Dairy calf respiratory disease

[Danneels]

Respiratory disease is the second leading cause of mortality in dairy calves 0-6 months of age behind diarrhea and may account for at least half of all morbidity and mortality in young calves. The highest incidence of respiratory disease in young dairy calves usually occurs from birth to around 6 months of age. Much of this can be blamed on management factors, such as poor colostrum management at birth or commingling just-weaned calves, putting them at higher risk of disease.

http://agritopics.blogspot.com/

Do you have also such experience?

 

[novaman]

I would agree that respiratory problems is a big issue with young calves. I don't agree that is has to do with co-mingling calves. I run calves in small groups and have had very good results with this system. As you said, management is probably the biggest factor in how prevalent the problem is.