Identification of biomarkers measured upon arrival associated with morbidity, mortality, and average daily gain in grain-fed veal calves

There is a strong need for management strategies that help reduce the incidence of disease and subsequent antimicrobial use in veal industry. Biomarkers could serve as useful tools allow producers to take preventative measures before clinical problems occur. The objective this prospective cohort study was identify biomarkers measured upon arrival associated with morbidity, mortality, average daily gain (ADG) grain-fed calves. Upon at facility Ontario, Canada, calves were weighed health-scored using standardized health-scoring system. Several metabolites including creatine kinase (CK), cholesterol, haptoglobin, manganese, serum total protein, iron, cobalt, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, IgG. Farm personnel treated according their farm protocol them 78 d after arrival. Performance, treatment, mortality records from used analysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models created evaluate metabolic morbidity mortality. A mixed linear regression model determine ADG. 992 male dairy evaluated January December 2017. Of evaluated, 74 (7.5%) died 877 (88.4%) illness over 11-wk period under observation. Higher levels haptoglobin molybdenum greater whereas higher weight both CK IgG reduced morbidity. For cholesterol lower occurring 78-d weight, copper, CK, increased ADG, zinc negatively These results demonstrate certain be high-risk when facility. Future research should focus on determining utility these selectively target intervention improve ADG