Surplus dairy calves are sold soon after birth and often marketed through a third party before entering veal or dairy beef production. A portion of these mostly male calves failed transfer of passive immunity and exhibited clinical signs of disease on arrival at calf-raising facilities.
Researchers sought to better understand elements of calf health and morbidity during the marketing and movement of these surplus animals and influence best practices.
Source: Journal of Dairy Science, November 1, 2023. Link. In their study, approximately one out of every 5 surplus dairy calves had FTPI, with 40 percent having suboptimal TPI. Dehydration (69.2 percent) and navel inflammation (26.2 percent) were the most prevalent health concerns. Male calves had greater odds of having navel inflammation.
<Researchers> encourage the provision of milk, oral electrolyte solutions, or water on the dairy farm of birth and during marketing.”
INSIGHTS: The results are not surprising as surplus calves are often not the main priority for dairy workers. Still, as pre-conditioning has taught us with beef calves, surplus dairy calves need specific health management efforts to prevent morbidity despite how quickly they leave the dairy of origin.