2013, Cilt 29, Sayı 3, Sayfa(lar) 121-125
Retrospective study of calf mortality on Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm (CCBDF) in Bangladesh
Md. Mukter Hossain1, Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal1, AKM Anisur Rahman2
1Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
2Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Keywords: Mortality, calves, retrospective study
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Aim: The objective of this study was to find out the underlying causes and factors which are associated with calf mortality.

Materials and Methods: The 16 (1992-2007) year's data of calf mortality in the Central Cattle Breeding and Dairy Farm (CCBDF) were analyzed for season, age, sex, breed and etiology.

Results: Female calves (56.77%) died more than males (43.23%). The mortality was significantly higher in exotic and crossbred animals than in local/indigenous calves. Mortality rate were 28.99%, 33.03% and 37.98% in rainy, summer and winter season, respectively. The major causes of death were respiratory tract disease (38.75%), tuberculosis (20.02%) and alimentary tract infections (16.73%). The other causes of death in calves occurred in the following frequencies: Malnutrition (5.28%), debility (4.72%), hairball (3.12%), babesiosis (2.56%), internal haemorrhage (2.56%), tympanitis (2.24%), black quarter (2.24%) and foot and mouth disease (1.76%). Age is the most important factor and significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusion: Calves of first month of life may have higher mortality risk.