Risk factors of calf omphalitis: a clinical study
Résumé
Newborn calf omphalitis, following navel infection by fecal bacteria after calving, ranks third of neonatal pathology. The mortality rate of this affection is close to 8% in French herds and can affect herds in an enzootic way. The infection is multifactorial. In this trial, 128 calves coming from 15 dairy farms, born in autumn, were examined and followed for 3 months to assess risk factors for omphalitis. 65 were Montbeliard breed calves, 35 were Prim Holstein, and others were crossbred. Colostrum quality and colostral transfer, calving management, calf housing and many other factors were evaluated in this study. 13 omphalitis were detected and the results confirmed that male are more at risk to develop omphalitis than female calves. Montbeliard breed and cow parity above 2 are also significant risk factors of omphalitis (p<0.05). This last result is surprising but may be the consequence of farmers increased attention at 1st calving. Calf intensive care at birth and housing conditions immediately after birth require further assessment as results display a tendancy. These results need further development to establish some factors to reduce navel disease.
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