PERFORMANCE OF BEEF CALVES FROM FEMALES SEROPOSITIVE OR NOT FOR BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHEA, BOVINE HERPESVIRUS TYPE I (BoHV-I) AND BOVINE NEOSPOROSIS
reproductive disease; calves; bovine viral diarrhea; development
In a beef cattle production system during the breeding phase, the number of calves weaned and the mortality rate from birth to weaning have the greatest impact on the economic results of the production system. Even if farmers are aware of the health challenges present in the herd, they may not perceive any benefits in disease control if there are no demonstrable effects on herd performance. The study consisted of evaluating the performance of calves from females seropositive for bovine viral diarrhea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and neosporosis. Calves from females previously diagnosed with reproductive diseases were monitored and evaluated from birth to weaning. Birth weight and calf vigor were determined; maternal protective behavior; body condition score of cows; identification of calves persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus; mortality rate from birth to weaning; weaning weight; weight performance, costs and revenues and compare between calves of seropositive and seronegative females.