Findings in cattle consigned to Victorian knackeries between 2009 and 2018. Issue 8 (12th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gibney, JG; Pefanis, SM; Jeffers, MJ; Suter, RJ; Hunnam, JC
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 98:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 404
• Publication Date: 2020-05-12
• Subjects: cattle -- knackery -- Victoria -- wastage; Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To describe the causes of death or culling in cattle in Victoria, Australia, through surveillance at knackeries. Methods: Data were collected from 2797 adult cattle consigned to four Victorian knackeries over a 10‐year period (2009‐2018, inclusive). Cattle were sampled either at the point of collection or at a knackery. A single best‐fit diagnosis was assigned to each case to describe the cause of loss. Results: Sampled cattle were predominantly female dairy cattle originating from the three main dairying regions in Victoria. The most commonly diagnosed conditions were calving paralysis (6.8%), followed by mastitis (6.4%), hypocalcaemia (6.4%) and dystocia (5.9%). "Unknown" accounted for 24.2% of the cattle examined. Conclusion: This study provides a unique insight into the causes of death and culling in cattle consigned to Victorian knackeries. The periparturient period was identified as a high risk period for knackery consignment in adult female cattle.