Economic analysis of neonatal calf diarrhea and associated risk factors in dairy cattle farms in Türkiye
摘要
This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics and associated risk factors of neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) across 115 dairy cattle farms representing seven geographical regions in Türkiye. Our findings revealed a calf diarrhea prevalence of 26.81%, with an associated mortality rate of 15.58%. Furthermore, NCD was observed to cause a substantial 11–30% reduction in weight gain, highlighting its significant economic impact. Logistic regression analysis identified that the presence of dedicated maternity and calf housing, timely colostrum administration, and stringent hygiene protocols (specifically teat and bottle disinfection) significantly mitigate the risk of diarrhea. Notably, the probability of NCD was 81% lower in enterprises equipped with a maternity compartment and 71% lower in those with separate calf housing. While seasonal variations and regional climatic differences—specifically in temperate and Mediterranean zones—indicated a lower incidence of diarrhea, these parameters did not reach statistical significance. The study concludes that strategic investments in managerial infrastructure and the rigorous application of preventive hygiene practices are paramount to minimizing the substantial economic losses attributed to neonatal calf diarrhea in the dairy industry.