Dairy calf mortality rate: influence of breed, season, sex and age

The present investigation was carried out to study the mortality pattern in artificially reared Sahiwal; Tharparkar, Karan Swiss (Sahiwal x Brown Swiss), Karan Fries (Tharparkar x Holstein Friesian) and Murrah buffalo calves. A total of 2477 animals were studied over the period of five years (1997 – 2001). Mortality rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in buffalo calves than crossbred cattle calves. Mortality rate between crossbred and indigenous cattle calves was not significantly different. Season had not any significant influence on mortality rate, although highest mortality rate was recorded in summer. Sex had no effect on calf mortality. Highest losses accounted during first month of their life.