Field and Laboratory Investigation of Calf Mortality in the State of Kuwait - Phase 2 : Factors Affecting Calf and Heifer Performance

The existing dairy cattle industry in Kuwait can meet only 19.3% of the total demands for daily milk and milk products. The rest of the total requirements for dairy products are imported from abroad. The local dairy producers are faced with herd management and environmental constraints, such as health, including incidence of disease and deaths in calves and adults, low milk yields, poor fertility and feeding and nutrition. These variables are interrelated with calf and heifer rearing that can adversely affect the whole farm productively. The studies carried out in joint collaboration by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources and the local dairy producers showed that young calf mortality rates could be reduced significantly, resulting in economic return to the producers with a potential for rearing female calves for replacement purpose. It has been desired and requested by the local dairy producers that the ongoing collaborative applied studies be continued to optimise calf survival and adapt them for breeding and milk production. The objectives of phase II of the project include investigating the management factors that affect calf performance, and developing a calf-feeding method for passive immunity, including dam vaccination, and rearing calves/heifers up to their first breeding and lactation ages. The study will also focus on economic assessment, database establishment and training of farm and project staff.