Herd-Level on-Farm Mortality in Extensively Managed Beef Herds.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Agricultural Management

Background:

• Herd mortality rates are crucial indicators of animal health and welfare on beef farms.
• Understanding risk factors for mortality is essential for improving herd management practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe on-farm mortality rates in Estonian beef herds.
• To identify specific risk factors associated with high calf and cow mortality rates.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study involving 676 Estonian beef farms (25.4% response rate).
• Analysis of calf and cow mortality data from 2014-2016 using negative binomial regression.

Main Results:

• Calf mortality ranged from 0.00-5.45/100 calf-months; cow mortality ranged from 0.00-12.15/100 cow-years.
• Risk factors for calf mortality included unmonitored nighttime calvings, infrequent bedding, fewer summer calvings, no consultancy service, and conventional herd type.
• Cow mortality risks included failure to isolate sick animals and not using new pastures; larger herds had higher mortality.

Conclusions:

• Good calving management, a clean environment, and isolation of sick animals are vital for lowering herd mortality.
• Targeted interventions addressing identified risk factors can enhance beef herd health and welfare.