To examine the dissemination of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) within cattle groups, dairy calves on two farms utilizing different calf-rearing practices were exposed to a traceable STEC strain. Test strain dissemination differed significantly between farms, with a higher prevalence being associated with group penning. Pen floors and calf hides may be the main environmental mechanisms ...

this study evaluated the nasopharyngeal microbial flora and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the one hundred and thirty holstein calves with dairy calf pneumonia from dairy farms of mashhad suburb between september 2002 and august 2003 . the most common micro-organisms isolated were pasteurella multocida 80 (61.54%), mannheimia haemolytica 41 (31.54%), bacillus sp. 15 (11.54%), staphylo...

Calfhood diseases have a major impact on the economic viability of cattle operations. This is the first in a three part review series on calf health from birth to weaning, focusing on preventive measures. The review considers both pre- and periparturient management factors influencing calf health, colostrum management in beef and dairy calves and further nutrition and weaning in dairy calves.

Dairy calf death rates from birth to weaning approximate 8 to 10% in the US. Stillbirths on dairies, measured as calves dead at delivery or within the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery, are less closely monitored, but are estimated between 6 and 12%. Numerous factors influence calf health and survival, but the key contributors to calf morbidity and mortality can be managed to greatly reduce t...

The loss of dairy calves from stillbirths and disease-related deaths places a significant challenge on the producer who wants farm-specific replacement heifers to maintain or expand herd size. Stillbirths are often overlooked as an important cause of calf mortality, as they are on some dairies. With improved record keeping, data analysis, diagnostic testing and herd monitoring, the appropriate ...

the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of weaning age on dry matter intake (dmi), average daily gain (adg), feed efficiency (fe), feed cost (fc) and benefit index (bi) of holstein calves reared under organic farming system. thirty two holstein calves were divided into two treatments: early weaning (ew) vs. late weaning (lw). calves in the both groups were provided with whole mi...