Condition of bob veal calves on arrival at an abattoir in Ohio.

Previous research has shown surplus dairy calves arrive at 'formula-fed' veal operations in North America in sub-optimal condition; however, little is known about the condition of 'bob' veal calves on arrival at abattoirs. The objectives of this study were to assess the condition of bob veal calves on arrival at an abattoir in Ohio and determine risk factors for poor health outcomes. On arrival, 35 calves in each of 12 cohorts (n = 420 calves) were assessed using a standardised health examination.

Prevalence of failure of passive immunity transfer in Australian non-replacement dairy calves.

Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. The prevalence of FPIT in dairy calves has generally been reported to be high, with FPIT estimated to occur in 38%-42% of Australian dairy calves. However, the focus of previous studies has been on replacement heifer calves.

Can calf age be estimated using a combination of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, total protein and immunoglobulin G?

Our aim was to test a novel method for estimating the age of young calves, using serum γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, total protein concentration and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration. Blood samples were taken from 59 dairy calves at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days of age, and serum GGT activity, total protein concentration, and IgG concentration were measured. Bayesian regression models were used to estimate the association of GGT, total protein, and IgG, with calf age.

Blood parameters of young calves at abattoirs are related to distance transported and farm of origin.

Nonreplacement dairy calves, or bobby calves, are fasted and transported to abattoirs from as young as 5 d of age in Australia. The aims of this cross-sectional observational study were (1) to assess the welfare status, as measured by blood parameters, of bobby calves in the commercial supply chain after transport and lairage, and (2) to assess whether distance and duration of transport are risk factors for poor bobby calf welfare, as measured by blood parameters. We hypothesized that bobby calves transported greater distances would be more likely to show evidence of compromised welfare, as measured by blood indicators of hydration, energy status, and muscle fatigue or damage.