Cross-Sectional Study on Calf Health and Management Problems on Small Scale Dairy Farms of Sidama and Gedio Zones, Southern Ethiopia

A Cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2010 to December, 2013 to assess the calf health and management problems and the associated risk factors in small scale dairy farms of Sidama and Gedio Zones. The study comprises 61 urbans, 46 peri-urban and 54 rural farms, from which 61 (37.7%) are intensive, 47 (29.0%) semi intensive and 54 (33.3) extensive farms. Data with regard to birth history, colostrum feeding management, vaccination practices and previous disease history of selected calves were collected with semi structured questionnaire and observational assessment; and microbiological identification and Flotation and Sedimentation techniques were part of the study methodology. Results indicate among the risk factors considered for analysis, only sex of farm owner, herd size and breed of calves were found to be significant with health problems of calves (P<0.05). Birth condition of 16.28 (n= 14) calves were assisted, out of which 13 (15.12%), were attended by non-professionals and 1 (1.16%) of the cases were attended by professional veterinary practitioners. 50.0% delivery problem was both maternal and calf caused, oversized fetus and delivery impotency were mentioned by farmers as a potential cause for dystocia. Majority of the respondent (92.6%) replied colostrum feeding and 7.4% not fed colostrum; general calf morbidity of 30.2% (n= 159), with zonal prevalence of Sidama zone (29.3%), Gedio zone (35.0%). High Prevalence of calf morbidity was seen in farms located in urban area 12.6% followed by rural farms 9.3% and urban farms 8.2%. Septicemia and Diarrhea 21 (43.7%) was found to be the most frequently observed disease syndrome followed by Internal parasite 15 (31.2%), external parasite 8 (16.7%), Coccidiosis 1 (2.08%), Hemoparasite 1 (2.08%) and mixed infection 2 (4.2%). 50.9% vaccinated their calves at least for one type of vaccine. The major internal parasites identified by floatation and sedimentation techniques were Strongyle spp. (32%), emeria (16%), neoasacris vitulorum (12.0%), mixed parasite strongyle spp. and eimeria (10%) and neoascaris vitulorum and Strongyle spp. (8%). From the isolated bacteria, E. coli (53.3%) was the higher prevalent and followed by proteus (10%), Citrobacter (8.3%), E. coli and Klebsiella mixed (8.3%). In conclusion, this research revealed that the proportion of calf morbidity that caused by bacteria was higher than internal and external parasites caused calf morbidity, E. coli and Strongyle spp. were the dominant bacteria and internal parasites respectively in the study dairy farms; high calf morbidity in rural than urban areas and the majority respondents had an awareness of colostrums effect on their calves.