Invited review: Bovine neonatal morbidity and mortality—Causes, risk factors, incidences, sequelae and prevention

Abstract

The neonatal period may be defined as the first month of the calf's life; it may be considered part of the fourth trimester. It is the most hazardous due to the immaturity of the neonate's immune system and the environmental challenge from infections, the main causes of both bovine neonatal morbidity and mortality. The five most common morbidities causing mortality in neonatal calves are, in descending order, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, abomasal disorders, umbilical infections and developmental abnormalities. This review describes the aetiology, incidence, risk factors and sequelae of these common morbidities and highlights current preventive strategies both at farm and national levels.

Effect of Energy Supplementation Using Maize and Soy Lecithin During Late Gestation on Digestibility of Nutrients and Birth Weight of Calves

“…It is crucial for dairy cows to receive energy adequate ration during the later stages of pregnancy since, nutritional adequacy of the diet and the metabolic status of the dam can affect the calf health (Mee et al, 2023). Approximately 75% of foetal growth occurs in the final trimester of pregnancy, and as pregnancy progresses, the capacity of the rumen decreases due to the growth of the foetus and placental unit lowering the feed intake capacity.…”