Mortality of Swamp Buffalo Calves during the Lactation Period

This study was conducted to determine mortality of swamp calves under semi-intensive rearing conditions at Shtiha government Station in Al-Ghab District, Syria. A total of 501 buffalo calves born throughout period 2008-2018 were analyzed for suckling calf mortality rate study. SAS software (2012) was used to compare four mathematical models [basic and full linear fixed models, logistic, and logarithmic (Log linear) models] to estimate calf mortality during nursing period from birth to 90 days of age. Overall mean mortality rate ranged from 14.5±3.3 to 19.2±2.7%. Sex effect of a calf was significant in the basic model. Calving period and calf weight at birth were significant according to the basic and full models. Interaction between the calving periods and birth weight was highly significant by full linear fixed and Log linear models, confirming that birth weights during the calving period were heterogeneous. The maximum likelihood analysis shows that calf sex, calving period, and birth weight were significant in the logistic model. The parity and birth weight were significant in the linear Log linear model. Effect of birth weight was significant in all models, which confirms its importance in calf mortality. In conclusion, management of buffalo calves and improvement of birth weight to be greater than 30 kg is required to reduce mortality rates during the lactation period of buffalo calves.

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