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Factors Affecting Calf Mortality in Small Scale Dairy Farms at Biswanath Upazila of Sylhet

Nelufer Yeasmin
Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh

Mohammed Kawser Hossain
Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh

Animesh Chandra Roy
Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh

Md. Rafiqul Islam
Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University

Saiful Islam
Department of Physiology, Sylhet Agricultural University

Md. Motiur Rahman
Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University

Md. Shaffiul Alam
Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Objectives: The factors of calf mortality in small scale dairy farms such as microbial factors, management factors, sex and seasons were determined. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 calves of 120 different small scale dairy farms of Biswanath upazila in Sylhet region of Bangladesh were visited in this research during the study period from January 2013 to December 2013. Herd size was 5-6 in average in these farms. All the collected data were analyzed statistically by using Microsoft windows 7 Excel program. Results: The overall calf mortality rate was 12.6%. The recorded mortality cases were classified into two major groups (microbial and management factors). In case of microbial factors highest mortality was found due to gastroenteritis (28.57%) followed by pneumonia (19.04%), parasitic infestation (4.76%) and others (14.28%) causes. Calf scour was the most important cause of calf mortality in small scale dairy farms. In case of management factors, dystocia (12.70%), cold stress (12.70%) and malnutrition (7.94%) affected the calf mortality. Death in calves aged between 0 to 30 days old (38.09%) were found higher in comparison to age between 31 to 90 days (33.33%) and aged between 91 to 180 days (28.58%). In relation to sex of the species, mortality was higher in male calves (55.55%) in contrast to female (44.45%). In Rainy season, death of calves were substantially higher (42.85%) compared to summer (33.35%) and winter (23.80%). Conclusion: Calf rearing and management techniques characteristic of herds should be improved to reduce mortality rates. Further investigations and molecular research should be recommended to minimize calf mortality for sustainability of the small scale dairy farms.

Keywords: Age, Calf mortality, Diseases, Factors, Management, Sex.

Location: Bishwanath upazila in Sylhet region of Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Calf, Diseases

Objectives:

To find out the factors and causes responsible for calf mortality in Sylhet region of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in contract with small scale dairy farmers of 15 selected villages of Bishwanath Upazila in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Data was collected through questionnaires with direct interviewing contained information on raising pattern, housing, hygienic condition, feeding habits including colostrums feeding immediately after birth and socio-economic status of farmers in this study. The farmers of this area reared both indigenous and crossbred dairy cattle. They followed both natural and artificial insemination techniques for production of replacement heifers and bulls. Both intensive and semi-intensive rearing systems were followed by them. A total of 500 calves of 120 different small-scale dairy farms were visited in this research during the study period from January 2013 to December 2013. Herd size was 5-6 in average in these farms. The farmers had achieved enough support from the local veterinary surgeon for examinations for pregnancy, reproductive management and the treatment of sick animals. In each farm, individual calf and dam identification, the sex of calf, the parity of the dam, the type of parturition and season of birth were noted. Information collected by the survey was tabulated and analyzed for getting the assumption of farm status. In order to search out the possible causes of death of calves, the age of the calves’ upto 180 days from date of birth was considered and the whole data collected, were classified into microbial and management health hazards. All main effects (management factors, microbial factors, season of birth, sex and type of parturition) were included in this study. Mortality rates as percentage and numbers were calculated for three aged groups mention as Group 1) Birth to 30 days, Group 2) 31 to 90 days and Group 3) 91 to 180 days. All the collected data were analyzed statistically by using the Microsoft windows 7 excel program.

Source of Information: Bangladesh livestock journal. 2015. 1: 17-19; ISSN 2409-7691

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Calf rearing and management techniques characteristic of herds should be improved to reduce mortality rates. Further investigations and molecular research should be recommended to minimize calf mortality for sustainability of small scale dairy farms.

Knowledge Management: Journal