Effect of Maternity Pen Management on Morbidity and Mortality in Dairy Heifer Calves from Birth to 90 Days of Life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20064749Keywords:
maternity housing, preweaning period, morbidity, management, hygiene, maternity pens, calfhood diseasesAbstract
Risk factors for calf morbidity and mortality have been well characterized. Type of maternity housing and where calves are born have been shown to influence the likelihood of morbidity and mortality suffered by calves during the preweaning period. Proper management and hygiene of maternity pens may help reduce the frequency of early calfhood diseases in calves. The objective of this study was to determine whether heifer calves born in individual maternity pens will have a lower risk for experiencing calfhood diseases versus heifer calves born in a multiple cow maternity housing area.