Why do Some Calves Thrive and Others Die? Risk Factors Impacting Male and Female Dairy Calf Health

摘要

The health status of male and female dairy calves requires attention to improve its current state.Feeding an adequate quantity of high quality colostrum quickly after birth is essential for both male and female calves.Consistent and timely delivery of colostrum will ensure young calves can fight disease.Umbilical infections commonly occur in male and female dairy calves.Having a clean maternity pen area and excellent colostrum management, and housing calves on clean and dry bedding are good preventative practices to minimize navel infections.Early life nutrition is critical in protecting against disease and improving growth.Veterinarians are viewed as an important source of information by most Canadian dairy producers and can have a significant impact on calf health.Euthanasia is a practice that needs to be conducted in a manner that minimizes pain and suffering.