A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 with the objective of determining the prevalence of calf morbidity and mortality, exploring factors associated with calf morbidity and mortality in and around Asellatown.A total of 384 calves (90 local and 294 cross breed) up to six months of age were selected randomly from 166 small holder dairy farms. Information on potential risk factors was collected using questionnaire survey conducted during the study period.Chi-Square statistics and comparison of proportions was used to analyze the data. Among the risk factors considered for analysis, breed of the calf, body condition of the dam, time of first colostrum feeding, housing condition, house cleanness, and awareness about importance of colostrum were significantly (P<0.05) associated with calf morbidity and mortality. While parity of the dam were significantly (p<0.05) and insignificantly (p=0.791) associated with calf morbidity and mortality respectively. According to the respondents diarrhea (10.4%) was found to be the most frequently observed disease syndrome followed by respiratory (pneumonia) disease (6.25%),tick infestation (1.56%) and navel ill (l.04%).The overall morbidity and mortality recorded were19.3 % and 6%, respectively. In conclusion, the magnitude of calf morbidity and mortality rates found in this study area were relatively low and economically tolerable however, for better and effective productivity it is therefore, suggested that implementation of improved calf management practices were recommended.
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