Authors : Monoar Sayeed Pallab and Shipu Ghosh
Abstract: Colostrum management is the single most important factor in determining calf health and survival. To know about the colostrum management practices in village areas of Bangladesh we conducted a pilot study at Fenchuganj. A questionnaire was developed based on the existing literature to identify risk factors of failure of the passive transfer due to improper colostrum management practices in village areas. Our study indicates that 85% of the farmers gave access to the colostrum to their calves. However, they were not aware of the timing and amount of colostrum required for calves. Only 24% of farmers supplied colostrum to calves within two hours of birth, ideal timing for the first colostrum supply and the rest of them provided within 8-12 h. In terms of the feeding method, 100% of farmers gave access to claves to suckle colostrum from their dams which might not ensure the required amount of colostrum for calves. None of the farmers provided colostrum by bottle or bucket feeding methods which ensure the proper amount of colostrum feeding of calves. Furthermore, farmers in the village areas of Bangladesh were not aware of other colostrum management practices such as evaluation of colostrum before feeding and how to store colostrum for future use. This study highlights that extension programme among farmers in village areas are required for proper colostrum management practices in calves to prevent failure of passive transfer.
Monoar Sayeed Pallab and Shipu Ghosh, 2021. Risk Factors of Improper Colostrum Management Practices in Calves in Village Areas of Bangladesh. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 20: 110-113.