Review Article
Challenges due to early calf mortality in dairy industry of Pakistan and strategies for improvement
Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq a*, Muhammad Nasir Saleem a, Rana Muhammad Ayyub b, Irfan Khattaka
a Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore. Pakistan
b Department of Economics and business management, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
This article is specifically related to the mortality occurring during the early months of life in calves. New born calves are more
susceptible to diseases and infections. Period from birth to weaning is very critical because of following reasons; Active
immunity develops at the age of 60 days, new born calf need required quantity of colostrum having adequate amount of
immunoglobulin within 12hrs, calf need readily available carbohydrates and need environment that can maintain their body
temperature soon after birth. Some suggestion about strategies to control early calf mortality are presented as; clinical
examination of the neonate is similar as done in adult animals but some additional careful examination is also needed, which
involve congenital defects and diseases. There is a great risk that neonate may face infectious disease, dehydration and death. So
the clinical examination and treatment should be done carefully and as early as possible. There is a great importance of
supportive therapy to control mortality in calves that involves fluid therapy, electrolytes and energy. For a profitable dairy
business biosecurity measures, prophylactic measures and nutrition should be a part of dairy management particularly in context
of early calf mortality.
Key words: Calf, Mortality, Diary industry, strategies
Received June 05, 2013; Revised August 12, 2013; Accepted September 04, 2013
*Corresponding author: Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq; Email: hassan.mushtaq@uvas.edu.pk
