Management Practices Affecting Calves Welfare on Farms in Slovenia

Abstract

Calf rearing practices in Slovenian herds were investigated with questionnaire-based survey. The data was obtained from 293 farms in Slovenia about their management, especially milk and colostrum feeding protocol, manner of weaning, housing, hygiene on the farm and biosecurity measures. Majority of respondents think the colostrum supply is very important. In 77% of farms, calves receive the first colostrum meal within 2 hours after birth. Quality of colostrum is not considered in 59% of farms. The temperature of colostrum and milk check 73% of farmers, however majority do it manually without using thermometer. Farmers weans calves gradually, mostly considering the age at weaning (45%). Calves are weaned at mean age of 14.18 weeks. In 57.3% of farms, newborn calves are housed in individual pens. Thirty four percent of farmers are cleaning pens for newborn calves after each calf. Half of farmers observe their calves more than 15 minutes daily. Different biosecurity measures are used in 98% of farms. Many farmers are well aware that calf rearing management bear on later milk and meat production and some would need more persuasion to follow the appropriate management practices.

Management practices that influence the welfare of calves on small family farms

“…After birth, calf monitoring is necessary to timely spot the first signs of health problems and changes in behaviour. The majority of farmers in Slovenia and Serbia spent between 15 and 30 min a day for calf surveillance (Relić et al ., 2018; Ježek et al ., 2019). That may be insufficient even if the number of calves is small.…”

“…Hand-feeding colostrum is often preferred, as this method allows producers to closely monitor the quantity and quality of colostrum consumed (USDA, 2016). At most of the small farms in the USA and Slovenia calves consume up to 2 l and in Austria 2–4 l of colostrum at the first meal (Klein-Jöbstl et al ., 2015; USDA, 2016; Ježek et al ., 2019). When properly managed, different methods of colostrum delivery can successfully promote calf's health and development (Pempek et al ., 2017).…”

“…Most farmers who perform control do not use a colostrometer or refractometer but make a visual assessment based on the appearance of colostrum. It is possible that farmers are not aware of the importance of colostrum quality although they consider colostrum is important for a new-born calf (Ježek et al ., 2019).…”

“…The appliance of sanitary measures on family farms is commonly selective and insufficient (Klein-Jöbstl et al ., 2015; USDA, 2016; Relić et al ., 2017 b ; Stojiljković et al ., 2018; Ježek et al ., 2019). In Slovenia and Serbia, the most frequently fly and/or rodent control was applied, the least frequently farmers practiced quarantine for newly purchased animals and disinfection barriers for vehicles and visitors (Relić et al ., 2017 b ; Ježek et al ., 2019). Farmers show poor knowledge about certain disease, which may be related to their low ability to recognize the problem related to disease prevention (Relić et al ., 2018).…”

“…The causative agents are microorganisms that can survive long periods in the calf's environment, meaning that maintaining good hygiene is an essential preventive measure against infectious diseases of calves (Lorenz et al, 2011;Moran, 2012). The appliance of sanitary measures on family farms is commonly selective and insufficient (Klein-Jöbstl et al, 2015;USDA, 2016;Relić et al, 2017b;Stojiljković et al, 2018;Ježek et al, 2019). In Slovenia and Serbia, the most frequently fly and/or rodent control was applied, the least frequently farmers practiced quarantine for newly purchased animals and disinfection barriers for vehicles and visitors (Relić et al, 2017b;Ježek et al, 2019).…”