental region.

Bovine neonatal enteric immunity: a key consideration in the prevention of calf diarrhoea

The mucosa is the largest component of the immune system, providing a first line of defence against most pathogens encountered. Although the mucosa is located in all areas where there are mucosal surfaces (such as the respiratory and urogenital tracts), the clinical importance of diarrhoea in calf veterinary practice means the gastrointestinal mucosa is of particular interest. Taking steps to promote good health of the gastrointestinal mucosa can enhance gastrointestinal mucosal immunity and aid prevention of calf diarrhoea, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in calves under 1 month old.