Colostrum and calf management: does farmers' view match the practices?

The adoption of best practices in calf management on dairy farms can contribute to lower mortality rates, reduced disease incidence, and decreased reliance on veterinary treatments. Despite this, colostrum management and calf-rearing practices have rarely been examined in relation to farmers' perceptions. The aim of this study was to analyse how Italian dairy cattle farmers perceive colostrum-related aspects and evaluate, in parallel, their management practices. Qualitative and quantitative data from 388 dairy farms operating in the Veneto region were used in a two-step cluster analysis, which identified two distinct groups of farmers: one attributing high importance to colostrum (Cluster I) and the other considering it of limited relevance (Cluster II). Farmers in Cluster I (n = 153) were generally younger, more educated, and in larger herds compared to Cluster II (n = 235). Calf mortality in Cluster I significantly shows a lower mortality rate for female calves (3.9%) than in Cluster II. Overall, farmers in Cluster I demonstrated more appropriate colostrum management, especially regarding the quickness in the administration to the neonatal calf (41.8% within the first 2 h after birth). In the same cluster, there was significantly greater interest in analysing colostrum samples for free, e.g., for the determination of immunoglobulin concentration and the evaluation of colostrum quality, either by visual inspection or with instruments. For the first time, this study jointly analyses Italian dairy farmers' perceptions and on-farm practices related to colostrum management. Beyond providing an overview of current management strategies and farmers' viewpoints, the findings underscore the need to further strengthen awareness and knowledge on colostrum management across the sector. In this regard, the study highlights the importance of improving communication and coordination among key stakeholders, including veterinarians and consultants, and of defining shared best practices and tailored actions to enhance calf husbandry, care, and health in the Italian dairy sector. The findings prompt reflection on the need to more explicitly consider farmers' perspectives in order to build more effective advisory and knowledge-transfer strategies.