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WINTER 2013/2014
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
14
CAL F LOSSES
Wastage of heifer replacements
Figure 1
A look at 'the big picture'
As the diagram shows, the key to profitability is to maximise the percentage of calves
born that survive to reach their second lactation when 'payback' can begin.
Survival rates
Dr Mee presented findings of a UK study
of 506 heifers, across 19 dairy herds. The
biggest risk period for calf losses was in the
first 24 hours - mortality rate was 8%. And
total losses from birth to first calving amounted
to 22% of calves born. (See Figure 1).
Richard Matthews adds: ‘That's a mortality
rate of one in five calves! And it doesn't take
into account the reduced performance of
other calves that may not have died, but
whose performance was compromised by
disease. Once the reasons for calf losses
are identified, then steps can be taken to
prevent them.
‘The more calves that survive and thrive
and can go on to be productive members
of the herd, then the better the profitability
of the herd.’