Prenatal factors influencing calf morbidity and mortality in dairy cattle : a systematic review of the literature (2000–2024)

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically review the literature of the last 24 years to determine the influence of dam heat stress, nutrition, body condition, vaccination, parity, and twin pregnancy on calf morbidity and mortality. The systematic search was carried out using PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Science databases. The final number of included studies was 11 for heat stress, 21 for nutrition, 11 for body condition, 11 for vaccination, 23 for parity, and 18 for twin pregnancy. The body condition score, parity, and twin pregnancy had an influence on perinatal mortality. Vaccination, parity, and twin pregnancy had an influence on mortality up to weaning. Heat stress, nutrition, and twin pregnancy had an influence on the immunoglobulin transfer to the calves. Nutrition, body condition score, vaccination, and parity had an influence on morbidity. This systematic review provides evidence that prenatal factors have an influence on calf morbidity and mortality.