Health parameters and their association with price in young calves sold at auction for veal operations in Québec, Canada.
J Dairy Sci
; 102(7): 6454-6465, 2019 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31030911
ABSTRACT
The veal calf industry in Québec depends on young calves' availability at auction. Most of these calves come from dairy farms. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the effect of clinical anomalies and other calf characteristics on their sale price. A total of 3,820 calves from 5 different auctions were included in this observational study. The calves were examined by a veterinarian on arrival at the auction and screened for umbilical anomalies, the presence of nasal or eye discharge, joint abnormality, diarrhea, appearance of neonatal characteristics (compatible with age less than 1 wk), and general health status mainly based on the presence of depression and dehydration. The final multivariable model included 5 different variables (calf weight, sex, breed, abnormal joints, and general health status) and the interaction between sex and general health status. The presence of abnormal joints and unhealthy characteristics was negatively associated with standardized price. Female calves and mixed breed beef calves were positively associated with standardized price. Finally, the calves' weight was associated with standardized price in a quadratic fashion. Ongoing or previous diarrhea had no effects on standardized price. This study will be helpful for both dairy and veal producers for improving the quality of calves sold to the Québec auction market.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Doenças dos Bovinos
/
Carne Vermelha
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Criação de Animais Domésticos
Tipo de estudo:
Health_economic_evaluation
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Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article