The Relationship of Neonatal Calf Diarrhea and Yield Losses with Managerial Factors in Dairy Cattle Farms

This study, which examined the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors of neonatal calf diarrhea in dairy cattle farms in Türkiye, was based on survey data covering 115 farms from seven geographical regions. The study determined the prevalence of diarrhea in calves as 26.81% and the mortality rate due to diarrhea as 15.58%. In addition, diarrhea was found to cause a decrease in weight gain by 11–30%. According to logistic regression analysis, the presence of birth and calf compartments, timely colostrum transfer and hygienic practices (teat and bottle cleaning) statistically significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea. The probability of diarrhea was found to be 81% lower in holdings with a maternity compartment and 71% lower in holdings with a calf compartment. Vaccination and producer experience also stand out as critical factors; the risk of diarrhea was found to be 5.5 times higher in inexperienced producers. Seasonal effects were also observed in the study. Accordingly, it was found that the risk of diarrhea was lower in spring months compared to winter and summer months, and the risk decreased by 64.5% in temperate climates compared to continental climates. As a result of the study, it was determined that neonatal diarrhea causes not only mortality, but also growth retardation and economic losses.