Reterospective Study On Calf Mortality In Dairy Farms In Gondar Town

A retrospective study was conducted on calf mortality in dairy farms in Gondar town from October 2013 to May 2014 with the objective assessing the extent of calf mortality investigating potential risk factors related to calf death. A total of 909 calves born from September 2010 to November 2013 in 20 dairy farms in the town were included in the study. Data on calf mortality and associated risk factors were collected by using a pretested questionnaire and from farm records. The overall calf mortality rate was 21.45. Disease conditions or syndromes recorded or mentioned as causes of calf death were diarrhoea 11.55 pneumonia 3.74 septicaemia 3.41 hypothermia 0.99 trauma 1.21 and other miscellaneous causes 0.55. Among the 12 risk factors assessed for their association with calf mortality parity of the dam feeding of colostrums calves care takers and their experience calving pen bedding and measures taken to treat sick calves were significantly related to calf mortality. Calves of exotic 37.5 breed were having the highest mortality rate. Calves from older cows 30.5 and heifers 24.8 also showed high mortality rate. Low mortality rate 20.02 and 4.23 were recorded in calves feeding colostrum and having calving pens than non-feeders and calves born in multiple cow calving pens 33.68 and 22.91 respectively. Mortality rate of 13.23 16.35 27.3 and 27.08 were recorded from educated with more experience non-educated and with less experienced attendants respectively. Large numbers of calf mortality 25.51 were recorded in farms assessed by technicians as compared to taking to clinic 17.24 and veterinarians supervision 16.36. In conclusion high calf mortality was observed in Gondar town due to various factors. Therefore dairy owners should give prime attention to calf management especially in avoiding calf diarrhoea and pneumonia and should give emphasis to colostrum feeding to reduce calf mortality.