EFFECTS ON PERINATAL AND POSTNATAL CALF LOSSES WITH SPECIAL REGARD TO ENVIRONMENTAL-CONDITIONS 2ND COMMUNICATION - EFFECTS ON POSTNATAL CALF LOSSES

The present study shows the environmental effects on postnatal calf mortality. The data based on 216 farms in Schleswig-Holstein and Rheinland-Pfalz over a one year period. Calf mortality was analysed for the breeds German Red and German Black Pied. 7009 calves in 188 farms were taken into account. The average postnatal losses were 2,1%. Based on the results of this investigation the following recommendations to reduce calf mortality can be made: - Removing of clecering mucus from mouth and nose should not be done by hand. - Pouring cold water over the newborn calf is only useful, when the calf is rubbed dry afterwards. - The calves should be kept in individual pens with sufficient light in special calf house at least during the first week of life. - Calves of heifers should get a mixture of the heifers colostrum and the colostrum of an older cow. - The first intake of colostrum should be at least 1.5 litres. - Rouhage should be given from the second week after birth.