Assessment of Calf Mortality in Trongsa and Bumthang

AUTHOR: R.B Gurung

ABSTRACT

Study on calf mortality was conducted in two districts of Bumthang and Trongsa covering nine blocks and 191 households. Data was collected using semistructured questionnaire. Results revealed that the average calf mortality rates were 28.5% and 38.5% in Bumthang and Trongsa, respectively with mean of 33.5%±14.2. Maximum calf mortality was recorded in Jersey cross (36.4%) and Siri (Thrabum) (35.1%) followed by Brown Swiss cross (21.8%). Over period of one year mortality was similar except for the month of June and July, which experienced higher calf mortality rate of 17.7% and 13.2%, respectively. The study also found that maximum numbers of calf died at the age of one to twelve months. General weakness, Calf scour, Black Quarter and wild animal predation were main causes of calf mortality. Need to improve calf management skills of the farmers and review of the existing vaccination schedule was recommended.

KEYWORDS:

Calf mortality, farmers, breeds, management, black quarter.

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