Health indicators in surplus calves at the time of arrival at auction markets: Associations with distance from farms of origin in Québec, Canada

Abstract

This study evaluated the associations between estimated distance from farms' locations to auction markets, and health indicators of surplus dairy calves sold during summer 2019 and winter 2020 in Québec, Canada. A total of 3,610 animals from 1,331 different farms were used in this cross-sectional cohort study. Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) were obtained for each farm and the 2 participating livestock auction markets. Calves' abnormal physical signs (APS) were noted upon arrival at the auction market as they were examined by trained research staff. The haversine distance between the farm and the auction market was evaluated using geographic coordinates and categorized. Generalized linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. The main APS observed were ocular discharge (34.9%), abnormal hide cleanliness (21.2%), swollen navel (17.2%), dehydration score 1 (at least one of the 2 following clinical signs: persistent skin tent or sunken eye, 12.9%), and dehydration score 2 (both clinical signs mentioned above, 6.5%). Calves from farms located at greater distances from the auction markets (≥110 km) had a higher risk ratio [RR = 1.08; 95% confidence internal (CI) = 1.03, 1.13] for dehydration than those from lesser distances (0-25 km). During the summertime, a RR of 1.18 (95% CI = 1.15, 1.22) was observed for dehydration compared with wintertime. A 2-way interaction between estimated distance and season showed a higher prevalence of ocular discharge for calves from farms at distances greater than or equal to 110 km during the summer (RR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.20) than for calves from farms located at lesser distances (0-25 km). These results demonstrate that calves from farms located at greater distances from the auction markets had more APS, mainly during the summer. A better understanding of the transport conditions and interaction with management at the farm of origin is determinant to mitigate the impact of the journey on surplus calf health.

Keywords: animal welfare; calf health; dehydration; transport; veal calves.