Risk factors associated with beef cattle losses on intensive fattening farms in Austria, Germany and Italy. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brščić, M.; Kirchner, M.K.; Knierim, U.; Contiero, B.; Gottardo, F.; Winckler, C.; Cozzi, G.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary journal. Volume 239(2018)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Beef cattle -- Intensive fattening systems -- Mortality -- Risk factors; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-0233

Abstract

Highlights: Risk factors for mortality on beef cattle farms were studied in three European countries (Austria, Germany and Italy). Beef farms selected for inclusion in the study were those with pen floors other than fully slatted floors. Buying animals from a single herd and avoiding cattle mixing during transport were associated with lower losses (mortality). The presence of a dedicated sick pen and keeping production records were associated with reduced mortality. There was no association between mortality and chemical and physical parameters of the diet. Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate management and feeding practices associated with on-farm loss rate (mortality) on 63 beef cattle farms in Austria, Germany and Italy with housing systems other than fully slatted pens. Information on mortality and 56 categorised factors relating to the cleanliness of animal facilities, health and feeding management, animal-human interaction, cattle transport and origin were gathered during on-farm visits. Samples of total mixed rations (TMRs) were collected and analysed for chemical composition and particle size distribution. Twenty-eight categorised factors were removed from the initial 56 due to exclusion criteria (missing data ≥ 20% and/or monolevel factors with ≥ 80% answers in one category). Mortality was the response variable in the risk factor analysis and the remaining 10 continuous covariates from TMR analyses and 28 categorised factors were independent predictors. Mean (± standard deviation) mortality, representing the proportion of dead, euthanased and early culled animals over the total number of animals bought in or reared in the previous year, was 2.8 ± 3.5%. Fourteen factors were significantly associated with mortality in the bivariable analyses; seven factors were not considered further in the multivariable analysis due to collinearity. None of the factors related to TMR were associated with mortality. Four categorical factors, referring to biosecurity measures and management, were retained in the final multivariable model, with country effect. Buying cattle from only one farm, no mixing of animals during transport, presence of a dedicated sick pen and keeping production records were associated with lower percentage mortality.