Mortality in Holstein-Friesian calves and replacement heifers, in relation to body weight and IGF-I concentration, on 19 farms in England

Abstract

The incidence of mortality and culling in Holstein-Friesian heifers from birth through first calving was determined on 19 dairy farms selected from across southern England. The outcome of 1097 calvings was determined. Size (BW, heart girth, crown-rump length and height at withers) and insulin-like growth factor-I concentration of live heifer calves were measured at a mean age of 26 6 0.7 days (n 5 506). Associations between the heifer-level variables and mortality were determined using clustered binary logistic regression. Perinatal mortality (stillbirths and mortality within the first 24 h of birth) of male and female calves was 7.9%. This figure was significantly higher in cases where calving assistance was required (19.1% v. 5.6%, P , 0.001) and in twin births (18.5% v. 7.0%, P , 0.05), and was lower in pluriparous v. primiparous dams (5.6% v. 12.1%, P , 0.01). On average, 6.8% of heifers died or were culled between 1 day and 6 months of age. Low BW at 1 month was associated with reduced subsequent survival up to 6 months. Between 6 months and first calving, a further 7.7% of heifers either died (42%) or were culled (58%); accidents and infectious disease accounted for the majority of calf deaths between 6 and 15 months, whereas infertility (16/450 animals served, 3.5%) was the main reason for culling following the start of the first breeding period. In total, 11 heifers (2.2%) were culled as freemartins; eight at birth and three around service. Overall, 14.5% of liveborn potential replacement heifers died or were culled before first calving.

Survival time of calves with positive BVD virus results born during the voluntary phase of the Irish eradication programme

“…5.1% of live-born control calves were recorded as dead within three months of birth and a further 4.2% were dead by the end of the study. These recorded mortality levels, including lower mortality rates in beef calves and a decreasing mortality risk with age (Table 2) are each consistent with those reported elsewhere (Ortiz-Pelaez et al, 2008;Brickell et al, 2009;Gulliksen et al, 2009;Raboisson et al, 2013). For case animals, involuntary removal may occur either as a result of the calf dying during the study period or the farmer's decision to cull it promptly through the knackery system after identification through testing and in agreement with the programme's recommendation.…”

Associations between milk intake and activity in the first days of a calf's life and later growth and health

“…Brickell et al, 2009a). Low body weights at 1 month of age is associated with greater risk of later mortality (Brickell et al, 2009b).…”

A Study of Dairy Heifer Rearing Practices from Birth to Weaning and Their Associated Costs on UK Dairy Farms

“…A study by Brickell et al [1] determined that 7.9% of calves in the UK were born dead or died within the first 24 hours of life with a further 3.4% of heifer calves dying within the first 28 days of life. Calf and heifer mortality has substantial economic cost not only in terms of the value of the animals, but also in terms of the loss of genetic gain which is cumulative over successive generations [2] and the opportunity cost of resource use up to the point of death.…”