A survey of management practices that influence performance and welfare of dairy calves reared in southern Brazil.

摘要: Here we report dairy calf management practices used by 242 smallholder family farmers in the South of Brazil. Data were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire with farmers, inspection production environment and an in-depth interview sample 26 farmers. Herds had average 22.3 lactating cows milk 12.7 L/cow/day. Calves dehorned 98% farms, hot iron 95%. Male calves castrated 71% farms; methods surgery (68%), emasculator (29%), or rubber rings (3%). No pain control was for these interventions. In 51% farms all newborn male reared, sold donated to others; 35% males killed on farm. separated from dam up 12 h after birth 78% left nurse colostrum without intervention 55% farms. The typical amount fed 4 L/day until median age 75 days. 40% provided bucket, 49% bottles, 11% suckled cow. Solid feeding milk-feeding period started at 10 housed individually 70% 81% indoor pens, 6% outdoor hutches 13% they kept pasture. Diarrhoea reported as main cause mortality Farmers no records disease, mortality, use medicines. Changing scenario identified this survey is essential support sustainable development production, activity great economic social relevance region.