Risks which cause animal losses on intensive fattening farms

This research carried out by the University of Padova in Italy looked at rates of mortality of animals on a total of 63 farms in Italy, Germany and Austria. The farms were finishing entire (not castrated) animals on a Total Mixed Ration system. Average mortality was 2.9% but ranged from zero to 18%. Suggestions from the study were: - Floors should not be fully slatted - Calves should be received from a single source - Fewer suppliers of animals. - Rations should be carefully formulated - A Health plan should be in place and followed. - Avoid mixing animals during transportation