Rearing conditions and health status of calves on small rural farms

Abstract

Good rearing conditions are the key factor for health and welfare of calves. Diarrhea, respiratory and navel infections are commonly referred to as the most common health problems in calves. The aim of this study was an observation of rearing conditions and the occurrence of the most common health problems in calves on small rural farms in Danube Region of Serbia. Data were colected from 30 farms by surveying the farmers. The questionary consisted of 75 questions pertaining to the following: general information on the farm, and on calving, nutrition, weaning, housing, hygiene of space for cows and calves, on calf diseases and diseases prevention measures. According to the answers, the average number of all categories of cattle at the fams is 18 heads. Calves are separated from their mothers immediately after birth at 67% farms. They receive colostrum up to two hours after birth at 47% of the farms and immediately after birth at 20% of the farms. Average age of calves at weaning is 13 weeks. Calves begin to use hay usually between the 1 st and 2 nd week of life, and a concentrated feed in 2 nd week. They are held in different types of pens. Farmers specified diarrhea and respiratory diseases as the most common health problems in calves. Rearing conditions at the farms often do not meet the recommendations and the breeders do not implement all of the necessary preventive measures. Corrections in this regard could contribute to better health of calves.

Keywords

• calves
• small farms
• rearing conditions
• health problems