Preweaning Calf Mortality Research Articles

Herd-level occurrence and risk factors associated with respiratory and enteric pathogens from dairy calves in Ontario: A cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional herd-level study aimed to determine the occurrence of and risk factors for pathogens associated with neonatal calf diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease on Ontario dairy farms. From April to August 2022, a convenience sample of 100 dairy farms were visited once. A questionnaire covering farm biosecurity, calving and colostrum management, preweaning nutrition, and housing was administered on-farm. At each farm visit, approximately 5 calves between 2 and 35 d old were randomly selected for fecal sampling. Furthermore, approximately 5 calves between 21 to 122 d old were randomly selected for nasopharyngeal sampling. In total, 363 fecal samples (from 83 dairy farms) and 390 nasopharyngeal swab samples (from 80 dairy farms) were collected. Fecal samples were analyzed individually using a multiplex PCR to identify bacterial and parasitic enteric pathogens. Nasopharyngeal swabs were analyzed as one pooled sample per farm using bacterial culture and real-time PCR. The most common enteric pathogens detected at herd-level were Cryptosporidium parvum (67.4%) and Escherichia coli K99+ (13.2%). The most common respiratory pathogens detected at herd-level were Pasteurella multocida (62.5%), bovine coronavirus (42.5%), and Mycoplasma bovis (21.2%). Multivariable logistic models were built to explore associations between the most common pathogens and herd-level predictors selected from the questionnaire. Herd positivity for C. parvum was positively associated with having more than 61 preweaned calves per year and feeding mainly whole milk to calves. The presence of M. bovis was positively associated with herds that combined manual and automatic milk-feeding systems, and the presence of bovine coronavirus was positively associated with having more than 98 preweaned calves during the year. Univariable Poisson regression models were built to explore the association between the most common pathogens and preweaning calf mortality. Herds that were positive for C. parvum, M. bovis, or bovine coronavirus had a greater risk of preweaning calf mortality. These results provide insights for future research on pathogens associated with NCD and BRD and offer guidance for veterinarians and dairy farmers in implementing disease control measures in dairy calf herds.

PSX-1 Genomic insights into reproduction traits of Nellore cattle: A meta-analysis of genomic regions

Abstract Enhancing reproductive efficiency could lead to economic benefits for Nellore producers. However, several factors limit our understanding of the main genetic factors controlling reproduction traits in Nellore cattle, including genetic differences between populations and statistical limitations. A meta-analysis can assist in pinpointing the most likely functional candidate genes, quantitative trait loci, and biological processes simultaneously associated with several traits in a group. Hence, the goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of genomic regions previously associated with reproduction traits in Nellore cattle, to improve our comprehension of the main genetic mechanisms regulating these traits within the breed. This study incorporated a total of 549 genomic regions sourced from 21 scientific publications, published between 2014 to 2024. The reproduction traits included in this study are scrotal circumference at various ages (365, 450, and 550 d), early pregnancy (< 31 mo of age), early puberty (defined as pregnancy at 18 mo), age at first calving, antral follicle count, calving interval, calving ease, testicular hypoplasia, stayability, heifer rebreeding, gestation length, anti-mullerian hormone concentrations, preweaning calf mortality, and post-natal mortality. All genomic regions identified in the literature were updated to the ARS-UCD1.2 genome assembly, and the Gallo R package was used to identify positional candidate genes associated with each genomic region. A total of 8,441 positional candidate genes were annotated and used in an overrepresentation analysis performed in meshr. The significant genes (adjusted P-values < 0.05) identified in the overrepresentation analysis underwent prioritization analyses using the GUILDify and ToppGene software. Subsequently, enrichment analysis of the prioritized overrepresented candidate genes was performed using the ClusterProfiler R package. The 8,441 annotated genes generated 1,757 overrepresented genes, of which 17 candidate genes were prioritized (FDR P -value ≤ 10-3). The overrepresented candidate genes that were prioritized are: SERTAD2, RFWD3, C1QTNF9B, SLFN14, CATSPERE, GFRA4, ZNF408, NOP58, ADGRG3, KIZ, REM2, FSCN3, DCAF11, ACSM4, ANKRD34B, CMKLR2-AS, and TRV-AAC1-1. The functional enrichment analysis highlighted the following genes: FSCN3 (exhibits highly specific expression in testis), CATSPERE (has a vital role in cellular processes related to reproduction and is necessary for normal fertility), ANKRD34B (associated with cytoplasm found in oocytes or early embryos), and RFWD3 (regulates the transition between phases of the mitotic cell cycle). All other prioritized genes also have roles in regulating metabolic pathways or biological processes related to reproduction, such as sperm capacitation, sperm motility, cilium or flagellum-dependent cell motility, mitotic cell cycle phase transition, and RNA endonuclease activity. The enrichment of the functional candidate genes identified highlights that these genes have an important role in the expression of reproduction traits in Nellore cattle. Candidate genes identified in this study can be used as target genes in gene expression studies, which are necessary to validate our findings.

Herd–level risk factors associated with preweaning mortality on Ontario dairy farms

The objective of this cross-sectional, herd-level study was to identify associations between calf management practices and herd-level preweaning mortality on Ontario dairy farms. From April to August 2022, a convenience sample of 100 dairy farms from Ontario, Canada, were visited once. A questionnaire, covering farm biosecurity, calving, colostrum management, preweaning nutrition, and housing, was verbally administered at each farm visit. Furthermore, data regarding preweaning calf mortality were retrieved from each farm's herd management software or records, including the total count of calves that survived, were culled, or died during the preweaning period for the 365 d before the farm visit. Preweaning mortality was defined as the proportion of calves that died between ≥48 h and 60 d of age divided by the total number of calves alive after 48 h of age. The herd-level preweaning mortality risk on sampled farms ranged from 0 to 15.9%, with an average of 2.8% (SD = 3.8%). A multivariable Poisson regression model was used to evaluate associations between 22 explanatory variables and preweaning mortality. Factors associated with greater herd-level preweaning mortality were larger herd size; having treatment protocols for diarrhea, pneumonia or navel infection written in collaboration with a veterinarian (compared with farms with the same treatment protocols developed without a veterinarian), and the herd-veterinarian never inquiring about calf health (compared with farms where the herd veterinarian inquired sometimes). Factors associated with lower herd-level preweaning mortality were using the calving pen for sick cows, having more than 4 people working with calves, offering calves a minimum volume of ≥9 L of milk/day, and farmers with a level of formal education higher than secondary school. These results indicate that producers may be able to reduce preweaning calf mortality by providing adequate labor for calf care, offering calves sufficient volumes of milk, being proactive in communicating with their veterinary practitioners about calf health, and potentially by engaging in continuous education.

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.

Influence of proportion of Brahman genetics on productivity of Brahman-Angus cows at weaning.

This study evaluated the association between the proportion of Brahman genetics and productivity of Brahman-Angus cows at weaning using a 31-yr dataset containing 6,312 cows and 5,405 pregnancies. Cows were contemporaneously reared and enrolled in yearly breeding seasons under subtropical conditions of North-Central Florida. They were evenly distributed in six-breed groups (G) according to the proportion of Brahman genetics: G0% to 19%, G21% to 34%, G38% (Brangus), G41% to 59%, G63% to 78%, and G81% to 100%. The proportion of cows calving (84.9%) did not differ across the six-breed groups. However, cows in the G81% to 100% weaned fewer calves (90.8%) than cows in the G0% to 19% and G21% to 34% (95.7%, each). The weaning rate of cows in the G38% (94.3%), G41% to 59% (94.2%), and G63% to 78% (93.0%) was intermediate between these three breed groups. The preweaning calf mortality was greater for cows in the G81% to 100% (9.2%) than cows in the G0% to 19% and G21% to 34% (4.3%, each), but intermediate for cows in the G38% (5.7%), G41% to 59% (5.8%), and G63% to 78% (7.0%). Cows in the G81% to 100% also weaned lighter calves (220.6kg) than cows in the G0% to 19% (245.2kg), G21% to 34% (250.2kg), G38% (247.9kg), G41% to 59% (252.5kg), and G63% to 78% (245.2kg). Cows in the G0% to 19% weaned lighter calves than cows with 21% to 78% of Brahman genetics. The 205-d adjusted weaning weight evidenced the less productive results of cows in G0% to 19% and G81% to 100% compared with other genetic groups, as they calved at the fastest and slowest rate, respectively. Thus, the 205-d adjusted weaning weight eliminated this bias. Additionally, younger cows weaned lighter calves; and male calves were heavier at weaning than female calves. Both parity order of cow and calf sex altered the magnitude of the described association between breed group of cows and calf weaning weights. Overall, after adjusting for weaning rate and age of calves at weaning, the number of kilograms produced per cow submitted to reproduction was less for cows in the G0% to 19% (191.1kg) and G81% to 100 (181.8kg) compared with cows in the G21% to 34 (197.0kg), G38 (195.9kg), G41% to 59 (199.7), and G63% to 78 (196.2). Cows in the G81% to 100% were the least productive. Thus, a proportion of Brahman genetics between 21% and 78% ensured superior productivity of Brahman-Angus cows subjected to subtropical conditions.

Retrospective and current status of reproduction and Health Problems at Algae Dairy Farm, Central Ethiopia

Study was conducted between November 2015 and March 2016 at Alagae dairy farm. The objective of study was to evaluate ten years record and the current status of dairy farm. A total of 370 cow’s record and 105 monitored dairy cows’ were used for the study. The overall mean months of 27.68±6.48 age at first service, 37.8±6.88 age at first calving, 16.36±5.2 calving interval, 6.93±4.79 days open (DO) and 10.32±2.84 lactation length (LL) observed. Increasingly, 1.38±0.54 number of services per conception (NSC) and average daily milk yield of 8.22±2.2 liters/day/cow were observed in the dairy farm. Average daily milk yield had a significant difference (p<0.05) between Holstein and their crosses. Reproductive performance did not show difference between retrospective and longitudinal studies using Mann Whitney U – test. Similar health problems like abortion, dystocia, metritis, repeat breeder, retained fetal membrane, mastitis and pre-weaning calf mortality observed in both retrospective and longitudinal studies cows. Physical damage and infectious diseases were also common in the farm. In conclusion, this study revealed that the reproductive performance of the dairy farm was below the acceptable standard. Therefore, appropriate measures should be implemented at Alagae dairy farm in order to leverage the existing poor reproductive performance of the farm.

Genome-wide scan reveals genomic regions and candidate genes underlying direct and maternal effects of preweaning calf mortality in Nellore cattle

We conducted analysis to estimate genetic parameters and to identify genomic regions and candidate genes affecting direct and maternal effects of preweaning calf mortality (PWM) in Nellore cattle. Phenotypic records of 67,196 animals, and 8443 genotypes for 410,936 SNPs were used. Analysis were performed through the weighted single-step GBLUP approach and considering a threshold animal model via Bayesian Inference. Direct and maternal heritability estimates were of 0.2143 ± 0.0348 and 0.0137 ± 0.0066, respectively. The top 10 genomic regions accounted for 13.61 and 14.23% of the direct and maternal additive genetic variances and harbored a total of 63 and 91 positional candidate genes, respectively. Two overlapping regions on BTA2 were identified for both direct and maternal effects. Candidate genes are involved in biological mechanisms i.e. embryogenesis, immune response, feto-maternal communication, circadian rhythm, hormone alterations, myometrium adaptation, and milk secretion, which are critical for the successful calf growth and survival during preweaning period.

Low doses of lactoferrin supplementation in weaning calves

Low doses of lactoferrin supplementation in weaning calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) cause-specific and overall mortality in preweaned calves on California dairies: The BRD 10K study

Mortality in preweaned dairy calves is a significant source of economic loss for dairy producers. In particular, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a leading cause of death in preweaned dairy calves. The objectives of this study were to investigate management practices and their effects on mortality, both that specifically attributed to BRD and overall mortality due to all causes, in preweaned dairy calves. Rates of failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) are also reported. The study consisted of a convenience sample of 5 dairies across California, selected based on management practices, calf records, location, and size. Trained study personnel performed comprehensive calf management surveys on every dairy at least once every season. Calves were enrolled in the study at birth and followed until weaning. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were specified for the outcomes all-cause mortality (any death before weaning) and mortality attributed to BRD. The 2 final models included a total of 11,470 calves that were born on the study dairies and followed until weaning. The study cohort's overall crude mortality was 2.8%, with crude mortality of individual dairies ranging from 1.7 to 7.2%. The proportion of mortality attributed to BRD was 19.3%, with a range of 0 to 27.1% on the study dairies. Increasing the frequency of changing maternity pen bedding was associated with a decreased risk of mortality due to BRD. Calves diagnosed with BRD in the spring had an increased risk of mortality compared with calves born in the summer; mortality in calves with fall and winter BRD diagnoses did not different significantly from that in summer. Season of mortality was not significant in either model. Feeding ≥5.7 L of milk per day per calf (vs. ≤3.7 L/d) decreased the risk of mortality in calves over 21 d of age. Twins had a 68% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with calves born as singletons. Both mortality models showed an association between administration of a modified live vaccine in dams (targeting BRD pathogens) and a decreased risk of mortality in calves. Using a serum total protein cut-off of 5.2 g/dL, 16.8% of calves had FPT, with a mean serum total protein concentration of 5.94 ± 0.06 g/dL across all calves sampled.

Lactoferrin reduces mortality in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea

Calf diarrhea is the most common illness in young calves, and nearly 8% die as a result. Alternatives to antimicrobials are frequently used to treat calf diarrhea on organic operations, but there is little data confirming their effectiveness. Additionally, the availability of effective antimicrobial alternatives could help improve antimicrobial stewardship and reduce usage in cases of diarrhea. Lactoferrin and garlic extract have antimicrobial properties and have shown positive impacts on growth in pre-weaned calves. We hypothesized that lactoferrin and garlic extract would decrease mortality, improve weight gain, and decrease disease duration in preweaned calves with diarrhea.

Management strategies to improve reproductive performance of Brahman cross cattle (Bos indicus) in East Java, Indonesia

<p class="abstrak2">The demand for meat in Indonesia cannot be supplied by domestic cattle production, and so breeder cattle stock are imported from abroad overseas to increase domestic production. A commonly imported breed is Brahman cross bred (Bx). Smallholder farmers have reported a wide range of problems associated with Bx cow reproductive performance. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the reproductive performance of Bx cows by providing advice to farmers on improved management strategies, such as: maintaining body condition score (BCS) of cow> 3, appropriate estrous detection and weaning at 5- 6 months. This study was conducted from October 2011 – December 2013 by using 189 Bx cows and 151 farmers. The research was conducted in two sub districts of Lamongan district (East Java), Modo and Sambeng. Cattle were fed diets based on crop residues and were supplemented with green feeds, by-products (rice bran) and concentrate during the last 2 months of pregnancy and early lactation. The reproductive performance of cows improved during the study, there were a shorter lactation length/early weaning (reduced from 188 days to 153 days) and improved BCS (from 3.0 to 3.3). The length of postpartum anestrous interval (PPAI) decreased from 198 days to 98 days. Cycling to conception decreased from 75 days to 64 days and days open decreased from 217 days to 118 days over the length of the study. This was associated with improvement in BCS of cows at calving (from 3.0 to 3.3) and a shorter lactation length (reduced from 188 days to 153 days). There was no change in the average birth weight of calves (31.8 kg). There was no change in average weaning weight of calves over the year and average daily gain of calves while suckling 0.7 kg/day. The pre weaning calf mortality rate was decreased during this study (from 13% to 6%). This project demonstrated that Brahman cross cows can successfully be kept by smallholder farmers in Indonesia if appropiate management is used. It can be concluded that improving management, such as maintaining body condition score of cow >3, estrous detection, appropiate mating and weaning at 5-6 months can improve reproduction performance of Brahman cross.</p><p><strong>Key Words</strong>: Reproduction, Cattle, Brahman Cross</p>

Lactoferrin reduces mortality in preweaned calves with diarrhea

Calf diarrhea is the most common reason for mortality and antimicrobial therapy in preweaned calves on dairy farms in the United States. Conventional and organic livestock producers require alternative therapies for calf diarrhea to reduce the necessity of conventional antimicrobials. Alternatives administered for mild cases or early in the disease course may be useful to mitigate disease progression and reduce the likelihood of septicemia and negative sequelae. Lactoferrin is a bioactive protein naturally found in colostrum that has been shown to prevent septicemia in high-risk infants. Among organic producers, garlic extract is widely used for the treatment of disease and perceived to be efficacious. The objectives of the study were to determine the effectiveness of lactoferrin and garlic extract to reduce mortality and culling, improve weight gain, and reduce the duration of disease in preweaned calves with the first diagnosis of diarrhea. In total, 628 calves with diarrhea from a single commercial dairy were enrolled in a blinded, randomized field trial. Calves diagnosed with diarrhea (fecal score ≥3), were randomized to 3 consecutive days of oral garlic extract, lactoferrin, or water (control). Calves were clinically evaluated for up to 10 d. Body weight was measured at enrollment and 10 d later. For calves receiving garlic extract, the risk of death or culling was not significantly different than calves in the control group; however, calves that received lactoferrin had approximately half the risk of death or culling in the 120 d following diagnosis. Additionally, the relative risk of death or culling in the 60 d following diagnosis was significantly lower for the subset of calves with severe diarrhea at enrollment. Neither garlic nor lactoferrin had a significant effect on disease duration or average weight gain during the 10-d period. Lactoferrin significantly reduced mortality and culling when administered to preweaned calves with the first diagnosis of diarrhea; however, additional studies conducted across multiple farms are necessary to corroborate the observed reduction in mortality and culling. If the results are confirmed, lactoferrin may become an important tool to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the necessity of antimicrobials.

Genetic parameter estimates for prenatal and postnatal mortality in Nellore cattle.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for prenatal (PRE) and postnatal (POS) mortality in Nellore cattle. A total of 13141 (PRE) and 17818 (POS) records from Nellore females were used. PRE and POS were recorded using binary scale scores: a score of '1' was given to calves that were born alive (PRE) and those that were alive at weaning (POS), and a score of '0' was given to calves that were not alive at or around birth (PRE), as well as to those weighed at birth but not at weaning (POS). The relationship matrix included 698 sires, 107 paternal grandsires and 69 maternal grandsires. Data were analysed using Bayesian inference and a sire-maternal grandsire threshold model, including contemporary groups as random effects, and the classes of dam age at the beginning of mating season (for PRE), and dam age at calving and birthweight (linear covariable) (for POS), as fixed effects. For both traits, the covariance between direct and maternal effects (rD,M ) was estimated (rD,M ≠ 0) or fixed at zero (rD,M =0). PRE and POS rates were 3.00 and 4.04%, respectively. Estimates of direct and maternal heritability were 0.07 and 0.17, respectively, for PRE, and 0.02 and 0.07, respectively, for POS, assuming rD,M =0. For rD,M ≠0, these estimates were 0.07 and 0.12, respectively, for PRE, and 0.03 and 0.07, respectively, for POS. The correlation estimates between direct and maternal effects were -0.71 (PRE) and -0.33 (POS). PRE and POS show low genetic variability, indicating that these traits probably suffer major environmental influences. Additionally, our study shows that the maternal genetic component affects preweaning calf mortality twice as much (or more) as the direct genetic component. A large number of offspring per sire is necessary in progeny tests to genetically decrease calf mortality.

Agreement of nasal swabs, guarded nasopharyngeal swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage relative to transtracheal wash for the diagnosis of viral and bacterial pathogens in dairy calves with bovine respiratory disease

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is common in dairy calves, with 21.3% of mortality in preweaned calves and 50.4% of mortality in weaned heifers attributed to BRD (USDA NAHMS, 2002). Four sampling methods are used for antemortem identification of respiratory pathogens: the nasal swab (NS), guarded nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), transtracheal wash (TTW), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Each method has advantages and disadvantages. The TTW bypasses contamination from the nasopharynx, but the procedure is invasive and requires technical skill. The BAL and TTW directly sample the lower airways, but BAL, NS, and NPS can be contaminated by nasopharyngeal flora. Compared to NS, NPS provides a guarded sample of the pharyngeal recess, which maybe more representative of BRD pathogens. To our knowledge, no published study has compared the results of all four of these methods in cattle with clinical BRD. The objective of this study was to compare the agreement of results obtained by NS, NPS, or BAL with those obtained by TTW for isolation of BRD pathogens in dairy calves with acute undifferentiated BRD.

NMR Based Metabolomics Evaluation in Neonatal Calves with Acute Diarrhea and Suspected Sepsis: A New Approach for Biomarker/S

Metabolic consequences of diarrhea-induced sepsis revealed by plasma 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) quantitative metabolomics. Diarrhea and sepsis is generally the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in pre-weaned calves. Traditional biomarkers for sepsis are mainly derived from host immune/inflammatory response. Various high-throughput omics technologies facilitate comprehensive screening of sepsis-specific biomarkers in human medicine. The aim of this first study was to reveal the new potential biomarkers in diarrhea-induced septic neonatal calves evaluating by 1H-NMR based quantitative metabolomics. Clinical and laboratory data revealed all the ill calves had leukocytosis, metabolic acidosis and failure of colostral passive transfer. This study produced quantitative data sets that presented differences between patients with diarrhea–induced sepsis and healthy subjects in the level of the water and lipid soluble metabolites. All the lipid soluble metabolites (e.g., sphingomyeline, various fatty acids, etc.) were significantly decreased in diseased calves. Changes in water soluble metabolites (increases in niacinamide, choline + phosphocholine, 2-methylglutarate and isopropanol, and decreases in formate, lysine-arginine, acetate, creatine) were meaningful for pathogenic mechanisms of sepsis. This pilot study showed the implementation of plasma 1H-NMR quantitative metabolomics because it produced a physiologically relevant metabolite data set that distinguished diarrhea-induced sepsis from healthy ones. The metabolites identified and quantified in the study may be new potential biomarkers for systemic inflammatory response syndrome in calf sepsis.

Management Risk Factors for Calf Mortality in Intensive Italian Dairy Farms

High calf mortality is an important factor of economic loss in dairy production. At present, limited data are available on calf rearing practices and calf mortality in Italian dairy farming. The aim of the study was to identify the most important management risk factors for preweaning calf mortality in Italian dairy farms. A group of 28 intensive dairy farms from Lombardy (Italy) were visited to collect information about calf management and calf mortality. Female calf mortality showed high variability among herds and in many cases the percentage of calves dead within the preweaning period was very high. The average perinatal mortality (during calving and within 24 h after birth) was 8.82% of total females born with a maximum value of 30.8%, whereas average early mortality (from 24 h to weaning) was 8.9±7.9%, with a maximum value of 28%. The herd size did not significantly affect calf mortality although the number of calves cared per operator in the big farms was higher than in the small ones. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that feeding first colostrum meal beyond three hours after birth, group housing before 30 d of age and feeding daily less than 5 L of milk or milk replacer per calf multiply the risk to have early mortality higher than 10%. The study showed that early calf mortality could be strongly reduced by paying more attention to a very limited number of operations.

Produktivitas Sapi Potong pada Kelompok Tani Ternak di Pedesaan

Beef Cattle Productivity under Group of Farmer at the VillageABSTRACT. Development of beef cattle in Indonesia should be carried out through sustainable production system approach especially under smallholders in the village areas. The information of beef cattle productivity level under current production system is very important for the basis data in relation to the development strategic program. The purpose of current study was to find out the productivity of beef cattle production under group of farmer at the village areas. Survey method at 34 farmer groups of beef cattle located at Cilacap, Banyumas, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara and Kebumen regencies of Central Java was implemented. The beef catle productivity in terms of cow-calf operation and fattening were recorded. Data analysis by qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics. This study found that Ongole Cross, Sumba Ongole Cross, Simental Cross and Charolois Cross were raised for fattening and Brahman Cross for cow-calf operation. The performance of beef cattle of fattening purposes was moderate condition. Body Condition Score (BCS) ranged from 4 to 6 (scale 1-9) with the modus 4 (for Ongole Cross, Sumba Ongole Cross) and 5 (for Simental Cross and Charolois Cross). The productivity of cow-calf operation was very low with the reproductive rate and preweaning calf mortality were 6 and 25 percent, respectively. Good Farming Practice with attention on selection of breeds and strengthens feeding aspects could be taking into account in order to improve beef cattle productivity under group of farmer at the village areas.

Factors Affecting High Mortality Rates of Dairy Replacement Calves and Heifers in the Tropics and Strategies for Their Reduction

The tropics is not an ideal location for calf rearing as the high temperatures and humidities introduce many potential disease problems to milk fed calves. In addition, the type of dairy farming (generally poorly resourced small holder farming) and the general lack of awareness of the long term implications of poorly reared stock do not encourage farmers to pay close attention to their calf and heifer rearing systems. Surveys of calf rearing systems in Asia, tropical Africa and South America highlight the high calf and heifer mortalities. A range of 15 to 25% pre-weaning calf mortality is typical on many tropical dairy farms. It is often as high as 50%, indicating very poor calf management. This contrasts with US findings of less than 8% mortality from birth to 6 months while surveys of Australian farmers report only 3% losses. Simple extension programs on farms in Sri Lanka and Kenya have drastically reduced calf mortalities and improved pre-weaning growth rates. Improved management strategies leading to lower calving intervals, higher calving rates, reduced still born and pre-weaned calf mortalities and fewer non pregnant heifers can supply many more dairy herd replacements than currently occurs. Such strategies can increase the number of replacement heifer calves in the herd from 15 to over 35%, thus allowing farmers to increase their herd sizes through natural increases. Simple management procedures such as ensuring adequate intake of good quality colostrum within the first 12 hours of life, housing and good hygiene to minimise disease transfer, providing clean drinking water, developing appropriate feeding protocols to encourage early rumen development and paying closer attention to climate control and animal health can all lead to improved calf vigour and performance. Good record keeping is also important so farmers can more easily identify susceptible calves and quickly treat potential problems.

Performance of Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves under Hot Arid Environment: Effects of Immunoglobulins and Age on Diseases and Mortality

Problem statement: A high mortality rate (crude mortality 43.6%) of pre-weaned dairy calves resulted in unavailability of replacement heifers in Kuwait. Dairy producers resorted to import pregnant heifers for herd replacement. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of dam vaccination and age, serum Immunoglobulin (Ig) on disease syndromes and mortality in pre-weaned calves. Approach: Late pregnant Holstein Friesian dairy cows and heifers of five commercial dairy operations were divided into two herds: Treatment (T) vaccinated using Lactovac against Rotavirus, Coronavirus and Escherichia coli and Control (C) unvaccinated herds. Total of 1,088 newborn calves of above herds were also divided as T and C for studies from their birth to weaning at 90 days. Calves weighed at birth, fed colostrum, serum proteins and Ig (IgG, IgM and IgA) were determined; disease syndromes, morbidity and mortality rates were investigated. Results: Mean birth weight (34.25±SE 0.21 kg) of calves did not differ significantly (p<0.01) between treatments. Crude mortality rates differed significantly (p<0.01) ranging from 2.83-22.83% in calves among herds. Highly significant differences were observed in Ig classes of blood serum of calves: IgG (F 3.47 p<0.010), IgM (F 3.52 p<0.009) and IgA (F 3.66 p<0.008). The effects of Ig levels on calf morbidity rates were significant (p<0.05) on three disease syndromes: pneumonia, diarrhea and pneumo-enteritis. Vaccination of pregnant dams and oral administration of antibodies to newborn calves reduced calf morbidity and mortality rates. Major disease syndromes were pneumo-enteritis (34.6%) and pneumonia (33.8%). Younger calves were greatly affected by these diseases. Conclusion: Inadequate levels of passive immunity of young calves were commonly found in Kuwait’s farms. This study demonstrated the importance of passive immunity of calves by ensuring adequate levels of serum Ig and protein levels.

Preliminary Results on the Effect of Feeding Heat-treated Colostrum on Health and Growth in Pre-weaned Dairy Calves

Previous research showed that heat-treatment of colostrum at 140°F (60°C) for 60 minutes results in a significant reduction in colostral bacteria counts without affecting colostral immunoglobulin concentrations. Moreover, calves fed heat-treated colostrum have improved serum lgG levels when compared to calves fed raw colostrum. It is unclear whether feeding heat-treated colostrum will improve growth or health in preweaned calves. The objective of this study was to describe the effect of feeding heat-treated colostrum on average daily gain (ADG), risk for morbidity, and mortality in pre-weaned calves.