Risk factors associated with early mortality identified on arrival to a milk-fed veal facility

Abstract

The veal industry continues to have significant calf losses during the growing period representing a serious challenge to animal welfare and economic sustainability. As the majority of the mortality occurs in the first 21 days following arrival to veal farms, on arrival health status may be an important predictor of calf mortality. The objectives of this prospective case-control study were to describe the health status of male calves arriving at a veal farm and determine the risk factors associated with mortality in the first 21 days following arrival.