Management Factors Associated with Calf Mortality in South Carolina Dairy Herds

Abstract

The relationship between heifer calf mortality and various calf rearing practices was surveyed in 140 South Carolina Dairy Herd Improvement herds. Cooperators supplied mortality information at various periods from birth of calves to 6 mo of age for the survey year 1 August 1978 to 31 July 1979. Average mortality, including calves born dead, was 19.1%. Mortality to 1 mo of age accounted for 84% of the total mortality. Annual losses decreased from 21.2 to 16.3% as herd size increased from less than 100 to greater than 200 head. Rolling herd average fat increased with increase in herd size. Mortality decreased from 23.0 to 12.5% as rolling herd average fat increased from less than 200 kg to greater than 264 kg. Average herd size grouped by rolling herd average fat increased from 108 to 193 head. Other factors such as person responsible for rearing calves, length of time cow and calf remain together after calving, fat in milk replacer, and weaning age played a role in calf mortality. No relationship between mortality and type of liquid diet fed or type of housing was evident. These factors are discussed as they relate to calf mortality.