Study on buffalo calf mortality rate in Kota district of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Buffalo calf mortality is a significant concern in the dairy industry, resulting in substantial economic losses for farmers. This study aimed to investigate the mortalityrates of buffalo calves in Kota district of Rajasthan, India, and identify the major causes of mortality. Asurveywas conducted among180 buffalo ownersin thedistrict, and datawerecollected on calf mortality rates, age of mortality, and causes of mortality. The results showed that the overall mortality rate of buffalo calves was 31%, with the highest mortality rate observed in the first month of life (36.80%). The major causes of mortality were enteritis (39.29%), pneumonia (24.94%), and pneumo-enteritis (12.59%). The study also found that winter was the season with the highest mortality rate (38.29%). The findings of this study highlighted the need forimproved calf management practices, particularlyin the first month oflife, to reduce mortality rates and improve the overall health and productivity of buffalo calves.