Weather and Calf Health: What's the Connection?
The Challenge
Young calves on dairy farms in California face a significant health challenge: Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). This condition impacts both the calves' well-being and the farm's finances.
The Research
Recent studies have explored how short-term weather changes might influence BRD in pre-weaned calves. Scientists analyzed data from over 11,000 calves across five dairy farms, using advanced computer models to assess the impact of temperature, humidity, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) on BRD risk.
Key Findings
- High humidity two days before and a high THI three days before increased the risk of BRD.
- Location and age of the calves also played a role.
- Summer conditions in Southern California were linked to higher BRD risk 48 hours after exposure.
- Winter conditions with a THI below 75 increased the risk 72 hours after exposure, regardless of location.
- Calves aged 20-30 days in Southern California had a higher risk of BRD compared to those in Northern California.
Implications
This research highlights how short-term weather patterns can significantly affect calf health. Understanding these patterns can help farmers develop better prevention strategies tailored to their specific regions. It underscores the importance of being prepared for nature's unpredictability to safeguard livestock health.