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A survey of northern Victorian dairy farmers to investigate dairy calf management: calf‐rearing practices
Author(s) -
Phipps AJ,
Beggs DS,
Murray AJ,
Mansell PD,
Pyman MF
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/avj.12686
Subject(s) - animal husbandry , weaning , herd , welfare , dairy industry , animal welfare , cow calf , agricultural science , zoology , agriculture , business , biology , veterinary medicine , medicine , economics , ecology , food science , market economy
Objectives To describe the calf‐rearing practices carried out in northern Victorian dairy herds and to identify weaknesses that may affect calf health and welfare by comparing the results with current industry recommendations. Methods Survey of dairy farms from Rochester and the surrounding farming area. Results The response rate was 39% (58/150). Many dairy producers were not meeting the current industry recommendations in the following areas: (1) delayed access to pellets and roughage, (2) failing to provide access to water from birth, (3) delayed disbudding of calves, (4) delayed timing of booster vaccinations, (5) weaning based on age alone, (6) failing to isolate sick calves and (7) early sale age of excess calves. Conclusion The results from this survey highlight the need for greater awareness of industry standards for calf husbandry and weaning.