Development of a novel clinical scoring system for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in weaned dairy calves

Authors

  • G. U. Maier Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare, CA 93274
  • J. D. Rowe Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
  • T. W. Lehenbauer Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare, CA 93274
  • B. M. Karle Cooperative Extension, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Orland, CA 95963
  • D. R. Williams Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare, CA 93274
  • J. D. Champagne Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare, CA 93274
  • S. S. Aly Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare, CA 93274

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20183215

Keywords:

Bovine respiratory disease, BRD, dairy cattle, dairy production, environment, scoring system, weaned calves, group pens

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to impact the welfare of dairy calves and the economics of dairy production. As a common cause of morbidity and mortality among dairy calves, BRD was responsible for 46.5% of deaths after weaning and was observed in 11.2% of weaned animals on heifer-raising operations. Costs involved with the disease reach beyond the treatment of clinically ill animals and include reduced growth, reduced milk production, impaired fertility, and premature culling in the first lactation. The prompt and correct diagnosis of BRD is challenging on farms, especially in weaned dairy calves. Weaned dairy calves are typically housed in larger group pens where there is often a lack of restraint and where it is more difficult to monitor them closely. As a result of challenges in correctly diagnosing BRD, cases often become neglected until they are more severe. Several clinical scoring systems to detect BRD in calves have been published. However, available BRD scoring systems for weaned dairy calves are mostly based on data from calves experimentally infected with specific pathogens. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a scoring system for weaned dairy calves housed in group pens in an on-farm setting that minimizes calf handling.

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Published

2018-09-13

Issue

Section

Research Summaries

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