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Cited by 15Animal health and immunologyAnimal Behavior and Welfare StudiesEffects of Environmental Stressors on Livestock

Condition of bob veal calves on arrival at an abattoir in Ohio

Open access
England, Zachary A, Maggard, Hannah L, Fisher, Andrew D, Roadknight, Natalie W, Pempek, Jessica A·2023·Animal Welfare
DOI 10.1017/awf.2022.8PMC PMC10936319
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Abstract

Previous research has shown surplus dairy calves arrive at 'formula-fed' veal operations in North America in sub-optimal condition; however, little is known about the condition of 'bob' veal calves on arrival at abattoirs. The objectives of this study were to assess the condition of bob veal calves on arrival at an abattoir in Ohio and determine risk factors for poor health outcomes. On arrival, 35 calves in each of 12 cohorts (n = 420 calves) were assessed using a standardised health examination. A blood sample was also collected to assess failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and hypoglycaemia. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of poor health outcomes. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to identify if calf breed, sex, or source were risk factors for poor health outcomes. The most common physical health concern observed on arrival at the abattoir was dehydration (mean: 68.6%), followed by thin body condition (39.8%), and navel inflammation (25.7%). Approximately one-quarter (23.4%) of calves had FTPI and 73.4% were hypoglycaemic. Male calves were more likely than females to arrive hypoglycaemic. Hydration status was associated with breed; Jersey and crossbreed calves were less likely to be dehydrated than Holstein-Friesian calves. Buying station tended to be associated with FTPI. These results underline the need for more studies investigating morbidity, mortality, and their underlying risk factors to promote calf welfare prior to slaughter in each stage of the production chain: on the dairy farm of birth, during marketing, and in transit.

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  • A standard recommendation and frequent industry practice has often been to offer calves either electrolytes or a glucose-electrolyte solution or milk replacer at stages during or after a journey.

    “A standard recommendation and frequent industry practice has often been to offer calves either electrolytes or a glucose-electrolyte solution or milk replacer at stages during or after a journey (England et al., 2023).”

    From Relative merits of offering a milk replacer, glucose-electrolyte, or whey-based diet on the blood composition and health of unweaned calves after transport. (2024) · cites this paper as England et al., 2023

    The Discussion recommends providing milk or an oral electrolyte solution before sale and during marketing, but says calves are typically not provided feed and water during marketing or transport. That contradicts the claim that offering such fluids is frequent industry practice. The cited passages do not establish provision after a journey. (LLM, conf=0.86)

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  • High rates of morbidity and mortality have been reported in young calves following transport, during and after which calves from multiple source farms are mixed and exposed to novel pathogens.

    “This increased vulnerability is reflected in the high rates of morbidity and mortality reported in young calves following transport, during and after which calves from multiple source farms are mixed and exposed to novel pathogens [22, 25, 26].”

    From Effects of age and feeding protocols on the metabolic and physiological condition of unweaned calves during and after long-distance transport (2026) · cites this paper as [26]

    The Results (‘Prevalence of poor health outcomes on arrival’; page not provided) report poor health outcomes in 95.5% of assessed calves and 20 deaths among 2,070 calves on arrival. The Introduction (page not provided) describes calves co-mingling at auctions or buying stations. The paper does not establish a high mortality rate or say that the calves were exposed to novel pathogens. (LLM, conf=0.86)

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Australia Animal Health 2012 Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines — Land Transport of Livestock. Edition 1, Version 1.1. http://www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au

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Authors
England, Z. A., Maggard, H. L., Fisher, A. D., Roadknight, N. W., & Pempek, J. A.
Affiliations
  • The Ohio State University (US)
  • The University of Melbourne (AU)
Corresponding author
Pempek, Jessica A
ORCID
Venue
Animal Welfare
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2023
Volume
32
Pages
e7-e7
ISSN
  • 0962-7286 (ISSN-L)
  • 2054-1538
DOI
10.1017/awf.2022.8
PMC
PMC10936319
OpenAlex
W4319996598
Cited by
15
References
24
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4
FWCI
4.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Animal Welfare (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Ohio State University
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal health and immunology
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Effects of Environmental Stressors on Livestock
Keywords
dehydration, hypoglycemia, Jersey calves, Holstein calves, sex differences, risk factors, calf welfare, veal production

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