Monitoring the neonatal period in calves

Abstract

Recommended targets for the neonatal period are ”S.M.A.R.T.” (farm-specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-based) and these will need adjusting for individual herds over time. The indices to monitor neonatal calf health are focused primarily on colostrum management and survival rates in the first 24 hours of life. The two main disease implicated with morbidity and mortality in young stock are diarrhea and pneumonia. Mortality rates and disease incidence in young stock are extremely variable between farms, and this is an area in which the herd health advisor can have an influence on cow welfare and herd productivity. If the rate of perinatal calf mortality is above target, calving management should be reviewed and discussed with farm staff. Vaccination of cows in the last trimester of pregnancy can be useful in providing immunoglobulins in colostrum against certain diseases, but cannot replace excellent hygiene and husbandry in the neonatal period. The cost of disease are difficult to quantify but are linked to a reduced growth rate and increased mortality rate. Initial value of the calf is around 200-250 EUR, but total cost from birth to 12 weeks age is about 350-400 EUR. For this reason prevention and control of diarrhea and pneumonia needs to be a primary focus during the pre-weaned period as well as the provision of adequate nutrition.