Management Practices Affecting Calves Welfare on Farms in Slovenia

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis

Martina Klinkon¹  Jožica Ježek¹  Jože Starič¹  Marija Nemec¹  Jaka Jakob Hodnik¹  Barbara Beci²  Petra Grabnar³ 

[1] Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Kongresni trg 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;DAP de Linde Retie, Noordstraat 73, 2470 Retie, Belgium;Fishguard veterinary services, Trem Y Mor, Fishguard SA65 9DW, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK;

关键词: welfare;    management;    colostrum;    weaning;    housing;    biosecurity;   

DOI  :  10.11118/actaun201967051147

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Calf rearing practices in Slovenian herds were investigated with questionnaire-based survey. The data was obtained from 293 farms in Slovenia about their management, especially milk and colostrum feeding protocol, manner of weaning, housing, hygiene on the farm and biosecurity measures. Majority of respondents think the colostrum supply is very important. In 77% of farms, calves receive the first colostrum meal within 2 hours after birth. Quality of colostrum is not considered in 59% of farms. The temperature of colostrum and milk check 73% of farmers, however majority do it manually without using thermometer. Farmers weans calves gradually, mostly considering the age at weaning (45%). Calves are weaned at mean age of 14.18 weeks. In 57.3% of farms, newborn calves are housed in individual pens. Thirty four percent of farmers are cleaning pens for newborn calves after each calf. Half of farmers observe their calves more than 15 minutes daily. Different biosecurity measures are used in 98% of farms. Many farmers are well aware that calf rearing management bear on later milk and meat production and some would need more persuasion to follow the appropriate management practices.

【 授权许可】

Unknown