Factors associated with calf mortality in Michigan dairy herds
Speicher, J.A.; Hepp, R.E.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 162(6): 463-466
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 4692302 Document Number: 66149
Records and results of a questionnaire from 379 Michigan dairy farms showed that the annual calf mortality for all herds averaged 13.5%. Winter and summer death losses were 17.1 and 10.3%, respectively. Mortality increased as herd size increased-from 9.7% for herds of less than 25 cows to 16.6% for herds of more than 85 cows. Of all calves that died, 47% died at birth; this death loss was unrelated to herd size. Mortality after birth was a function of herd size, with the greatest death losses (4.1%) occurring during the first week. Mortality was significantly less in stanchion barns than in loose- and free-stall housing (15.1 and 14.2%, respectively). An interaction existed between herd size and type of housing. Other characteristics shown to significantly affect calf mortality were temperature of calving facilities, type of housing for calves, supplemental heat in calf barns, person caring for calves, and attendance at calving.