Management factors associated with mortality of dairy calves in Finland: A cross sectional study

•Mortality of dairy calves in Finland was evaluated in relation to farm management.•Mortality of calves was higher in herds of larger size.•Lower herd average milk production was associated with higher calf mortality.•Longer periods of whole milk feeding and separation of sick from healthy calves we...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The veterinary journal (1997) 2016-10, Vol.216, p.164-167
Main Authors: Seppä-Lassila, L., Sarjokari, K., Hovinen, M., Soveri, T., Norring, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Animal welfare
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Calves
Cattle
Cattle Diseases - etiology
Cattle Diseases - mortality
Cattle Diseases - prevention & control
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dairying - methods
Feeding
Female
Finland
Management
Mortality
Risk Factors
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Summary:•Mortality of dairy calves in Finland was evaluated in relation to farm management.•Mortality of calves was higher in herds of larger size.•Lower herd average milk production was associated with higher calf mortality.•Longer periods of whole milk feeding and separation of sick from healthy calves were associated with lower mortality.•Farmers can reduce calf mortality by applying appropriate management practices. Mortality at herd level is an indicator of overall calf welfare on dairy farms. The aim of this cross sectional study was to identify management factors associated with calf mortality on dairy farms in Finland. Calf mortality data and information on management practices collected during farm visits and farmer interviews were analysed using linear models. The average size of 82 herds enrolled in the study was 125 ± 41 cows. The mortality risk of calves
ISSN:1090-0233
1532-2971
DOI:10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.07.008