Pneumonia Among Preweaned Calves Cuts
1st Lactation Production 1,155#
These were the findings of a research project completed involving 215 animals from 3 southwestern Ontario herds.
Calves were assessed using thoracic ultrasonagraphy weekly for the first 8 weeks of life. At least one diagnosis of lung consolidation was found in 57 percent of the animals. They were followed through their first lactation.
"The presence of lung consolidation [evidence of bovine respiratory disease] at least once in the first 8 weeks of life was associated with a 525kg (1,155 lbs) decrease in first lactation."
Given this study population, preventing pneumonia (bovine respiratory disease) was an important factor in allowing the animals to express their genetic potential for milk production.
Reference:
T.R. Dunn and Others, " The effect of lung consolidation, as determined by ultrasonography, on first lactation milk production in Holstein dairy calves." Journal of Dairy Science 100:194 July 2017.
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