A focus group study of Ontario dairy producer perspectives on neonatal care of male and female calves

Abstract

Providing optimal calf care remains a challenge on many dairy farms and has important implications for the future health, welfare, and productivity of male and female calves. Recent research suggests that male dairy calves receive a lower quality of care early in life than female calves, but further investigation is required to determine the factors that influence this disparity. The objectives of this study were to understand dairy producer perspectives on neonatal calf care practices and explore differences between male and female calf care. Overall, 23 dairy producers in Ontario, Canada, participated in 4 focus groups about calf care practices that were recorded and evaluated qualitatively using thematic analysis. Major barriers for good calf care included lack of knowledge about the best management practices for calf care and the prioritization of farm resources toward the milking herd. Some producers also noted that farm infrastructure (particularly during challenging weather) and employee training were important limitations. The economic cost of providing good neonatal calf care was important primarily for male calves and acted as a motivation or a barrier depending on the producer's beliefs about calf care and how they chose to market their calves. The primary source of knowledge producers used to develop calf care practices was their own experience, although many also relied on dairy-industry advisors, most often veterinarians. Producers were motivated by social norms, along with intrinsic pride and obligation to provide good calf care, and these motives were influenced by their emotional state. Producers expressed beliefs about which aspects of calf care are most important-notably colostrum management-and appreciated simple and economical solutions to calf-rearing challenges. Calf care practices were varied, and we identified a diversity of knowledge, motivations, and barriers to adopting best management practices, which sometimes differed between male and female calves. Some producers said that they did not know what happened to their male calves after they left the farm and tended to prioritize the care of female over male calves in subtle ways, such as less timely provision of colostrum. The infrastructure investment and other costs associated with caring for male calves often limited their care, but producers were still motivated to provide adequate care for male calves. These findings represent potential targets for additional research and intervention strategies to improve calf care practices on dairy farms.

Perspectives on the Management of Surplus Dairy Calves in the United States and Canada

“…Calf care requires substantial time on dairy farms; however, it results in little to no immediate financial payoff, which is especially true for surplus dairy calves. For example, Wilson et al (18) found for Canadian producers the necessary time and effort to care for newborn calves were barriers to the adoption of better management practices, especially for male calves. In interviews, dairy producers discussed an ethical desire to take good care of neonatal calves, but their actions were frequently misaligned (18).…”

“…For example, Wilson et al (18) found for Canadian producers the necessary time and effort to care for newborn calves were barriers to the adoption of better management practices, especially for male calves. In interviews, dairy producers discussed an ethical desire to take good care of neonatal calves, but their actions were frequently misaligned (18). Specifically, male calves often receive worse care after birth than female calves on dairy farms.…”

“…Directly selling calves to buyers could also potentially improve calf care on the dairy farm. For example, Wilson et al (18) found that dairy farmers in Ontario preferred selling calves directly to a purchaser instead of through an auction when possible and were motivated to maintain good relationships with direct calf buyers by supplying them with healthy calves. We encourage more work on possible barriers and opportunities for transporting calves directly from dairy farms to nearby calf raising facilities.…”

“…Other social science and mixed methods approaches that have been used to help resolve complex issues are also recommended, such as deliberative democracies (122), participatory research including dairy farmers (123) and sustainability science (124). A qualitative research approach is also needed to understand the motivations and barriers to adoption of best management practices for dairy, veal, and other calf raisers (18,99). Determining how to encourage producers to adopt new management practices for surplus calves will likely be key to seeing industry wide changes.…”

A Review of Beef Production Systems for the Sustainable Use of Surplus Male Dairy-Origin Calves Within the UK

“…As a result the neonatal care of these surplus male calves is often inferior to that which heifer calves receive. Heifer calves are seen as the future of the dairy herd, and therefore, are often given priority to ensure their future productivity (9). Thus, dairy bred bull calves are at a greater risk of not receiving a sufficient quantity of quality colostrum within 24 h of birth, resulting in increased risk of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of antibodies (10).…”