[Stillbirth/perinatal weak calf syndrome in dairy heifers: results of a pilot study]

A pilot study of 10 Dutch dairy herds was performed to investigate possible causes of stillbirth/perinatal weak calf syndrome in heifers. Possible causes and advice for further investigations on farms affected by this syndrome are discussed based on the results of investigations of blood and urine from pregnant young stock, postmortem examination of still-born calves, and a questionnaire held among farmers. Infections with Neospora caninum, Salmonella spp. or Leptospira hardjo, or a deficiency of iodine could be excluded.