Risk factors associated with on-farm mortality in Swedish first parity dairy cows

• This study included first parity cows (n=76,720) calving between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 in Swedish herds with >40 cows. The effects of potential risk factors on on-farm mortality (death or euthanasia) were analysed using a Weibull proportional hazard model with a frailty effect. The lactations were split in season and lactation stage. The highest hazards were found for trauma and disease, both in the current lactation stage and in the preceding stage. The mortality hazard was higher in early lactation and higher for calving between January and April. Increased age at first calving, dystocia and stillbirth also increased the mortality hazard. Differences were also found between breeds, level of milk yield and genetic merit for milk production as well as farm characteristics. The results in this study show the importance of good management and preventive health actions, especially around calving, to avoid mortality in first parity cows.

Ämnesord

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Veterinärmedicin -- Annan veterinärmedicin (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Veterinary Science -- Other Veterinary Science (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)